The potential of energy harvesting technologies in powering IoT devices and wearable technology.
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Potential of Energy Harvesting Technologies in Powering IoT Devices and Wearable Technology
Introduction to Energy Harvesting for IoT and Wearable Devices
Energy harvesting technologies are emerging as a promising solution to power the ever-growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearable technologies. These devices, which include sensors, processors, and communication hardware, require efficient and sustainable power sources to operate effectively. Energy harvesting can significantly enhance the efficiency and lifespan of these devices by utilizing ambient energy from the environment1 2.
Types of Energy Harvesting Technologies
Solar Energy Harvesting
Solar energy is one of the most viable sources for powering wearable devices. Solar harvesters can convert sunlight into electrical energy, which can then be stored in flexible batteries. For instance, a study demonstrated that a wearable device could operate continuously if exposed to direct sunlight for six hours daily, significantly increasing the battery's state of charge3. Solar energy harvesting is particularly effective for wearables used in outdoor activities, providing a sustainable power source3 6.
Mechanical and Kinetic Energy Harvesting
Mechanical energy harvesting, including kinetic energy from human motion, is another promising approach. Devices can convert mechanical vibrations and movements into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. Research involving over 67,000 participants showed that kinetic energy harvesting could reduce the reliance on battery recharging, although the efficiency varies with factors like age and health conditions9. Piezoelectric and triboelectric generators are particularly effective in converting mechanical energy into electrical power for wearable applications5 10.
Thermal Energy Harvesting
Thermal energy harvesting utilizes temperature differences to generate power. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can convert body heat into electrical energy, making them suitable for on-body IoT networks and wearable devices. A hybrid approach combining RF and thermal energy harvesting has shown significant improvements in energy efficiency and device lifecycle4 6.
Radio Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesting
RF energy harvesting captures ambient radio waves and converts them into electrical energy. This method is particularly useful in urban environments with abundant RF signals. However, the power output from RF energy harvesting is generally lower compared to other methods, necessitating further research to enhance its efficiency4 6.
Integration and Challenges
Power Management and Efficiency
Power management integrated circuits (PMICs) play a crucial role in optimizing the energy harvested from various sources. These circuits help manage and distribute the harvested energy efficiently, extending the lifespan of IoT devices and wearables1. The integration of multiple energy harvesting methods, such as hybrid systems combining solar and thermal energy, can maximize power output and reliability4 6.
Material Advancements
Advancements in materials science have led to the development of more efficient energy harvesters. For example, 2D materials have shown significant potential in enhancing the performance of photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric harvesters. These materials offer flexibility and improved energy conversion efficiency, making them ideal for wearable applications8.
Environmental and Security Considerations
Energy harvesting not only improves device efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing battery waste. However, the integration of energy harvesting technologies can expose devices to security risks, such as potential attacks on the energy harvesting network. Addressing these security concerns is essential for the widespread adoption of energy harvesting in IoT and wearable devices1.
Conclusion
Energy harvesting technologies hold immense potential in powering IoT devices and wearable technology. By harnessing ambient energy sources such as solar, mechanical, thermal, and RF energy, these technologies can significantly enhance device efficiency, lifespan, and sustainability. Continued advancements in materials and power management systems, along with addressing security challenges, will pave the way for the broader implementation of self-powered IoT and wearable devices.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Energy Harvesting towards Self-Powered IoT Devices
Energy harvesting, using mechanical, aeroelastic, wind, solar, radiofrequency, and pyroelectric mechanisms, significantly increases the efficiency and lifetime of IoT devices, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Literature Review
Highly CitedPortable and wearable self-powered systems based on emerging energy harvesting technology
Energy harvesting technology can enable portable and wearable self-powered systems with sensing, actuation, and intelligent functions, potentially solving the power supply problem for electronic devices.
Highly CitedSolar Energy Harvesting to Improve Capabilities of Wearable Devices
Solar energy harvesting in wearable devices can significantly increase battery lifetime and reduce power consumption, with potential applications in healthcare, activity tracking, and sports.
A Hybrid Energy Harvesting Design for On-Body Internet-of-Things (IoT) Networks
The hybrid energy harvesting design, using radio frequency and thermal energy, significantly improves the lifecycle of IoT devices in healthcare applications.
Materials for energy harvesting: At the forefront of a new wave
This issue highlights the importance of developing battery-less and mobile power sources for IoT, focusing on piezoelectric materials, magnetoelectrics, and thermoelectrics, with potential for wearables and photovoltaics.
Highly CitedA survey of wearable energy harvesting systems
Wearable energy harvesters, such as hybrid solar/thermoelectric systems, can provide sufficient power for smart wearable devices, with potential for future applications in smart healthcare, military, and industrial sectors.
Energy Harvesting For Wearable Devices: A Review
Energy harvesting technology is crucial for autonomous wearable devices, enabling continuous power supply and improving telemedicine applications.
Highly Cited2D Materials for Wearable Energy Harvesting
2D materials have made significant advancements in wearable energy harvesting systems, with potential for self-contained, sustainable, and mobile power sources.
Estimation of Kinetic Energy Harvesting Potential for Self-Powered Wearable IoT Devices With 67 000 Participants From the UK Biobank
The presence of diabetes significantly reduces energy harvesting potential in wearable IoT devices, highlighting the challenge of meeting power budgets for monitoring diseases while aiming for energy autonomy.
Energy Harvesters for Wearable Electronics and Biomedical Devices
Energy harvesters, such as thermoelectric generators, triboelectric nanogenerators, and piezoelectric generators, have the potential to power wearable electronics and biomedical devices by transforming ambient energy sources into electrical energy.
Literature ReviewTry another search
The role of animal agriculture in climate change and environmental degradation.
The impact of urbanization on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and urban heat island effects.
The implications of quantum computing for data security and encryption.
theoretical framework about the effect of online reviews on hotel bookings
The potential of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders.
web development