According to the forecasts from Bosch, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett-Packard, the number of sensors installed annually between 2017 and 2025 is expected to total between 1 and 10 trillion. With this rapid growth – combined with requirements on data storage, processing, and power transmission – sustainability is an unavoidable factor.
And so, when it comes to operating sensors, any kind of energy harvesting solution is highly desirable - if not absolutely necessary.
Modern low-power sensors enable precision control across a wide variety of applications, either locally, remotely, or autonomously. They are key components, sold globally for a huge range of applications. Energy harvesting technology means that these wireless sensors can work end-to-end without a mains connection or the need to replace batteries. The flowchart in Figure 1 shows the energy harvesting element as an energy source for a typical sensor with very low power consumption.
Figure 1
Flowchart of a typical sensor with very low power consumption, powered by energy harvesting.