Last September, Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) made waves in the tech industry by announcing the development of an innovative Energy Harvesting Module capable of efficiently generating power from electromagnetic wave noise. This pioneering solution addresses the growing power supply challenges stemming from the proliferation and sophistication of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Today, in an unexpected move, the Japanese tech giant released a use case video demonstrating the module’s capabilities, specifically showcasing its application with office equipment like desktop PCs, projectors, and copiers.
The energy harvesting module employs technology cultivated through SSS’s extensive experience in tuner development. This technology efficiently captures constant electromagnetic wave noise present in various environments, such as factories with robotic activity, offices with monitors and lighting systems, and homes with TVs and monitors. This harvested energy aims to provide a stable power supply, crucial for running low-power consumption IoT sensors and communication equipment.
In the recently released use case video, Sony presented a hands-on demonstration featuring the energy harvesting module integrated with common office equipment. The desktop PC, projector, and copier were showcased as recipients of the power harvested through the module, which utilizes a rechargeable battery for storage. This practical demonstration highlights the real-world applicability of Sony’s energy harvesting innovation.
Historically, energy harvesting faced challenges related to weak and unstable power outputs. Devices relying on minimal power were the primary candidates for energy harvesting, often facing sudden shutdowns due to insufficient energy supply. The cost-effectiveness of devices also played a crucial role, necessitating large harvesting capacities to justify manufacturing and installation expenses.
Sony’s new module aims to overcome these historical limitations by presenting a high-efficiency, high-output, and cost-effective energy harvesting solution. The video demonstration showcased not only the successful energy harvesting from office equipment but also highlighted the potential for widespread adoption of this technology in various settings.
As the world inches closer to realizing the vision of smart cities, smart homes, and smart factories, the demand for interconnected IoT and M2M devices continues to grow. Energy harvesting emerges as a critical technology in building networks of countless sensors and devices. To truly unlock the potential of these interconnected systems, there is a simultaneous need to reduce power consumption in devices and advance energy harvesting technologies.
