Micro energy harvesting – a novel supply concept for distributed and embedded microsystems

Abstract:
The application of distributed and embedded microsystems will not proceed without a reliable, simple and durable energy supply. Today, most supply concepts rely on exhaustible batteries or other methods of energy storage that do frequently hinder the application of an embedded microsystem. In this situation, “micro energy harvesting”, i.e. the conversion of local ambient energy for the microsystem’s supply is a promising strategy. Despite the obvious advantages of this concept, research is still in its beginning. This paper describes the requirements for a reliable micro energy harvesting and gives a brief introduction into the state of the art.