International Defense Security & Technology Your trusted Source for News, Research and Analysis
Related Articles
The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of connectivity, with billions of devices gathering and transmitting data to improve efficiency, automation, and decision-making. This explosion of IoT devices, however, presents a critical challenge: providing reliable and sustainable power to keep these devices operational, especially in remote or austere environments. Energy harvesting technologies have emerged as a game-changing solution to this challenge, enabling devices to capture and convert ambient energy into usable electrical power.
For IoT devices, energy harvesting is a pathway to achieving long-term, maintenance-free operation. For military IoT (MIoT) devices, which are often deployed in harsh and inaccessible environments, energy harvesting is not just a convenience—it is a necessity for mission-critical operations. This article explores the technologies underpinning energy harvesting, their applications in IoT and MIoT, and the innovations shaping their future.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the ICT sector by connecting physical objects to communicate and deliver services, with devices relying on sensors, processing units, and communication subsystems powered by batteries. While batteries are a common energy source for these devices, they present significant challenges, including limited lifespan, energy storage capacity, and maintenance issues, particularly in remote deployments. This leads to the dilemma of either allowing the battery’s lifespan to dictate the device’s functionality or creating strategies for regular battery replacement, which can be impractical for long-term use.
To address these challenges, researchers are exploring innovative solutions like low-power electronics and energy harvesting (EH) technologies. Low-power electronics, such as “wake-up receivers,” use minimal energy by keeping components in a dormant state until needed. Energy harvesting technologies, which capture ambient energy from sources like heat, vibration, and solar power, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional batteries. These advancements in energy-efficient electronics and EH methods enable IoT and Military IoT (MIoT) devices to operate without regular maintenance, allowing for longer lifespans and deployment in remote or harsh environments.
The Basics of Energy Harvesting
Energy harvesting is the process of capturing ambient energy from the environment and converting it into usable electrical power. This technology leverages natural or man-made energy sources to power devices, making it particularly valuable for Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications where traditional power sources like batteries may be impractical.
The power and energy requirements of sensing nodes (SNs) in the Internet of Things (IoT) are central to their efficiency and functionality. SNs, which can range from simple sensing devices to complex networks involving both sensing and actuating elements, are increasingly deployed across a variety of industries, such as healthcare, security, predictive maintenance, and energy management. While SNs share the basic functionality of conventional sensors—measuring a range of quantities (chemical, physical, environmental, etc.) and converting these measurements into electric signals—SNs also have the added capability to temporarily store, process, and transmit data to remote stations or other nodes in the network. The most energy-intensive operation in SNs is data transmission, which can significantly increase power consumption during active duty cycles.
Typically, SNs consume minimal power during sleep mode, with consumption often as low as 10 μW or less. However, during active data transmission, power demands can surge to around 1 mW for brief periods, typically lasting about 2 seconds for listening and transmitting. The frequency of data transmission varies depending on the application, with event-driven transmission (common in alarm networks) occurring less frequently, and time-driven data exchanges occurring anywhere from every minute to every few hours. This variation in transmission frequency helps reduce the average power consumption of the SNs over time. The energy consumption per connection depends on the data transmission protocol being used, with Bluetooth connections requiring tens of microwatts and Wi-Fi connections requiring power in the tens of milliwatts. These requirements can vary significantly, spanning over four orders of magnitude.
A notable trend in modern SNs is the incorporation of local information processing capabilities. Embedded microcontroller units (MCUs) are increasingly used to process data locally within the SN, which reduces reliance on external processing and communication. These MCUs are designed to consume ultra-low power, with active states consuming as little as 15 mW. However, like the sensors themselves, the processors spend much of their time in sleep mode, ensuring that unless high computational workloads are required, the average power consumption remains minimal. Consequently, the energy requirements of SNs are primarily driven by data transmission rather than processing, emphasizing the importance of efficient communication protocols and energy management in the design of IoT systems.
Common Sources of Ambient Energy
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Solar energy is one of the most widely used energy harvesting methods, ideal for environments with consistent exposure to natural light.
Thermal Energy:
Waste heat from industrial processes, machinery, or even the human body can be converted into electricity using thermoelectric generators (TEGs). This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where heat is abundant but goes unused.
