Solar Power World

• Tweet

• Tweet

Energy harvesting collects light energy using solar or photovoltaic cells, piezoelectrics generate it from pressure, kinetic energy from movement and inductive energy from rotation or motion. These generate enough low levels of current to power wireless sensors. However, capturing and storing sufficient power for wireless applications has been a challenge.

OptiXtal SuperXcaps or supercapacitors will make remote sensors more functional  because they are more efficient at storing energy gained from the environment than are systems based on batteries. These recharge slowly and lose their ability to hold a charge after a few hundred cycles. SuperXcaps however recharge in seconds and offer 500,000 or more charge/discharge cycles before it needs a changeout.

The supercapacitors are ultra-thin and ultra-light. Their outer shell a metallic membrane and the flexible bendable packets can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Capacitance values can be matched to the power requirements of the application. This lets designers fit them in small, tight spaces. In addition design changes to the sensor’s circuit architecture are likely to be unnecessary.

Most conventional supercapacitors are manufactured in a battery-like metallic housing with a hard exterior shell. This construction offers little design flexibility.

SuperXcap supercapacitors can be arranged in series, parallel, or any other design configuration where bridge technology makes sense.