Radio sensors can monitor installations at locations which are difficult to get to and thus support automation. In these circumstances the energy supply is an important consideration; In order to remove the need for batteries and the associated servicing work, it is now possible to use energy from the surrounding environment by harvesting energy.
Piezoelements convert the kinetic energy from vibrations or shocks in the surrounding environment into electrical energy, and when equipped with the appropriate electronics they can create an autonomous system. PI’s robust DuraAct piezo actuators are laminated in plastic and are perfect for energy harvesting. They are reliable, durable and simple to handle and can even utilise displacements up to the millimeter.
