Based on piezoelectricity, energy harvesters can be used for decentral energy supply. CeSMA offers two approaches based on different material classes:
Piezoceramic thin films
These harvesters need only small volumes and can be processed on flexible stainless steel films. They address applications with high mechanical robustness and can operate in thermal conditions up to 160 °C.
Piezopolymers
These polymeric films can be used when the thermal budget during processing is low (< 100 °C). The longtime operation temperature is slightly above 80 °C. They can be applied on a variety of temperature sensitive substrates including plastic films or even paper. It is also a way to bypass the use of lead as needed for piezoceramic harvesters.