Energy from the environment: smart IoT solutions with indoor energy harvesting
For a European equipment manufacturer, we developed a concept design to evaluate whether sufficient light and airflow are available to power sensors autonomously. This project fits within a broader evolution toward energy-efficient and low-maintenance IoT solutions.
What is Energy Harvesting?
Energy harvesting is a technology that converts energy from the surrounding environment into usable electrical power. Examples include light, heat, vibrations, and airflow.
Instead of relying on traditional batteries or frequent replacements, energy harvesting enables devices to operate autonomously over long periods. This reduces maintenance costs and increases sustainability and flexibility in IoT applications.
Smart energy from light and air
Within this project, we developed an intelligent solution that captures energy from indoor lighting and airflow.
The integrated PV cell is optimized for indoor use and efficiently converts even artificial light into energy.
Additionally, a compact wind turbine, implemented with a DC motor, harvests energy from available air movement.
This combination makes the system more robust and less dependent on a single energy source.
Reliable storage and continuity
The generated energy is initially stored in a supercapacitor, ensuring fast charging and long lifespan.
To guarantee stable operation even with limited or fluctuating energy input, batteries are added as backup and automatically take over when needed.
The result: an IoT sensor that remains continuously operational under all conditions.
Advantages of this approach
- Optimized for indoor lighting (indoor PV)
- Multiple energy sources: light and airflow
- Smart combination of supercapacitor and battery
- Automatic energy switching for maximum continuity
- Low maintenance and suitable for long-term use
- Ideal for buildings, industry, and smart environments
Applicable across environments
This technology makes IoT systems more energy-efficient, reliable, and easier to deploy. It is particularly suitable for smart buildings, industrial monitoring, and environments where cabling or frequent maintenance is difficult or costly.
