Internet of Things – Measure climatic values economically and safely
Freiburg researchers are developing the world’s first battery-free internet sensor to monitor art and cultural objects – Presentation at the Exponatec in Cologne
Tens of thousands of mini sensors are only woken up when needed
The internet sensor uses a patented wake <up radio technology, which allows tens of thousands of mini sensors to be “woken up” from deep sleep on demand, so that the measured data can be collected. This makes the system 10,000 times more economical than conventional radio solutions. Both the internet sensor and the mini sensors are supplied with energy via indoor solar cells and can also be operated in low light conditions. They require at least 50 lux. When there is less than 50 lux, an integrated energy buffer with an operating lifespan of several decades can be utilised.
Simplicity meets economy
This eliminates additional costs for base stations and battery changes. Another new feature is the use of special coatings on the solar cells, which allow the components to be colour-matched to the exhibition rooms. The monitoring system uses the newest generation of
Practical development
“We have intensively discussed the practical requirements for the sensor with the Deutsches Museum”, says Tolgay Ungan. Expert requirements have already been incorporated into the development. At the Institute for Microsystem Technology at the University of Freiburg, so-called energy harvesting technologies have been researched for a long time, with the aim of being able to operate microsystems in an energy self-sufficient and therefore battery-free manner. They would use energy from the environment, record sensor values and send these wirelessly. Until now, these microsystems were able to obtain their energy from mechanical movement, temperature difference (Peltier effect), light (solar cells) or even blood glucose (fuel cells), but were only able to transmit a radio signal to a permanently accessible base station after collecting energy for a long time.
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