How to make equipment work without external energy?
ENERGY HARVESTING
WHAT
Energy available in the environment is transformed into electrical energy and utilized to power small electronic devices, IoT or sensor networks.
HOW
Energy is harvested from dynamic processes in the environment, e.g. vibration, mechanical deformations, temperature differences, or electric/magnetic fields.
PIEZOELECTRIC
PIEZOELECTRIC
Piezoelectric material (special ceramics, polymers or composites) converts mechanical energy of dynamic deformations or vibrations to electrical charges which are harvested and used to power electronics.
TRIBOELECTRIC
TRIBOELECTRIC
In triboelectric generator, triboelectric charge is transferred between two contacting material surfaces that create a capacitor. When the surfaces are moved apart, mechanical energy is converted to electric energy through the changing capacitance with the initial triboelectric charge.
THERMOELECTRIC
THERMOELECTRIC
In a thermoelectric generator, heat is conducted through the device. Due to the heat, there is a temperature difference between the device sides. This difference generates at electric output a voltage that can be used as power source.
INDUCTIVE
INDUCTIVE
Energy harvesting from mechanical motion can be done using a miniature inductive generator, typically in a linear configuration. Generator has a moving permanent magnet and a coil to pick up the energy from the changing magnetic field.
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE
The magnetization of a ferromagnetic material, e.g. structural steel, changes under mechanical stress. The stress may be due to an impact or vibration. The change in the magnetic field causes an electromotive force in a surrounding pickup coil providing energy to be harvested.
WHY?
RENEWABLE AND NON-POLLUTING ENERGY TO DRIVE EQUIPMENT
REDUCING...
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installation costs
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cables
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infrastructure for cables
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maintenance costs
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replacing batteries
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recharging batteries
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the costs of getting information
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fuel consumption
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system production costs
INCREASING...
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flexibility
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usability
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simplicity
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environmental performance
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safety
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security
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competitiveness
ENABLING...
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new innovations
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new types of products
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new functions
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installation in new locations
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integration inside structures
WHEN?
ADVANTAGES IN APPLICATIONS WHERE...
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there is a suitable energy source for harvesting
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the power consumption of the device is low
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long sleep intervals
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low data rate
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the external power feed requires expensive cabling or replacing or recharging the batteries is expensive due to
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a large number of devices
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long distances for maintenance
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the device is embedded inside structures and not accessible
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ENOMA PROJECT
TARGET
The project has a significant technological and scientific impact and commercial need – The aim is to develop techniques and methods that enable devices to operate independently without an external power source.
OUTCOME
The answers to the following questions:
1. How to generate energy in the environment of the device?
2. How to minimize the need for energy?
NEED
Wireless data transfer, data processing, electronics, IoT, measurement techniques and automation are increasing at an ever-increasing pace – there is a great need for energy harvesting in various applications.
CONSORTIUM
The Finnish ENOMA research and development consortium:
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three research organizations
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a coordinator company
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fifteen companies
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equipment manufacturers
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industrial end-users
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FEATURING
Business Finland’s Smart Energy Finland Program brings together the services for technical development and exports. The services of the program will be available for companies in the energy sector and those engaged in the development of smart solutions. Growth-oriented companies with potential for growth and internationalization are invited to join the program! Read more here.