Radio Frequency (RF) Energy:
Ambient RF signals from Wi-Fi routers, cellular towers, or television broadcasts can be captured and converted into power. RF energy harvesting is well-suited for low-power devices operating in areas saturated with electromagnetic signals.
Kinetic Energy:
Vibrations, motion, and mechanical strain can be transformed into electrical energy through piezoelectric or electrodynamic systems. These systems are often found in wearable devices, transportation systems, or industrial settings with significant movement.
Vibration Energy Harvesting
Vibration energy harvesting involves converting mechanical vibrations into electrical power. This type of energy harvesting is particularly useful in environments where vibrations are prevalent, such as near rotating machinery or in areas with fluid flow. The most common methods for converting vibration energy include piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electrostatic transducers.
- Piezoelectric Transducers: These materials generate electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress, typically in the form of vibrations. For example, piezoelectric energy-harvesting MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) devices can produce power levels ranging from 10-50 µW under normal environmental vibrations, and even over 100 µW in the case of large accelerations.
- Electromagnetic Transducers: These devices convert mechanical motion into electrical energy by moving a magnet through a coil, inducing a current.
- Electrostatic Transducers: These devices work by converting mechanical movement into electrical charge through changes in capacitance.
To enhance the efficiency of vibration harvesting, researchers are exploring non-linear elastic behaviors and multi-modality, which allow energy harvesting from a broader frequency range, typically up to 2–4 kHz.
Thermal Energy Harvesting
Thermal energy harvesting converts heat energy into electrical power, making it suitable for environments with temperature differentials. Pyroelectric materials, such as Aluminum Nitride (AlN), generate electrical charges when exposed to temperature changes. These materials are widely used in sensing and actuation applications in MEMS/NEMS devices.
- Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs): These devices harness temperature differentials between two materials to generate electricity. By using thermoelectrics in combination with phase change materials, wireless sensor nodes can be powered in applications like aircrafts. The efficiency of thermoelectrics is continually improving, making this a promising method for energy harvesting in industrial and remote environments.
Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are devices that convert temperature differences into electrical energy. They work through a thermoelectric module, typically made from materials like bismuth telluride, and a heat exchanger. When a temperature gradient is applied across the module, it generates a voltage that can power electronic devices. TEGs are commonly used in waste heat recovery systems in industries or vehicles, and in remote areas where conventional power sources are unavailable. Known for their reliability, TEGs often outlast the devices they power, making them ideal for mission-critical applications such as space probes. However, their efficiency is relatively low, typically around 5-7%, so they are often paired with other energy harvesting technologies to improve overall performance.
Electromagnetic (EM) and Radio Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesting
Electromagnetic (EM) and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting involves converting electromagnetic waves, such as those from digital TV, WiFi, or mobile networks, into electrical energy. This is done using an antenna to capture the energy, which is then rectified into direct current (DC) power. This power can be stored in a capacitor or battery and used to power low-energy devices, such as wireless sensors or IoT devices. While this technology is useful for powering small electronics, the energy capture range is limited—typically only a few meters—and the efficiency of diodes used in the rectification process is low. For instance, the signal strength required for charging devices exceeds that needed for a WiFi connection to maintain a stable signal.
Ambient Light Energy Harvesting
Ambient light is one of the most powerful sources of energy harvesting, especially outdoors where power densities can reach up to 10 mW/cm². However, this drops significantly in indoor environments, where power density can decrease to as low as 10 µW/cm², making it comparable to vibration and thermal energy sources. In these conditions, indoor ambient light becomes less efficient for harvesting and is often used in conjunction with other energy harvesting technologies, such as vibration or thermal energy, to ensure reliable power generation for low-energy devices.
Ambient light energy harvesting typically involves the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight or artificial light into electrical power. This technology is particularly well-suited for indoor applications where natural light may still be present or for devices exposed to low-light conditions.
- Photovoltaic Cells: Miniaturized PV cells can efficiently convert ambient light into usable power, making them ideal for small, low-power devices. These cells offer the advantage of generating manageable voltages in compact form factors. With advancements in the integration of PV cells into energy-harvesting systems, zero-power hardware platforms are being developed, incorporating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to create more efficient and scalable energy harvesting solutions.
