1. Energy Harvesting Technology
Energy Storage
Energy storage plays an essential role in ambient energy harvesting
systems. Systems that harvest ambient energy on an anticipated basis
sometimes lack a 1-to-1 correlation between when they are active and
operating and when there is enough ambient energy to harvest. These
systems must, therefore, include mechanisms to harvest and convert
the ambient energy as well as mechanisms to store and manage their
energy store. Energy storage enables systems to continue operating
during periods of insufficient ambient energy. Energy storage devices also allow a system to support
instant-on capabilities because the system does not need to be able to harvest enough energy from the
environment to start operation.
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Thin film micro-energy storage devices, supercapacitors, lithium-ion or lithium polymer
batteries, high capacity batteries, and traditional capacitors are the primary types of storage
technologies appropriate for energy harvesting applications. Capacitors can support applications that
need energy spikes. Batteries leak less energy than capacitors and are more appropriate for
applications requiring a steady supply of energy. Thin-film energy storage cells support high numbers
of charge/discharge cycles.
At this point, many fully integrated energy harvesting modules may integrate component parts from
different companies within the same module. Designers should have access to more options that are
fully integrated systems as the energy harvesting market matures.
For more information read our white paper: Zero Power Wireless Sensors Using Energy Processing
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