Intravehicular Energy-Harvesting Wireless Networks: Reducing Costs and Emissions

Vehicles have mutated from mechanical systems into cyberphysical systems featuring a large number of electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and actuators. The wiring harnesses used for the transmission of data and power delivery for these components may have up to 4,000 parts, weigh as much as 40 kg, and contain up to 4 km of wiring. The amount of wiring is expected to grow as vehicles evolve and begin to include enhanced active safety features and, eventually, self-driving capabilities and diversified sensing resources. Consequently, the ability to eliminate wires in vehicles is a compelling value proposition; it decreases part, manufacturing, and maintenance costs and improves fuel efficiency and, therefore, greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it may spur innovation by providing an open architecture to accommodate new components, offering the potential for growth in automotive applications-possibly similar to the computer and phone industry over the past decade.