Holistic System Design Approach For Embedded Energy Harvesting Systems In Real-World Applications (Energy Harvesting and Storage Europe 2016)

This presentation discusses the prerequisites, requirements and constraints which need to be considered in the conception and implementation of real-world self-sufficient embedded systems. The proposed design procedure is based on a holistic system approach in which both the consumption and the generation side are designed for the constraints of energy harvesting systems. We present applications using thermoelectric generators (TEG) and inductive harvesters designed using this process. The novelty we show is a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of self-sufficient systems for powering a DC-Motor as an actuator for a valve. Furthermore the limitations of energy harvesting with regard to the application are discussed.

Juan-Mario Gruber studied Electronics at RWTH Aachen University. He made his PhD in the fields of process control of injection moulding. At the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH-Aachen he was head of the research group for Process Control and Quality Assurance at the Injection Moulding department. After that he worked for Kistler Instrumente AG, Switzerland, as head of development and head of business field "Production Monitoring". Today he is professor and head of the research area "Energy Autarkic Embedded Systems" at the Institute of Embedded Systems at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. Teaching, research, continuing education and other services are both scientifically-based and practice-oriented.

As one of the leading Engineering Faculties in Switzerland, the ZHAW School of Engineering emphasises topics which will be relevant in the future. Distributed systems embedded in processes, also called Cyber-Physical-Systems (CPS), as well as industrial communications solutions, form the core competencies of the Institute of Embedded Systems (InES). Thanks to their networking between themselves and the Internet, these systems make up the Internet of Things, which is increasingly pervading all spheres of life. Our mission is developing products, implementing projects, transferring innovative solutions into practice and research.