Energy sources for IoT

Purpose and goal

The project, in the form of a pre study, has aimed at making a comprehensive survey of the need for energy supply for IoT applications based on printed electronics. Three typical cases for Internet of Things applications have been analyzed; industrial, outdoor and home environment. For each scope, requirements have been identified and appropriate energy sources and storage methods have been proposed. In all three cases, it is likely that a system can be realized with printing technique (or produced with print like methods).

Results and expected effects

The project has identified the need for energy supply of IoT applications based on printed electronics. The project results are very valuable for further work in the area, since a sufficiently cheap energy supply together with the possibility for mass-production is a requirement for a large scale commercialization of IoT applications.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out by three partners: HiQ who, as consulting firm represents a wide range of business and industry, Acreo as research institute with experience, expertise and customers in printed electronics and IoT and Linköping University (organic electronics) with expertise in materials research and printed/organic components. The combination of competences has been important for performing the project and the result, the overview of energy sources, is an important tool for the further development for all three parties.