Advancing microlevel energy harvesting

‘The energy revolution is also taking place at the micro level with the new Amorton solar cells from Panasonic Industry,’ comments Robert Spiegler, Lead Product Manager at Panasonic Industry.

Micro-energy harvesting for self-sufficient microsystems is developing rapidly and has great potential for growth in the near future. New technical advancements in energy-efficient microcontrollers, sensor technology, and communication protocols are driving innovation, particularly in industrial applications. The trend toward a highly interconnected world further drives this growth, with sensors and devices increasingly exchanging data. These products need to be durable, maintenance-free and easy to install. For example self-sufficient sensors based on micro-energy harvesting, e.g. by using small solar cells as a power source, significantly reduce maintenance costs. In addition, radio-based, energy self-sufficient systems do not require any cables to be installed, which reduces both material and installation costs.

Emphasising sustainability criteria such as product lifespan and energy efficiency is vital in our consumer-driven society for preserving our quality of life. Micro-energy harvesting stands out as a practical solution, promising significant power efficiency gains across diverse applications.

Modern micro-energy-harvesting offers great potential for many contemporary industrial applications – it makes saving resources and energy a lot easier.

A case-by-case consideration of feasibility is sensible and necessary. This is where the expertise from Panasonic Industry can help. Panasonic has experience in the field of solar cell-based micro-energy harvesting and can accurately assess feasibility given the available data, both for indoor and outdoor applications.

“Micro-energy-harvesting is definitely a sensible alternative that should be scrutinised,” says Spiegler.

Target markets and applications

There is great potential in the Industrial IoT sector in particular. Wireless, self-powered sensors for condition or room monitoring are possible fields of application. The location monitoring of devices and machines, or of assets in general, can also be realised with the help of micro-energy harvesting. Service-intensive segments such as nursing and care for the elderly, in which battery replacement by the user is not feasible, represent another useful area of application. Here, system availability can be improved, maintenance intervals extended and maintenance costs for the service provider reduced.

The watch industry has already discovered and successfully implemented solar cell-based energy harvesting. Panasonic offers customised solutions for this industry.

Generally speaking, wherever primary batteries are used, such as for remote controls or toys, a rethink in terms of sustainability makes sense. The Federal Ministry for the Environment also recommends the use of rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries) as opposed to disposable batteries (primary batteries). In combination with energy harvesting, long-lasting systems can be developed that guarantee automatic, user-independent recharging.

Where is the journey going with the new Amorton portfolio – even more flexible, more powerful, more aesthetic?

Panasonic’s greatest strength lies in its experience in the field of solar cell-based energy harvesting in the microelectronics sector. “We know all the teething troubles and have eliminated them,” comments Spiegler. Panasonic is very service-orientated, i.e. it can produce solar cells according to customer requirements. To date, the company offers hydrogenated amorphous solar cells for indoor and outdoor applications, both on glass substrates and on film substrates. The use of materials is low, as it is a thin-film technology. Panasonic will also soon be expanding its product portfolio by launching a new product line that is optimised for mobile applications, i.e. for both indoor and outdoor use.

In April 2024, Panasonic launched new indoor solar cells on glass substrates. The aesthetics were improved, also the efficiency was increased by 20% per cm² compared to the previous indoor cells. Panasonic is also developing a highly flexible film-based hybrid cell that fulfils industry standards.

The general objectives are:

-          Improve product aesthetics to ensure graceful full integration into the end product

-          To further improve the efficiency per cm²

-          To increase user-friendliness

-          To reduce product and manufacturing costs

All this was achieved without compromising on quality and durability.

New technologies not only save resources, but also offer additional options – such as dynamic pricing at the touchpoint through shelf labelling.

Micro-energy harvesting can take business models to another level. Dynamic prices through shorter update cycles for electronic shelf labels are one example. Extending service intervals is another. In addition, the emotional aspect must not be forgotten. Creating long-lasting and low-maintenance products can increase customer loyalty and brand awareness.

Remarks Spiegler: “My very old solar-based pocket calculator comes to mind. Admittedly, the battery is gone, but a little ambient light breathes new life into the calculator thanks to the amorphous solar cell. I'm not going to dispose of the calculator! It's a part of me! It has been a reliable companion since I was twelve years old, and that evokes emotions!

“I've even gone so far as to have built up a positive emotional bond with the brand. I will buy another calculator from the same brand for my son, as I know how long-lasting amorphous solar cells are.”