Wireless Sensors: Is Energy-Harvesting Possible?

March 21, 2014

A reader sent us the following "Real Answers" question, can you help us answer it?

We'll save ourselves and our customers significant money by using wireless sensors in places to connect multiple machines across varying distances, many in the 1000-ft range.

First issue: Update rates will vary from 10/sec to 1/sec with some others transmitting on status-change only. So we have options for powering the sensors. At these rates, can we use energy-harvesting methods? What's the general state of battery life for these conditions? There even are a few spots where PV is an option.

Second issue: We hear that the level of encryption has a big effect on battery life, which no one seems to talk about. Any practical advice for these issues?

Sponsored Recommendations

2024 State of Technology: Report: Sensors, Vision & Machine Safety

Manufacturing rarely takes place in a vacuum. Workers must be protected from equipment. And equipment must be protected. Sensing technology, vision systems and safety components...

Enclosure Cooling Primer

Learn more about enclosure cooling in this helpful primer.

Ultra-fast, ultra-accurate linear indexing

NSK integrates advanced automation and drive technologies to deliver high capacity, high speed, ultra-precise indexing and positioning in a compact, flexible linear actuator: ...

Non-Metallic Enclosures Compared to Metallic Enclosures

What you want from your enclosure is long-term, productive service. Knowing your application, enclosure materials and the environment in which it will be located will help.