Project to present first standardised, traceable approach to measuring Energy Harvesting at PTB

Europe’s energy harvesting community will descend on Braunschweig next month to hear the results of a three year multi-national research project to apply academically backed standardisation and metrology principles to the technology for the first time to support its commercial application and development.

Delegates will receive in-depth briefings on a range of new tools and best practice for the measurement of energy harvesting performance including techniques focused on specific technologies such as piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electrostatic and magnetostrictive energy harvesting.

Energy harvesting’s time has come. Tiny devices that scavenge wasted energy could boost European industry, improve its green credentials and create a multibillion pound market themselves. Many industries including construction, transport, automotive, mobile communication, and sensors and instrumentation are already investigating the potential of EH devices. However the industry urgently requires agreement on measurement standards in order to provide certainty to the market on what they can deliver and prevent unfounded claims harming confidence in the technology.

The Metrology for Energy Harvesting project brings together Europe’s seven leading measurement institutes, who for the last three years have developed the measurement tools and methods to support European industry in the advancement and application of energy harvesting technologies.

As well as hearing from the project leaders, attendees will delegates will have the opportunity to input into the future metrological requirements in this area and the best ways of ensuring energy harvesting’s commercial success. There is also the choice of attending one of two workshops run by world leading experts that provide more in-depth insights into either electro-mechanical (including piezoelectric) or thermoelectric technologies and their application.

Dr Ernst Lenz, PTB said: “The lack of accurate and standardised measurement in energy harvesting is hindering the development, innovation and market acceptance of these devices as well as efforts to improve efficient use of waste energy in industry and commercial products. Over the past three years the Metrology for Energy Harvesting project has pooled Europe’s academic measurement and material science expertise, and with input from industry backers looked to address this issue through thoroughly researched rigorous and traceable measurement techniques. We strongly believe that the work we will present at the end of August will in time enable industry and consumers to directly compare different EH technologies such as thermoelectric and vibrational harvesting devices. This increased market confidence will increase and industrial investment and further down the line lower costs, increase energy efficiency, and improve sustainability.”

For more information contact the event organisers – energy-harvesting@npl.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Metrology for Energy Harvesting Project brings together Europe's world-leading expertise in measurement, energy harvesting and systems engineering. Partners include many of Europe's national measurement institutes. It aims to address challenges involved in developing traceable measurements and standards (particularly vibrational and thermal EH) to provide Europe with the metrological framework, technical capability and scientific knowledge to enable the development of effective, commercially successful EH technologies.

2.Agenda:

Wed 28th August (evening): reception for delegates – drinks & buffet

Thurs 29th August
10:00 – 12:30 Industry Meeting
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch & poster session
14:00 – 17:00 Parallel sessions for workshops:
o Workshop 1 Electro-mechanical Energy Harvesting
o Workshop 2 Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting