Successful Energy Harvesting by ZF
Auerbach. The use of batteries is increasing exponentially as is the requirement for various forms of portable power-consuming products. The negative environmental impacts are now well known, but with the development of the Energy Harvesting Product Range, ZF Friedrichshafen AG is offering an eco-friendly alternative solution.
Based on the principle of electromechanical Energy Harvesting which removes the need for wires and batteries, ZF has developed an RF switch that generates enough electrical energy to transmit RF signals just by the push of a button.
With its compact size of 20.1 x 7.3 x 14.3 mm the generator is currently the smallest and most powerful on the market. It produces a typical output of 450 µJ when actuated and simultaneously during the release function. Due to its wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, the ZF Energy Harvesting generator can be used for many applications including smart home technology, building automation and industrial installations.
With its long lifetime of up to 1 million switching cycles, the generator is a serious competitor to battery-powered switching solutions. Being wireless, the generator can be placed on surfaces like glass, wood or concrete and offers the possibility to be installed indoors or outdoors offering a high level of flexibility and ease of use.
The generator is available in monostable (momentary) or bistable (latching) forms. The ZF range also includes “ready to use” rocker and snap switches for industrial automation applications, compatible receivers are available in a convenient PCB only “stamp” or fully packaged version.
The Energy Harvesting technology, the design and the construction of products and applications have been patented by ZF.
For further information the energy harvesting solutions from ZF, please visit the Energy Harvesting Section