Each of these energy harvesting types provides a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for powering IoT devices in diverse environments. By utilizing ambient energy sources, energy harvesting technologies enable wireless sensors and other low-power devices to operate autonomously without the need for traditional batteries or wiring.
The choice of energy harvesting method depends on the application, environment, and energy demands of the IoT or IIoT device. Factors such as energy availability, conversion efficiency, and device power requirements play a critical role in determining the most suitable technology. By effectively integrating energy harvesting solutions, devices can achieve enhanced sustainability and reduced dependency on conventional power sources.
Energy Harvesting in Consumer IoT Devices
In the consumer sector, IoT devices often function in controlled environments, making them ideal candidates for energy harvesting technologies. These systems harness ambient energy to power devices, reducing dependency on traditional batteries and enhancing operational efficiency.
Energy harvesting devices offer several key advantages in industrial IoT applications, making them an attractive alternative to traditional wired or battery-powered solutions. These devices can convert ambient energy sources, such as light, vibration, or heat, into usable power, enabling IoT sensors to operate independently without the need for external power sources. This self-sustainability eliminates the need for complex wiring, allowing for easy deployment with a simple Plug & Play feature. Furthermore, by eliminating the reliance on batteries or external power supplies, energy harvesting reduces overall system costs, making it a more cost-effective solution. In remote or difficult-to-access locations, energy harvesting devices provide a reliable and continuous power source, ensuring seamless operations even in challenging environments.
Additionally, energy harvesting devices offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility, durability, and environmental impact. These devices can convert a wide range of energy sources into power, enabling flexible IoT system design and deployment in diverse industrial settings. Their robust construction makes them ideal for harsh environments where traditional power sources might fail. As energy harvesting reduces the need for batteries, it contributes to reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint of IoT systems. With their compact nature and ability to deliver ultra-low power, energy harvesting devices enable digital transformation across industries by making IoT solutions more affordable and sustainable. By replacing traditional energy sources without compromising device functionality, energy harvesting devices offer both economic and environmental benefits.
Key Applications
- Smart Homes:
Energy harvesting enables sensors in smart homes to monitor temperature, humidity, and security without frequent battery replacements. Solar energy harvesting, through photovoltaic cells, and RF energy harvesting from Wi-Fi or other signals are widely used to power these devices, ensuring seamless and sustainable operation. - Wearables:
Fitness trackers, health monitors, and other wearable devices leverage kinetic or thermal energy harvesting. By capturing energy from motion or body heat, these devices extend battery life or eliminate the need for batteries altogether, making them more convenient and eco-friendly for users. - Smart Cities:
Urban environments utilize energy-harvesting sensors to monitor traffic patterns, air quality, and infrastructure health. Solar panels and RF energy harvesting are particularly effective in powering these systems, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging outdoor conditions.
These applications highlight the potential of energy harvesting to reduce reliance on traditional power sources. By minimizing maintenance and enhancing device integration into daily life, energy harvesting technologies not only improve user experience but also contribute to a more sustainable and connected world.
Military Requirements
The military is also adopting IoT technologies. Analogous to IoT, Military internet of things (MIOT) has been defined that comprises of multitude of platforms, ranging from ships to aircraft to ground vehicles to weapon systems. The US Army’s modernization priority for Network Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (NC3I), requires a variety of sensing assets capable of intelligent, autonomous and reliable processing and communications.
The battlefield environment and hence Military Internet of things are constrained by power consumption. Military IoT devices are likely to be powered by batteries or solar power, and charged on-the-move from solar panels, trucks, or even by motion while walking. In either case, they should last for extended periods of time (at least for the duration of the mission). Therefore, devices and sensors need to be power-efficient.
The U.S. Army is exploring novel energy harvesting technologies to power unattended sensors used in various military applications. Current energy-harvesting solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as RF methods that capture Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, are limited in scope and only applicable to specific use cases. Many sensors are situated near strong 50 or 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields generated by power conductors or overhead power lines. These fields present a potential energy source that could sustainably power sensors, offering a practical solution for long-term, low-maintenance operation without the need for traditional energy sources. Developing efficient energy-harvesting methods from these fields could significantly expand the number of locations where sensing devices could be deployed without the logistical challenges of wiring or battery replacement.
