Modeling and Optimization of Energy Harvesting Systems with Regard to Availability of Power Supply and Minimization of Environmental Impacts: Abstract

Self-sufficient energy-supply through implementation of energy harvesting technologies in microsystems presents a key-feature for innovative wireless long-term applications. As previously conducted studies have shown, each harvesting technology bears potentially critical materials. However, use of energy harvesting technologies can lead to a significant reduction of environmental impacts in comparison to conventional battery-based solutions in case reasonable system dimensions can be achieved. As a consequence, one of the main challenges during system-design is to guarantee a stable power-output even under non-ideal ambient conditions whilst minimizing dimensions and use of environmentally harmful materials. In this paper we present a systemoriented modelling framework, which allows precise simulation of the available power on a modular, expandable basis. The thermoelectric energy-conversion chain is exemplarily modelled in order to supply a micro system for condition monitoring purposes in industry. Measurement data of temperature loads occurring at this typical application scenario as well as real loads of the consuming electronics are directly coupled to the model. Environmental impacts are then evaluated in comparison to a conventional, battery-powered system