Environment-Monitoring IoT Devices Powered by a TEG Which Converts Thermal Flux between Air and Near-Surface Soil into Electrical Energy

• DOI: 10.3390/s21238098
• Publication Date: 2021-12-06T08:10:38Z
• Authors: Tereza Paterova; Michal Prauzek; Jaromir Konecny; Stepan Ozana; Petr Zmij; Martin Stankus; Dieter Weise; Alexander Pierer
• Keywords: Thermoelectric generator; Thermal energy; Electric potential energy

Energy harvesting has an essential role in the development of reliable devices for environmental wireless sensor networks (EWSN) Internet Things (IoT), without considering need to replace discharged batteries. Thermoelectric energy is a renewable source that can be exploited order efficiently charge battery. The paper presents simulation environment monitoring device powered by thermoelectric generator (TEG) harvests from temperature difference between air and soil. represents mathematical description EWSN, which consists model DC/DC boost converter via TEG load, simulates data transmission, control algorithm collection. results section provides detailed harvested parameters properties their possibilities use. allows supplying load with average power 129.04 μW maximum 752.27 μW. first part examines process differences daily amount energy. second comprehensive analysis various settings EWSN device's operational period sleep consumption. study investigates number cycles, quantity used, discharge time, failures overheads.