Wireless energy autonomous light sensor for automotive applications

The primary goal of this research work is to develop a new kind of light sensor for automotive applications to switch the headlights of a car automatically. In contrast to the commonly used wired light sensors, this new concept implements solar energy harvesting as power supply and a low power wireless communication interface to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle. With the new features the proposed light sensor can act as a completely self-supporting device without any wired connection. The sensor can be retrofitted by customers without professional maintenance support. This work focuses on the detailed analysis of energy harvesting solutions for safe and reliable wireless connections. Furthermore, a prototype hardware has been created to demonstrate the reliable wireless operation.