D.2 Application-specific power supply

PhD Student: Karola Rühle

The development of energy-self-sufficient micro-sensor networks in buildings is a fast-growing market and an important R&D sector. Advanced energy management systems in smart grids and ambient assisted living require significant innovation in this field. Photovoltaic energy harvesting is a promising way of energy generation for indoor applications. Commercial solar cells today are optimized with respect to the sun spectrum and the peak sun intensity under clear skies. In order to develop a photovoltaic harvesting system for indoor applications the solar cells must be optimized for entirely different conditions. This thesis focuses on developing and producing an optimized solar cell for micro-sensor network system and other low-power applications.

Photovoltaic energy harvesting systems to power an LED with a selection of different solar cells.