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Energy Harvesting

There are many different types of energy sources around us, including thermal, chemical, optical, vibration, and radio frequency.  Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) offers solutions for utilizing all of these energy sources with its multiple products.

Solutions for energy harvesting

Thermal power generation (power generation by fingertip body heat)

Power Generation at the Touch of a Finger

Using an AP4473 step-up DC-DC converter for thermal energy and a Peltier element, the AP4473 harvests thermal energy at the fingertip (body temperature).

Power generation source used

  • Peltier element TEC1-04901
  • Heat sink Z-HS-202115TM (Zspowertech)
  • Ambient temperature: approx. 25[℃]
  • Heat source Fingertip (body temperature)

Chemical power generation (power generation from a few drops of water)

Power Generation with a Few Drops of Water

Using the AP4470 step-up DC-DC converter, water droplets and a wire, the energy produced by the chemical reaction between water and metal is harvested.

Power generation source used

  • Cathode: Stainless steel wire, approx. 20[cm]
  • Anode: Aluminium wire, approx. 20[cm]
  • Separator for insulation between electrodes: 1 sheet of tissue paper
  • Water drop Tap water

Photovoltaic generation (power generation by indoor light)

Light energy can be collected even without solar cells

Light energy from LED lighting is collected using a step-up DC-DC converter AP4470 and a photodiode.

Power generation source used

  • Photodiode S6775S (Hamamatsu Photonics)
  • Light source: LED lighting (approx. 700[lux])

Can drive systems with high power consumption even by using indoor light

By harvesting light energy from LED lighting with the AP4470 and solar cell, operation of CO₂ sensors of Senseair and analog signal analysis (FFT) become possible.

Even if the power harvested is small, a system with a large power consumption can be driven by increasing the time of collection.

Environmental power generation beacon kits now available 

This kit can be easily demonstrated by combining it with a power generation element. The generated power can be used to activate the Bluetooth® Low Energy IC. A data receiving application (Android app) is also included. If you would like to order an evaluation kit, please contact us through the inquiry form below.

For details, please refer to the Environmental Power Generation Beacon Kit APD4470/73-1595A manual below.

Download

* Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Evaluation kit with wireless functionality Evaluation kit with wireless functionality

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Inquiries about Energy Harvesting

For inquiries such as the product, sample, estimate of the evaluation board, purchase, introduction of distributors, product specifications, technical information, and reference materials for the product, please fill in the inquiry form and send it to us.

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