M2M Research Service
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what's next in connectivity | |
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Monday - October 6, 2008
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Energy Harvesting Aims to Eliminate Batteries Altogether at the Edge of Wireless Sensor Networks
2007-12-14
The concept of energy harvesting in relation to wireless sensor networking entails the derivation of energy to power sensor nodes from mechanical, vibrational, rotational, solar, or thermal means, rather than relying on mains power or batteries. For instance, power can be harvested from the mechanical force of a light switch being turned on or off. Alternately, power can be derived from the difference in temperature between the human body and the surrounding ambient environment. (Only two degrees Celsius difference is needed to provide an effective power source.) Energy harvesting is increasingly gaining notice in the WSN market – it’s important to note that energy harvesting is applicable to wireless sensors even absent a networked communications mode – and two companies (EnOcean and GreenPeak) are on the forefront of bringing this technology to customers. In this ABI Insight, we examine the energy harvesting market in general and specifically, the efforts of these two companies.
| Author: | Sam Lucero | Senior Analyst, M2M Connectivity |
2007-12-14
The concept of energy harvesting in relation to wireless sensor networking entails the derivation of energy to power sensor nodes from mechanical, vibrational, rotational, solar, or thermal means, rather than relying on mains power or batteries. For instance, power can be harvested from the mechanical force of a light switch being turned on or off. Alternately, power can be derived from the difference in temperature between the human body and the surrounding ambient environment. (Only two degrees Celsius difference is needed to provide an effective power source.) Energy harvesting is increasingly gaining notice in the WSN market – it’s important to note that energy harvesting is applicable to wireless sensors even absent a networked communications mode – and two companies (EnOcean and GreenPeak) are on the forefront of bringing this technology to customers. In this ABI Insight, we examine the energy harvesting market in general and specifically, the efforts of these two companies.