The primary goal of this initiative is to develop energy-harvesting technologies that can consistently produce 10-100 mW of power from low-frequency fields in close proximity to energized conductors or overhead power lines. Current methods for harvesting low-frequency energy do not yet provide sufficient power in a form factor suitable for most unattended sensing applications. By developing this technology, the Army could enable a broader range of permanent installations for its asset network while reducing the need for frequent maintenance. The research will focus on determining the feasibility of energy harvesting in various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and both indoor and outdoor settings. The outcome of the Phase I effort will include the identification of key enabling technologies and a conceptual design for a power-harvesting solution capable of producing at least 10 mW of power within a 100 cm³ volume, which will be further developed in the Phase II effort.
Energy Harvesting for Military IoT Devices
Military IoT (MIoT) devices often operate in extreme and unpredictable environments where traditional power sources are impractical. These devices, essential for critical operations such as surveillance, communication, navigation, and logistics, require high reliability and self-sufficiency. Energy harvesting technologies provide a solution, enabling continuous operation without reliance on frequent battery replacements or external power sources.
Key Applications
- Remote Surveillance Systems:
Solar panels or thermoelectric generators power surveillance equipment such as cameras and motion detectors deployed in remote or hostile locations. This capability ensures sustained operation, even in areas where access to traditional power infrastructure is impossible. - Wearable Devices for Soldiers:
Soldiers equipped with wearable technology benefit from kinetic energy harvesting, which captures energy from movements. This innovation powers communication devices, health monitors, and navigation tools, reducing the reliance on heavy and cumbersome battery packs and improving mobility in the field. - Drones and Unmanned Vehicles:
Solar energy and vibration-based harvesting enhance the operational range and endurance of drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). By extending flight times and reducing downtime for recharging, these technologies improve mission efficiency and operational flexibility. - Embedded Battlefield Sensors:
RF and piezoelectric energy harvesting power compact, hidden sensors deployed across battlefields. These sensors collect and transmit critical data without the need for human intervention, ensuring covert and continuous monitoring.
Benefits and Strategic Impact
Energy harvesting enables MIoT devices to remain operational for extended periods, even in harsh or isolated environments. This reduces logistical challenges, such as the need for battery replacement or resupply missions, which can be risky and resource-intensive. By ensuring uninterrupted functionality, energy harvesting technologies enhance mission success, improve operational efficiency, and provide a critical edge in modern military operations.
Challenges in Energy Harvesting for IoT and MIoT
Energy harvesting offers significant potential for powering IoT and MIoT devices, but its widespread adoption faces several challenges. These hurdles must be addressed to fully realize the technology’s promise in diverse and demanding applications.
Key Challenges
- Efficiency:
Many energy harvesting systems struggle to generate adequate power in low-resource environments. For example, indoor solar cells may underperform in dim lighting, while RF energy harvesters face limitations in capturing sparse signals. Improving energy conversion efficiency in such scenarios remains a priority. - Miniaturization:
Scaling down energy harvesting devices for integration into compact IoT and MIoT systems without compromising performance is a significant technical challenge. Achieving this balance is essential for applications like wearables and embedded sensors, where space is at a premium. - Durability:
For military and industrial applications, energy harvesting devices must withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, vibrations, and physical impacts. Developing materials and designs that ensure long-term durability under such conditions is critical for reliability. - Integration:
Seamlessly combining energy harvesting systems with IoT and MIoT devices poses another challenge. These systems must fit within the device’s design constraints without adding excessive bulk or complexity while maintaining compatibility with existing technologies.
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and system design. Advances in nanomaterials and smart manufacturing techniques can enhance efficiency and durability. Collaborative efforts between engineers and designers can lead to integrated solutions that prioritize performance, reliability, and ease of deployment. By overcoming these obstacles, energy harvesting can become a cornerstone technology for powering the IoT and MIoT ecosystems.
Innovations Shaping the Future of Energy Harvesting
The field of energy harvesting is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by breakthroughs in materials, system integration, and energy management. These innovations promise to enhance the efficiency, flexibility, and applicability of energy harvesting technologies, paving the way for their adoption across a wider range of IoT and MIoT applications.
