IDTechEx's new research report, "Piezoelectric Harvest and Sensing 2019-2039," is the first to bring it all together. Milliwatts or megawatts: where will piezoelectric success lie? Why is the life sciences pursuing so many self-powered sensors? Can we combine piezoelectric and solar technology to charge cars on the go? Piezo performs well in heavy traffic; in light traffic, solar power also performs well. As the report makes clear, we need something more affordable and less toxic than traditional lead zirconate titanate. Which researchers and startups promise this? Why is the new piezotronic technology, which combines semiconductor and piezoelectric devices, so exciting?
New materials, devices, formats, and applications are being explored, including paint, film, wide-area sensing, and the generation of megawatts. A balanced assessment based on numerous new interviews presents both the positive and negative aspects of "Piezoelectric Harvest and Sensing 2019-2039." This includes the struggle for widespread deployment of broadband piezoelectric harvesters. It also means that the elusive standard vibration harvesters are performing well in the real world.
This 241-page report includes a comprehensive executive summary and conclusions for those with limited time. Ten key findings are presented, followed by new infographics packed with data. Eleven forecasts are included for relevant devices and markets for piezo harvesters and sensors, covering patent trends, popularity, and initiators. The vibration harvesting market is assessed in its entirety, and pathways to success in piezoelectric harvesting are mapped. Piezo is also presented within the context of all harvesting markets, categorized by size through 2029.
Chapter 2 is the introduction. It examines all piezo harvesting technologies in context. Their parameters and uses are compared with other harvesting methods. Promising improvements are revealed to make piezoelectric harvesters successful. Material choices are compared parameter by parameter with the latest developments. Operating modes and standards are compared, and multifunctional harvesters are introduced.
Chapter 3 delves into the theory and fundamentals of crystallography as applied to device and system design. This is brought to life by outlining several recent research advances. New lead-free morphologies are presented, along with how to achieve wide acoustic bandwidth and increased power. Learn about flexible polymers and piezoelectrics, and system design, including battery elimination.
Chapter 4 specifically addresses piezoelectric polymers for sensing and energy harvesting. Chapter 5 covers low-power energy harvesting and piezoelectric sensors in consumer goods, healthcare, and more. Piezoelectric flags, wireless sensors, controllers, and MEMS are all covered. The challenges of thin-film versions are explained, and many more examples of promising future applications are presented.
Chapter 6 explores high-power piezoelectric harvesting with the most in-depth coverage of the largest current research investment: piezoelectric highways. Other targets and facilities covered include wave energy, rotating machinery, and floors.
Chapter 7 analyzes integration with other harvesters, including woven and stretchable versions, as well as candles and wearables. Chapter 8 takes a close look at piezoelectric sensors: materials including newcomers, transducers, functions, signal processing, advantages, challenges, and expectations. Multifunctional sensing is explored here, along with a wealth of applications. Chapter 9 profiles 54 organizations involved in piezoelectric sensing and harvesting, from materials research to distribution, through new interviews and the latest conference announcements.
Author: By Dr. Peter Harrop, President, IDTechEx
