Batteries and Fuel Cells

 
It’s rare that I come across two reports that target the same market using different technologies but here it is. Mobile or wireless communications, especially for connecting the Internet of Things (IoT), needs power to enable long-term functioning. The first report says that energy harvesting is the lower expense over the long term than batteries but the other report says there is a new type battery, the printed battery, that will enable this wireless Internet of Things market to take off.  Each report has its salient points, but you will have to decide for yourself which one makes sense for your design — energy harvesting or printed batteries.

Energy harvesting
The wireless IoT that includes applications for the identification of objects, sensing, control and automation may be just about ready take off especially if the applications can provide battery power for extended time — think years. Adding lifetime to the battery will change the ROI for these devices, especially if they can be embedded into devices.

A new report from IDTechEx says that energy harvesting may be just the ticket if the research proves that it is cheaper to use than battery-powered wireless devices.

Printed battery market
Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets issued its latest report on the thin-film and printed battery market. In the report, the firm states that the sector will generate over $620 million in revenues in 2019 driven by the use of this kind battery in mobile communication devices and the emergence of the IoT. This report will be important reading not just for firms in the battery industry, but for all firms interested in the new opportunities appearing in the IoT, smart packaging, wearable, and other related markets.
For more information, get the report, “Thin-Film and Printed Batteries Markets 2014-2021.”