Tired of having to change batteries in Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) installations? Why waste time and money when e-peas can help you replace all those batteries with an alternative power source based on harvested ambient light energy?
In part 2 of ipXchange’s visit to e-peas’ stand at Embedded World 2024, we expand on the EVKs discussed in part 1 by chatting to Bruno about several reference designs that use e-peas’ PMIC technology as part of a complete energy harvesting ecosystem.
The first design discussed is based on an ESL EVK from Silicon Labs where the CR2450 battery slots have been desoldered and replaced by one of the e-peas mini EVKs that we introduced in in part 1.
With a storage element and a PhotoVoltaic (PV) cell connected, this setup shows just how compact e-peas’ mini EVKs are in practice and how easy it is to fit a complete ambient light energy power solution in place of disposable batteries. e-peas has made sure this complete solution works for even the worst indoor ambient light levels (approx. 200 lux).
By showing this substitution on a kit with such a large display, e-peas also illustrates that its energy harvesting solutions are likely to work across the whole range of ESL products. A great many batteries can be ditched from this market, and let’s not forget the maintenance time and cost this will save!
With the correct combination of storage element and PV cell, e-peas’ technology enables ESLs that can survive up to 20 days in complete darkness.
e-peas also understands that a complete solution is the best way to get the highest performance when replacing batteries with energy harvesting technology. To that end, e-peas’ partnerships with many storage element and energy harvesting device manufacturers ensures that you get the full system you require to do the job well!
And if you’re constrained by issues like not wanting to use lithium-based products due to environmental concerns, for example, e-peas can fully accommodate this:
The second reference design Bruno shows us is another ESL with a huge VGA display that requires 4x CR2450 batteries during standard operation. As demonstrated, e-peas’ latest PMICs enable designers to replace this bulky lithium-based battery pack with a significantly smaller nickel-metal-hydride battery working in conjunction with a PV cell for regular top ups.
With 17 PMICs currently available in its lineup, e-peas are truly committed to providing the best way to eliminate unnecessary battery waste from the IoT. Follow the link to the board page below and apply to evaluate this technology to get started on an amazing energy harvesting journey.
In part 3, Bruno will show us the next step in that adventure. Stay tuned!
Keep designing!
Want to make your IoT more sustainable? Check out ipXchange’s other videos with e-peas:
Replace batteries with an energy harvesting EVK!
Never change your TV remote batteries again! e-peas’ latest PMICs for ambient energy harvesting
Ultra-low-power MCU for install-and-forget edge devices and sensor hubs