Man's Next Migration

Remote radio sensors require long-running rechargeable batteries to keep them running. But still, regular maintenance is needed to ensure that the power is stable or if it needs replacement.

Researchers develop new sensors that require no wiring and maintenance for years to come. Siemens call these “energy autarkic radio sensors” which get their energy from their surroundings and only as needed. The sensors are either equipped with solar cells, thermocouples that convert differences in temperature to energy, and piezoelectric components that use vibrations to generate power.

Closed loop systems will greatly benefit from these developments especially in the construction of space stations or spaceships where regular maintenance is costly or risky for humans. Essentially, these remote radio sensors are“install and forget” devices that can be used to monitor states in complex or hard to reach locations.

Source