Internet of Things (IoT) success is dependent on tiny communication devices and instead of powering those machines by fossil fuels, they can be run on wind or solar energy, say scientists. Researchers now have a new solution in the form of a single device that harvests wind and solar energy to power the extensive network of tiny communications devices. Ya Yang, Zhong Lin Wang and colleagues integrated two energy harvesting technologies in one — a silicon solar cell and a nanogenerator that can convert wind energy into electrical output.
The solar cell component of the system delivers eight milliWatts of power output (one milliWatt can light up 100 small LEDs). The wind harvesting component delivers up to 26 milliWatts. Together, under simulated sun and wind conditions, four devices Read More