Key Innovations
- Flexible and Wearable Harvesters:
Advances in materials science have led to the development of flexible photovoltaics and piezoelectric fabrics that can seamlessly integrate into wearable devices. These materials enable energy harvesting from body movements or ambient light, offering a continuous power supply for health monitors, fitness trackers, and other wearable technologies. - Hybrid Harvesting Systems:
Combining multiple energy sources, such as solar and kinetic energy, enhances the reliability of energy harvesting systems. Hybrid systems can adapt to varying environmental conditions, ensuring consistent energy capture regardless of changes in light, motion, or temperature. - Advanced Energy Storage Solutions:
- energy harvesters with cutting-edge storage technologies, such as ultracapacitors and solid-state batteries, significantly improves energy storage efficiency and device longevity. These solutions enable harvested energy to be stored and used effectively, even during periods of low ambient energy availability.
- Smart Energy Management:
AI-powered algorithms are transforming how devices manage energy harvesting and consumption. These intelligent systems dynamically optimize energy collection, storage, and utilization, ensuring uninterrupted device operation even in challenging or fluctuating environmental conditions.
These innovations are expanding the horizons of energy harvesting by addressing its limitations and unlocking new possibilities. Flexible materials make wearables more practical and comfortable, hybrid systems ensure reliability across diverse settings, and AI-driven energy management boosts system efficiency. Together, these advancements are poised to drive energy harvesting technologies into mainstream use, benefiting both consumer and industrial IoT applications.
Recent Brealthroughs
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed the first battery-free smartphone that harvests power from ambient radio signals or light. This groundbreaking device operates with minimal power consumption, relying on energy harvested from the environment. By utilizing tiny vibrations from the phone’s microphone or speaker, the device encodes speech patterns into reflected radio signals, requiring nearly no power to transmit or receive data. With a power budget of only 3.5 microwatts, the phone can harvest energy from radio signals up to 31 feet away or from ambient light using a small solar cell, allowing it to communicate with base stations up to 50 feet away. This innovation marks a significant step toward energy-efficient, self-sustaining mobile communication.
In another breakthrough, UCLA researchers have designed a device that generates electricity from falling snow, called a snow-based triboelectric nanogenerator (snow TENG). This small, flexible device utilizes static electricity generated from the interaction of snow with silicone, a material that captures electrons. The snow TENG harvests energy from the charged snowflakes to create electricity, which can be used to power weather stations or other remote devices. This technology is particularly valuable for areas where solar panels are ineffective during the winter, as it can provide a continuous power supply when snow accumulates. The device’s potential extends beyond energy generation; it could also be integrated into wearable devices for tracking athletes’ movements or used in various other applications where energy harvesting from the environment is needed.
UBITO, a member of the FRABA technology family, has made a breakthrough with Wiegand technology as an energy source for smart sensors, marking a significant step toward self-powered IoT devices. After over two years of research, the team at FRABA’s R&D center in Aachen, Germany, developed a Wiegand Harvester capable of generating enough energy to power a wireless sensor’s electronics, including an ultra-wide-band radio transmitter. This achievement places Wiegand technology alongside other established energy harvesting methods like solar, piezo, and thermo-electrics, offering a new approach for sensor nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0.
The Wiegand Harvester works by capturing energy from movements in an external magnetic field. The research team successfully demonstrated its potential by powering a window sensor system. The sensor, equipped with two Wiegand harvesters and magnets, generates energy when the window is opened or closed, causing magnetic polarity reversals in the Wiegand wires. This generates about 10 microjoules of energy per movement, sufficient to power a microcontroller and a temperature sensor. The sensor also features a UWB transmitter capable of wirelessly sending data 60 meters away. This advancement could pave the way for energy-independent IoT sensors that can operate and transmit data autonomously, contributing to the growing demand for self-sustaining, wireless smart devices.
Everactive
Everactive’s sensors are designed to be powered by small vibrations, dim indoor lighting (as low as 100 lux), and even temperature differences of just 10°F. They can monitor various environmental factors like temperature, acceleration, vibration, and pressure. The company’s solution significantly reduces operating costs compared to traditional sensors, which require frequent battery replacements. For example, deploying 10,000 traditional sensors would necessitate the replacement of thousands of batteries annually, a costly and time-consuming process. With Everactive’s technology, the elimination of battery maintenance allows for the deployment of more sensors, providing businesses with enhanced visibility into their operations and helping to improve efficiency.
