ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEMS FOR REMOTE SENSORS: LOW-POWER SOLUTIONS FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS.

Abstract

This study investigates energy harvesting systems for remote sensors within the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on sustainable, low-power solutions to enhance sensor longevity and operational efficiency. It evaluates four primary energy harvesting techniques solar, vibration, thermal, and radio frequency (RF) in diverse environmental conditions, determining their effectiveness in powering IoT sensors. The research reveals that solar energy harvesting is the most efficient method, offering the highest power output under optimal sunlight, followed by vibration energy harvesting in industrial and transportation settings. While thermal and RF energy harvesting exhibit lower power yields, they remain viable for specific applications. Furthermore, the study explores hybrid energy storage solutions, combining supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, to optimize energy storage and ensure continuous sensor operation. The findings underscore the potential of hybrid energy harvesting systems for large-scale IoT deployments, with recommendations for future research focused on self-healing materials, predictive systems, and advanced nanomaterials to further enhance energy harvesting efficiency.