This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Advances in Energy Harvesting Technologies provides an insight into the emerging energy harvesting technologies based on ambient energy sources. The research analyzes the technology and market drivers, challenges, and trends, which affect the growth of energy harvesting technology. It also includes a brief study on future energy harvesting techniques using electro-active polymers. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: piezoelectric, thermoelectric, photovoltaic, electromagnetic, mechanical-based energy harvesting technologies for sensors, and wireless sensor networks and low-power applications.

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Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Wireless sensor networks
• Automotive and Industrial
• Medical
• Aerospace & Defense
• Low power devices

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Piezoelectric harvesting technologies
• Thermoelectric harvesting technologies
• Photovoltaic harvesting technologies
• Electromagnetic harvesting technologies
• Mechanical-based energy harvesting technologies

Need for Cost-effective and Maintenance-free Applications Paves the Way for the Development of Technologies Using Ambient Energy

With the growing need to minimize maintenance and replacement costs, many users are turning to alternative technologies to power devices. Hence, an increasing demand for low-power applications that are highly reliable and cost-effective is creating an ideal platform for energy harvesting devices. As energy harvesters are compatible with various electronic devices, they are capable of replacing batteries and other conventional sources of power.

Energy harvesting devices harnessing ambient energy sources can essentially provide an unlimited source of electricity for low-power applications. As they have the potential to replace batteries, problems of toxic waste arising from disposed batteries can be avoided. Hence, the technology can provide solutions to meet stringent rules, which monitor power consumption and environmental waste in many countries. "There is a lot of scope for this technology due to the increasing consumer awareness about the need for using ambient energy sources for power and environment-friendly technology," note the analysts of this research service. "Being an emerging technology, success is tied with its acceptance in the market, which in turn depends on improving performance metrics such as output power and device efficiency compared to conventional technology."

Energy Harvesting Devices Can Expand Their Application Base with Advances in R&D

Presently, energy harvesting devices are limited to applications related to sensors, due to their low output power capability. Researchers are investigating different techniques and sources to improve the output power and efficiency of energy harvesting devices.

"With the advancements in materials, output power, efficiency, and other performance metrics, energy harvesting technology can find use in portable devices, lighting and temperature controllers in buildings and other new applications in aerospace, medical, automotive and so on," cite the analysts.