A self-powered system affords the user tremendous freedom when commissioning a new wireless sensor network. Without the concern for periodic maintenance, sensors can be placed in areas which are impractical or unaffordable to access, opening the door to a new world of sensor system development. Maintenance costs can also be virtually eliminated with extended lifetime sensors. In body worn applications, self-powered sensors eliminate the need for battery maintenance thus increasing the user satisfaction with the product. Attendees will review methods to significantly reduce the power consumption of a wireless sensor node, in some cases by an order of magnitude or more.
