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Development of solar-powered IoT solutions for Elforsk project

February 13, 2023

We are happy to have contributed to the project: "Solar-powered IoT solutions - Green IoT". Other contributors to the project were DTU Fotonik, Nordic Firefly and Out-sider. It is funded by the Elforsk initiative (Dansk Energi's R&D programme) and contributes towards the following Sustainable Development Goals: 
•    Affordable and clean energy
•    Industry, innovation and infrastructure
•    Responsible consumption and production
•    Climate action



A CO2-neutral solar-powered IoT platform


The goal of the project


The goal was to cut down on the consumption of batteries and combine security of supply and mobility. The innovation needed to achieve the most energy-efficient lighting within measuring equipment or lighting fixture. 


How does it work?


This project consists of a CO2-neutral IoT platform that is 100% powered by solar energy using Presto’s Energy Harvesting solution “Finlaggan”. The solar-powered sensor node based on the Finlaggan ASIC enables the integration of sensors, such as a motion sensor. Then, the sensor is connected to the LoRaWAN® network and can send data or activate a functionality via an associated cloud server designed by Presto.
The solution developed will help solar-powered lights to be integrated into multiple types of IoT systems. It has been demonstrated in 4 use cases: BIKE-SUN, JELLO, Quark and Redningsstige.
The unique solution will be a launch pad towards more solar-powered outdoor lighting. The project answers the global need to reduce light pollution in cities and the standards from the International Dark Sky Association.


Presto’s energy harvesting solution


Managing the power is one of the main challenges of IoT. Indeed, typical IoT products are small devices, which require small energy harvesters. Thus, the energy must be harvested, stored and used only when a sufficient amount of energy is available. Each step in the energy harvesting, storage and use must be optimized to provide the most optimal operation of the end product. 


Since 2009, Presto has designed and implemented energy harvesting-powered systems. This power management IP is called Finlaggan. It controls efficient power storage, operation of the load, sleep duration, and it helps the end product achieve energy neutral operation. Thus, it combines several advantages:
- Intelligent and flexible power management
- Customized for a wide range of applications
- It enables the creation of ultra low-power and miniaturized IoT platforms 

 

Want to know more about our energy harvesting ASIC solution?