SMART TECH & IOT
How farmers can monitor livestock sustainably
Monitoring the location and wellbeing of livestock is a new and effective way to optimise farming. Amorphous silicon solar cells are a reliable and sustainable solution for tracking key data of animals.
F
armers face a lot of challenges today, but IoT devices enable them to increase productivity and, ultimately, profit. With modern tracking systems, farmers are able to monitor important information about the livestock. Thanks to IoT devices, farmers can rely on real-time data to counteract diseases at an early stage and prevent the loss of animals. A biometric sensor in the ear tag of a cow or on the collar of the cow, for example, is able to collect data and monitor information of the animal in the field or the barn. Location, activity, temperature, and eating behaviours are only a few types of relevant information that assists farmers in the decision-making process. Data-driven farming, or smart farming as it is often called, leads to early detection of health problems, increased efficiency of feed usage, and optimized insemination results.
These ear tags are usually powered by a primary battery, which needs to be replaced regularly. This can be a challenging task when farmers manage large herds. Not only is changing primary batteries time and labour intensive, but it also reduces system availability and complicates analysis by using intelligent algorithms. Additionally, the amount of waste is not to be disregarded, however, there is a more efficient and sustainable solution to power tracking devices for livestock.
Independent of primary batteries The technology of amorphous silicon solar cells has been used for decades in low- power devices such as calculators, watches, and energy efficient sensor systems. These
cells absorb light energy from the sun or an artificial light source and convert it into electrical energy. Only a small array of amorphous silicon solar cells are required to power a sensing device like a location and health sensor. Compared to the use of a primary battery, the amorphous solar cell in combination with a rechargeable storage device has a weight and size advantage, being lighter and smaller than a primary battery.
Robust and reliable
Depending on the requirements, such as voltage, design, available space, and application, amorphous silicon solar cells can be implemented on glass or film substrates. The cells can be as thin as 0.2 – 1.1 mm, and are resistant to cracks, humidity, or variations in temperature. Due to the amorphous solar cells being made from robust silicon materials, they are more tolerant to defects than crystalline solar cells; therefore, harsh environments are not a problem.
Customizable to individual environments
An essential question for this application is the available light. Are the livestock housed in fields or in stables? What are the lighting conditions and how many hours of natural or artificial light are available? Additionally, the technology of amorphous silicon solar cells is
18 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
What is the benefit of Amorton? Amorton, the amorphous silicon solar cells from Panasonic Industry, were introduced almost 20 years ago. With a proven track record of various successfully implemented amorphous cells in low-energy applications, the experience with this technology is evident. But what differentiates Amorton? The continuous improvements of Amorton cells have resulted in a loyal customer base that appreciates the reliability of a global partner, such as Panasonic Industry. What stands out is the ability of Panasonic Industry to listen to the individual requirements and work alongside the customer to achieve the ideal solution. Delivering customised amorphous silicon solar cells that enable sustainable energy generation and lead to a fit-and-forget solution is the claim of Panasonic Industry’s Amorton technology.
flexible; they can deliver a constant voltage in exceptionally low light or under artificial light conditions typical for barns, starting from a few Lux. Energy is also harvested under LED or fluorescent light conditions, which increases the reliability of the power generation massively. To fit the required features in power output, a variety of customisations of amorphous solar cells are possible, such as weight, size, and shape. Different substrates, shapes and forms simplify the design process, a real benefit for customers.
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