Ambient Energy Harvesting for Residential Microgrid Distributed Sensor Systems

Microgrids are localized, independent power grids that can operate while connected to the larger electrical grid. These systems make intelligent decisions regarding power management and use an array of components to monitor power generation, consumption, and environmental conditions. While this technology can save end users money, the complexity of installation and maintenance has limited the adoption of microgrids in residential spaces. To simplify this technology for end users, the next evolution of microgrid components includes sensors that are wireless and ambiently powered. Even with a microgrid installed, significant energy is wasted in residential spaces. To address this loss, energy harvesting circuits can be incorporated into microgrid sensors, enabling them to recapture otherwise wasted environmental energy. Light and heat are abundant in most residential spaces. Equipping microgrid sensors with energy harvesters simplifies the end user experience by eliminating the need for cable routing. Implementing energy harvesting techniques results in a microgrid that is easier to deploy, cleaner, and requires less maintenance. This paper discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a hybrid energy harvesting and battery-powered sensor. The sensor's performance is assessed through a series of experiments, demonstrating its potential to operate autonomously and reliably for a decade or more without requiring maintenance.