New technology is poised to make wiring light switches a thing of the past. These new, innovative switches do not require wiring, batteries, or maintenance and operate like normal light switches except they transmit wireless signals to control lights and fans. The switches are powered by energy harvesting technology where the act of clicking the switch creates the energy necessary to control devices.
The switches scavenge minute amounts of energy when a light switch is pressed, then use that energy to rapidly transmit high-power radio frequency signals (up to 10 mW power output) to wirelessly control lighting. This technology was developed by EnOcean, a German company. Their self-powered modules convert energy from light, push-buttons, vibration, or temperature gradients into useable electrical energy. The company's power management architecture enables the operation of sensors and radios off miniscule amounts of available energy.
One popular application of these switches is in the log home industry. Wiring a log home often presents a challenge as builders must drill channels within the logs to run cabling, and they must route cavities into logs for switch boxes. With the use of wireless switches for lights and fans, builders can save time and money, and leave flexibility for future renovations. The advantages are similar for building designs that rely heavily on wood beams, glass, concrete or masonry. Outdoor switching is also not a problem, as wireless switches can send signals up to 300 meters if the conditions are right.
These switches are also effective in skyscrapers, for instance, the new 57-story Torre Espacio skyscraper in Madrid uses 4,200 wireless buttons to control its 4,500 lights, thereby enabling all interior walls to be moveable without rewiring any light switches.
"The force of merely pushing a button can produce enough RF energy to travel about 100 feet through walls," said Jim O'Callaghan, vice president of sales and marketing at EnOcean. "We design our switches to last at least 20 years in the field without maintenance." He added "There is an ocean of energy to be harvested, but the challenge is to create devices that work as well as battery-powered devices, minus the battery."
Top Image: wireless light switch. (Source: EPN)
For more attend: Energy Harvesting and Storage Europe 2009
