Piezoelectric energy harvesting towards self‐powered internet of things (IoT) sensors in smart cities

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are major features of smart cities. Smart sensing devices will benefit from 5 G and the Internet of Things, which will enable them to communicate in a safe and timely manner. However, the need for sustainable power sources and self‐powered active sensing devices will continue to be a major issue in this sector. Since their discovery, piezoelectric energy harvesters have demonstrated a significant ability to power wireless sensor nodes, and their application in a wide range of systems, including intelligent transportation, smart healthcare, human‐machine interfaces, and security systems, has been systematically investigated. Piezoelectric energy‐harvesting systems are promising candidates not only for sustainably powering wireless sensor nodes but also for the development of intelligent and active self‐powered sensors with a wide range of applications. In this paper, the various applications of piezoelectric energy harvesters in powering Internet of Things sensors and devices in smart cities are discussed and reviewed.