Energy harvesting wireless sensors

Abstract

Breaking down the barriers of traditional sensors, MicroStrain's energy harvesting wireless sensors eliminate long cable runs as well as battery maintenance. Combining processors with sensors, the wireless nodes can record and transmit data, use energy in an intelligent manner, and automatically change their operating modes as the application may demand. Harvesting energy from ambient motion, strain, or light, they use background recharging to maintain an energy reserve. Recent applications include piezoelectric powered damage tracking nodes for helicopters as well as solar powered strain and seismic sensor networks for bridges. © 2009 Springer US.