Combined Source Micro Power Plants for Wireless Sensors

76213-The intelligent control of residential and commercial heating, cooling, and lighting, as well as industrial processes, could save huge amounts of energy. Because information must be gathered from dispersed locations, small, easy to install, self-powered, wireless sensors will be needed to make the measurements. This project will develop micro power plants that scavenge microwatt levels of energy from its environment, convert it to electrical power that can be stored for use, and deliver current to its sensor at the proper voltage. Practical implementation will depend on the ability to collect energy from a variety of sources, perform efficient conversions, increase reliability, and reduce storage needs. In Phase I, sources of ambient power will be identified and characterized for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Power capturing techniques will be studied and developed. Finally, synergistic power combinations will be identified for practical micro power plants. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Applications for self-powered, wireless sensors are expected to include: (1) heating, ventilating, and cooling systems, (as room sensors for balancing and monitoring heating systems, thereby replacing wired thermostats; and (2) industrial process control systems, as easily installed add-ons for monitoring operations.