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

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.