EPSRC Energy Harvesting Network

Metrology for EH: Final Dissemination Event

Date: 28th August 2013 - 29th August 2013
Location: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig

The Metrology for Energy Harvesting project is to present its first standardised, traceable approach to measuring device performance. It will take place at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig from 28th-29th August 2013. This free one-off event is aimed at anyone interested in the technological and commercial advancement of energy harvesting technologies.

Please contact energy-harvesting@npl.co.uk to register


Europe's energy harvesting community will descend on Braunschweig next month to hear the results of a three year multi-national research project to apply academically backed standardisation and metrology principles to the technology for the first time to support its commercial application and development. Delegates will receive in-depth briefings on a range of new tools and best practice for the measurement of energy harvesting performance including techniques focused on specific technologies such as piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electrostatic and magnetostrictive energy harvesting.

Energy harvesting's time has come. Tiny devices that scavenge wasted energy could boost European industry, improve its green credentials and create a multibillion pound market themselves. Many industries including construction, transport, automotive, mobile communication, and sensors and instrumentation are already investigating the potential of EH devices. However the industry urgently requires agreement on measurement standards in order to provide certainty to the market on what they can deliver and prevent unfounded claims harming confidence in the technology.

The Metrology for Energy Harvesting project brings together Europe's seven leading measurement institutes, who for the last three years have developed the measurement tools and methods to support European industry in the advancement and application of energy harvesting technologies.

As well as hearing from the project leaders, attendees will delegates will have the opportunity to input into the future metrological requirements in this area and the best ways of ensuring energy harvesting's commercial success. There is also the choice of attending one of two workshops run by world leading experts that provide more in-depth insights into either electro-mechanical (including piezoelectric) or thermoelectric technologies and their application.

Dr Ernst Lenz, PTB said: "The lack of accurate and standardised measurement in energy harvesting is hindering the development, innovation and market acceptance of these devices as well as efforts to improve efficient use of waste energy in industry and commercial products. Over the past three years the Metrology for Energy Harvesting project has pooled Europe's academic measurement and material science expertise, and with input from industry backers looked to address this issue through thoroughly researched rigorous and traceable measurement techniques. We strongly believe that the work we will present at the end of August will in time enable industry and consumers to directly compare different EH technologies such as thermoelectric and vibrational harvesting devices. This increased market confidence will increase and industrial investment and further down the line lower costs, increase energy efficiency, and improve sustainability."

Further Information: http://projects.npl.co.uk/energy_harvesting/index.html


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