New ways to harness energy at the press of a button

EnOcean’s batteryless wireless technology harvests energy entirely from its surroundings – from light, differences in temperature or motion. Mechanical energy converters, for instance, can produce the energy needed to transmit a wireless signal just from the press of a button. The magnetic flux is suddenly reversed by a coil as soon as a spring mechanism reaches a snap-over point.



Complete energy-autonomous system

The ECO 200 energy converter is the latest advancement of these mechanical energy generators. It comes with even more efficient energy conversion, less noise emission plus higher load capability. A further benefit of the new-generation converter is its simple installation. The batteryless PTM 330 wireless module can be connected to the energy converter by spring contacts, with no soldering. This PTM 330 module features four digital inputs to map up to four switching states. Additionally, an interface allows configuration of the content of the wireless telegrams during manufacture of a user device. Like every EnOcean wireless module, the PTM 330 also has a unique 32-bit identification number to eliminate any overlap with other wireless sensors. Wireless range is up to 30 metres inside buildings and 300 metres in the open. With versions for both 868 MHz and 315 MHz the PTM 330 is suitable for applications worldwide.



This complete ready-to-go system means that OEMs, with just mechanical expertise, can speedily and simply implement their switching solutions enabled by energy harvesting wireless technology. Furthermore, being interoperable the EnOcean wireless standard allows straightforward combination of products with industrial controls and receivers from a wide range of different manufacturers.



Diversity of use

Application possibilities for the energy harvesting wireless ECO 200 plus PTM 330 system range from handheld transmitters, window and door sensors through to transmitters for access data to position switches or a variety of industrial switches. Handheld transmitters powered by the system can be used to control gates and garages, or to call a nurse from a hospital bed, for example. Another application that has already been implemented is wireless testing of cable harness in automobile production. The press of a button generates enough energy to determine if the individual components are properly attached to the cable harness. Furthermore, the technology can be used to develop batteryless vermin traps or batteryless stop buttons in a city buses. Enabled by energy harvesting wireless technology, all devices are absolutely maintenance-free and function without cabling.



“The versatility of this energy-harvesting technology, comprising energy converter and wireless module, introduces a new array of maintenance-free, wireless switching solutions, for use in any situation where a button is pressed. There are so many new opportunities, especially in industry,” says Armin Anders, head of product management and co-founder of EnOcean GmbH. “At the same time we offer our OEM partners highly flexible product development support including first-class 2D and 3D data, as well as enabling the low-cost manufacture of volume production.”