| KEYWORD |
Design of a hybrid power supply module for ultra-low-power sensor networks
keywords ENERGY HARVESTING, SENSOR NETWORKS
Reference persons FLAVIO CANAVERO
External reference persons Andrea Figura
Research Groups EMC Group (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Description Context:
Energy harvesting is the process by which energy is derived from external sources (e.g. solar power, EM power, thermal energy, wind energy, etc ...), captured, and stored for supplying small devices.
Energy-harvesting technologies are fundamental in enabling the realization of ‘‘zero-power’’ wireless sensors and their increasing utilization in low-power and power-efficient sensors and electronics could potentially find application in numerous critical areas ranging from health, agricultural, structural health monitoring to logistics, localization, and security. It is not always possible to use the ambient RF energy to provide enough power to microcontrollers with wireless connection, thus a battery should be used as energy storage device.
Objectives:
The aim of this project is to design a hybrid power supply module for microcontrollers using battery and energy harvesting. The system should be able to self sustain its activity for many years without the need of maintenance.
Procedure:
The project will start with a research of current methodologies, circuits and commercial integrated circuits able to recharge a Li-Ion or Li-Po battery pack using the ambient RF energy. The following step will be the design and production of an actual circuit to be tested.
Required skills The candidate should be a student in electrical or electronic engineering. Knowledge of basic laboratory instrumentation and analogue circuit design is preferred.
Deadline 26/05/2015
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA