Feasibility of flexible plastic based organic photovoltaics as an energy harvesting source for powering wireless sensors in building control and horticulture applications

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It is proposed to determine feasibility of using flexible plastic based organic photovoltaics (OPV) as an energy harvesting medium, providing extended battery life/ self powering of a combined carbon dioxide/ temperature/ humidity sensor. Application is aimed at use within wireless sensor networks in building control (enhanced indoor air quality & reduction in energy usage through demand control of heating & ventilating systems) and horticultural markets (accelerated plant growth through environmental control). Project aims are operation in building and greenhouse lighting levels, integration with power management systems, extended battery life/ self powering, wireless data transmission, cost effective installation and flexibility of zero maintenance deploy & forget solutions. OPV`s offer potential for a low cost solution with ease of integration. Primary benefit is economic deployment of wireless sensor networks and reduced or eliminated dependency on battery power.