Feature: Energy harvesting
Alternatively, single-input versions of the power management chip will work with any harvester type from those discussed earlier. Uniquely, each OptiJoule EH PMIC
Figure 3: An energy harvesting power management IC (EH PMIC) handles the charging of the energy buffer and powering the application
input adapts autonomously to the type of harvester connected to it, maximising energy capture. Patented circuits in the IC dynamically combine the energy captured from the harvesters and deliver a charge to the system’s energy-storage component. The EH PMIC then delivers a regulated output to power an IoT device or associated wireless module. To help engineers evaluate smart EH PMIC technology, Trameto has developed a demonstration platform and the Severn prototyping platform, based on its TM2040, four-input EH PMIC. It comprises two PV harvesters, a piezoelectric harvester with a DC motor to generate vibration for it, two thermoelectric generators, and a heater and heatsinks to stimulate the thermoelectric generators; see Figure 4. The harvesters connect to the platform via plugin daughterboards. The Severn platform (Figure 5)
Figure 4: This Trameto smart EH PMIC demonstration platform helps evaluate energy harvesting options from five different micro-energy harvesters
also based on the TM2040, has a PV harvester on a hinged backing to allow optimal positioning and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) with an air heatsink. It’s housed in an acrylic case, and magnets facilitate the platform’s attachment to a warm, ferrous surface when working with the TEG. Daughterboards are supplied for additional harvester inputs, to deliver power to the application and for communications. A Windows GUI displays harvested power and system status information.
Figure 5: The ‘Severn’ platform helps accelerate prototyping work
Self-sustaining Micro-energy harvesting is not yet ready to supplant batteries in powering every remote IoT endpoint. However, there are a growing number of applications where the ability to harvest tiny amounts of energy with multiple harvester technologies, connected in a way that maximises efficiency and effectiveness, will take us a step further toward the era of self-sustaining sensors and other IoT devices.
20 April 2023
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
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