Network aims to make most of energy harvesting technology

A new Energy Harvesting Network to be launched could mean unlimited power supplies for industry, according to the University of Southampton's School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS).

The network, which is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will bring together UK academic and industrial researchers and end users of energy harvesting technology. The network plans to define new research challenges and stimulate collaborative research proposals, as well as ensure more effective dissemination on the current and future capabilities of energy harvesting technologies. Dr Steve Beeby from ECS' Electronic Systems and Devices Group, said that this is good news for industry as it will create a power supply that will last the lifetime of a device and avoid downtime due to batteries failing. Dr Beeby said: "Batteries have to be recharged or replaced. Energy harvesting is a potential alternative power supply that will outlast the application." The network will be launched on 1st March.