Looking ahead, Everactive envisions a future where its sensors become even smaller, translucent, and flexible—about the size of a postage stamp. This would allow for effortless installation on machines, making the technology applicable beyond factory floors to fields like smart transportation and agriculture. Everactive believes that battery-free sensing will be key to realizing the potential of smart environments, where data-driven decisions optimize efficiency and anticipate needs.
MIT
MIT researchers have developed photovoltaic-powered sensors designed to function as part of the Internet of Things (IoT), potentially operating for years without the need for replacement. These sensors incorporate thin-film perovskite solar cells, known for their low cost, flexibility, and ease of fabrication, as energy harvesters on inexpensive RFID tags. The solar power significantly enhances the sensors’ capabilities, enabling them to transmit data over much longer distances than traditional RFID tags and allowing multiple sensors to be integrated onto a single tag. These sensors can operate in both bright sunlight and dim indoor conditions, offering a substantial boost in performance without the need for batteries.
The sensors, described in recent papers published in Advanced Functional Materials and IEEE Sensors, continuously monitor environmental conditions like temperature, transmitting data for several days at distances up to five times greater than conventional RFID systems. They can be deployed in a variety of applications, such as supply chain tracking, soil monitoring, and energy usage tracking, and remain operational for months or even years before requiring replacement. By combining low-cost perovskite solar cells with RFID technology, the researchers have created a system that eliminates the need for batteries and provides a long-lasting, efficient solution for IoT devices. These perovskite cells are cost-effective, flexible, transparent, and can harvest energy from both indoor and outdoor light sources, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Ambient Photonics
Ambient Photonics, a spin-off from the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, has made a groundbreaking advancement in low-light solar energy harvesting. Founded in 2019, the California-based company developed a technology inspired by photosynthesis, which enables solar cells to efficiently harness energy even from low ambient light sources such as candles. This innovation produces over three times the power of conventional indoor solar technologies, addressing the limitations of traditional solar cells in low-light environments.
The technology uses a proprietary solar printing method to apply energy-harvesting molecules to thin, durable glass substrates, enabling solar cells of any size and shape. This scalable, cost-effective approach offers flexibility for integration into mass-market electronics. Unlike plastic-based solar cells, Ambient’s glass technology provides superior power density, making it ideal for applications in smart IoT devices and consumer electronics, with a focus on sustainability and reduced battery dependency.
Ambient has partnered with major companies such as Google, Universal Electronics, and E Ink to integrate its solar technology into a variety of consumer products, including wireless keyboards, remote controls, and electronic shelf labels. These collaborations position Ambient Photonics at the forefront of sustainable power solutions, paving the way for more energy-efficient IoT and consumer electronics. The company’s innovations promise to reduce reliance on traditional batteries, supporting a greener, more sustainable future for the tech industry.
Energy harvesting technology continues to evolve, and its integration with miniaturized electronics holds significant promise for the Internet of Things (IoT). The focus on ultra-low-power (ULP) electronics, such as MEMS and semiconductor-based systems, is driving advancements in energy autonomy for small, wireless sensors. The development of efficient power converters, particularly those utilizing CMOS technology, enables the use of various energy sources for microelectronics. Innovations in energy storage, such as super-capacitors and nanostructured batteries, further enhance the capabilities of energy harvesting systems, making them viable for a wide range of applications where traditional power sources are impractical or unavailable.
The Road Ahead
Energy harvesting technologies represent a pivotal advancement in the quest for sustainable, maintenance-free IoT and MIoT devices. As these technologies mature, their integration into consumer and military systems will become increasingly seamless, unlocking new possibilities for connectivity and automation.
For consumer IoT, energy harvesting will enable smarter homes, cities, and wearable devices that require minimal intervention. In the military domain, it will provide the power independence necessary for effective and reliable operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By continuing to innovate and overcome existing challenges, energy harvesting technologies will play a vital role in shaping the future of IoT and MIoT systems.
Innovations like ultra-low-power integrated circuits, flexible and translucent sensors, and enhanced energy storage systems will drive the adoption of EH-enabled devices in both civilian and military sectors. By overcoming challenges such as limited power density and environmental dependence, energy harvesting promises to unlock the full potential of IoT and MIoT systems, enabling sustainable, scalable, and efficient operations across diverse applications.
References and resources also include:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364717303579
