Description: Energy harvesting is the process of capturing and storing energy from external sources for use in electronic devices. This concept has become fundamental in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and neuromorphic computing, where the need for autonomous and sustainable devices is increasingly critical. Energy harvesting allows sensors and small devices to operate without relying on conventional batteries, reducing the need for maintenance and component replacement. The energy sources that can be harvested include solar light, motion, heat, and vibrations. The technology behind energy harvesting involves the use of converters that transform these sources into usable electrical energy. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by minimizing the environmental impact associated with battery production and disposal. In a world where connectivity and artificial intelligence are constantly expanding, energy harvesting presents an innovative solution for powering devices that require continuous and autonomous operation, thus facilitating the implementation of sensor networks and intelligent systems across various sectors.
History: Energy harvesting has its roots in the research of renewable energy sources and energy conversion technologies dating back several decades. In the 1960s, solar cells were developed to convert sunlight into electricity, marking a milestone in energy harvesting. Over the years, technology has evolved, and in the 1990s, energy harvesting devices that could harness motion and vibrations were introduced. With the rise of the Internet of Things in the 2000s, energy harvesting became an active research area driven by the need for autonomous and sustainable devices.
Uses: Energy harvesting is primarily used in Internet of Things devices, where a constant and autonomous power supply is required. This includes environmental sensors, health monitoring devices, security systems, and wearable technology. It is also applied in neuromorphic computing, where the aim is to mimic the functioning of the human brain through circuits that require minimal energy. Energy harvesting enables these systems to operate efficiently without relying on conventional power sources.
Examples: Examples of energy harvesting include temperature sensors that use solar cells to operate in outdoor environments, health monitoring devices that harness body movement to generate energy, and public lighting systems that use solar energy to operate autonomously. In the field of neuromorphic computing, circuits are being developed that can harvest energy from waste heat to power their operations.
