IoT System Using Solar Cell “Powerfoyle” Eliminates the Need for Battery Replacement | NEXTY Electronics, a trading company for electronic components and semiconductors.

Background and Social Issues

The use of IoT devices, including sensor devices and communication functions, is increasing in all types of facilities such as factories and warehouses. However, a stable power supply is necessary to collect and transmit data from sensors in real time.

Securing power for devices has become a major challenge, and the hassle of battery replacement and securing installation locations for power sources hinder the spread and efficient operation of IoT systems.

Solution

The IoT system without battery replacement developed by our company combines Exeger Operations AB’s (hereinafter: EXEGER) solar cell “Powerfoyle,” NGK INSULATORS, LTD.’s (hereinafter: NGK INSULATORS) rechargeable battery “EnerCera®,” and Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.’s (hereinafter: Nisshinbo Micro Devices) energy harvest DC-DC converter to eliminate the need for battery replacement and solve the power challenges of IoT devices

Key Item Features and Benefits

Solar cell “Powerfoyle”: A next-generation solar cell that uses dyes to absorb light and generate electrons from that energy, enabling power generation even with indoor light. It is a lightweight, flexible renewable energy solution with high design freedom and excellent durability.
Rechargeable battery “EnerCera”: Ultra-thin and bendable with low self-discharge, capable of charging using even weak power generation from solar cells without loss.
Energy harvest DC-DC converter: A device that converts extracted minimal power into a practical voltage. It features control functions that achieve low current consumption and maximize power generation efficiency.

Continuous power supply from Powerfoyle charges EnerCera, and intermittent operation efficiently supplies power to the sensor device only when needed. This cycle suppresses power consumption and realizes continuous operation without battery replacement.

Furthermore, it supports our in-house developed Android app and cloud, enabling display of sensor measurement data on smartphones and browsers.

Our Strengths

We support customers by utilizing the technology and knowledge gained from developing PoC (Proof of Concept) in the products we handle. We provide optimal solutions according to customer needs through technical advice and product introductions.
Leveraging our position as a trading company, we collaborate with various partner companies such as EXEGER, NGK INSULATORS, and Nisshinbo Micro Devices to realize sustainable energy solutions by combining advanced technologies.

The IoT system without battery replacement solves the power issue for various sensor devices installed in factories and warehouses, providing a sustainable energy solution. It realizes business efficiency and sustainable operation.

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