Energy harvesting is otherwise known as power harvesting or energy scavenging. It is the use of ambient energy to power small electronic or electrical devices. That includes photovoltaics, thermovoltaics, piezoelectrics and electrodynamics, among other options, which are now being used in a wide variety of applications.  Whether you are familiar with the ‘voltaics, ‘electrics or ‘namics, this technology has come to a head, as more efficient energy gathering and storage are sufficiently affordable now.  From wind up laptops for Africa, wireless light switches working from the power of your finger, and wireless sensors in oil fields monitoring equipment power by vibration – these all exist and more applications are emerging.

The Wireless Sensor Networks business is set to become a multi-billion dollar activity but only if there is major progress with standards and technology. A new techno-marketing report scopes over 140 manufacturers and developers and looks closely at the impediments to roll out and how to overcome them.  For example, today’s power sources often stand in way of the desired 20 year life so the report looks closely at how energy harvesting can help and profiles 40 relevant power source manufacturers.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) – self organising, self healing networks of small “nodes” – have huge potential across industrial, military and many other sectors. While appreciable sales have now been established, major progress depends on standards and achieving twenty year life.

The new IDTechEx report “Wireless Sensor Networks 2012-2022″ draws lessons from many successful installations in the last year. It looks at the complex standards scene with particular focus on WirelessHART that is the key to applications in the process industries in the short and medium term and it shows how the alternative ISA 11.11a has some way to go but may prove useful over a wider field of application and eventually subsume WirelessHART. It examines recent successes of the various backers of ZigBee-related solutions, who is behind the alternatives and how they see the future.

The challenge of excessive power consumption of these nodes, that have to act as both tags and readers, is addressed. For example, progress has been good in getting the electronics to consume less electricity, by both improved signalling protocols and improved circuitry.

As for batteries, lithium thionyl chloride single-use versions have twenty year life in certain circumstances but, for many applications, energy harvesting supplying rechargeable batteries is more attractive.

The new report addresses these issues and provides a wealth of analysis of WSN projects and development programmes including the creating of improved WSN components, plus profiles of many suppliers, governments, standards bodies and investors.

By September, expect to have a bumper crop of energy for this year’s Harvest Festival!

Launched at the New Orleans spring edition of the mobile phone CTIA exhibition, AT&T initiated the new product demonstrations with its new Digital Life home automation and security system this week.

A&T want to make it cheap and easy for consumers to control their lights, thermostat and door locks remotely, as well as monitor what’s going on in the home via customisable iOS, Android or Windows Phone 7.5 apps.

AT&T, USA would like to take the complexity and expense out of home automation by going to the customer’s home and installing all the necessary components.  I’m unsure if they will extend this gesture to folks in the UK, as there is no word on when the system will roll out nationally, let alone internationally.  The other potential restriction is that consumers would have to buy AT&T’s own branded components, not off the shelf Z-Wave modules.

AT&T is starting out with seven applications but it isn’t just content selling smart home service, it wants to compete with iControl and other platform providers in connected home management.  AT&T takes on Barcelona, Dallas, the world!

It’s natural to leave the house for work in the morning and think; did I lock the door?  Did I close the window?  Did I leave my valuables out on display?

Our homes are full of desirable objects – whether it’s the 50 inch plasma telly or Grandma’s family heirlooms – some things you just can’t replace if they were stolen.  Burglary causes heartache, leaving the home owner distressed by the ordeal.

Clearly, home security is really important, and sometimes just locking our doors and windows may not be deterrent enough.  Technology has taken a leap forward and it is possible to be alerted, as soon as an intruder breaks in, even if you’re not at home.

VERA gateway technology combined with the use of Z-Waves, is the ultimate combination for high end, but simple technology which can protect your home.

The VERA Gateway is a central unit that manages all your Z-Wave devices.  If an intruder enters your home, then VERA can send you an alert via email or text automatically.  VERA will know this, as either the door, window sensor or motion detector will have triggered an alarm by sensing the intruder.

Another addition to your wireless security solution is the Z-Wave Fortrezz Siren & Strobe Alarm which is a tamper proof, and gives off an intense strobe light and loud audible alarm.

Who needs a cricket bat when a Smart phone and Z-Wave technology keeps you in safe hands?

Similar to the well known Ambient Energy Orb, the Energy Joule modulates between a varying degree of colours to communicate changes in energy pricing and usage conditions, and its digital screen relays current energy rates and household consumption trends.

It’s these kind of innovations which make consumers more aware of where they should be saving, but equally, knowing what kind of electrical equipment to use is also a bonus to keep costs down.  The Zigbee Alliance has ratified the Light Link Standard that offers wireless control for LED lighting.

“Energy efficient light bulbs, LED fixtures, sensors, timers, remotes and switches built using ZigBee Light Link will connect into a single network, without special devices to coordinate the network,” claimed the alliance. “Consumers will be able to install products and add extra devices to their lighting network.”

What better way of embracing energy saving devices into the home?  Be bright, choose Zigbee!

The Alliance has created a standard that will be as easy to use as a common dimmer switch.  Energy efficient light bulbs, LED fixtures, sensors, timers, remotes and switches built using ZigBee Light Link will easily connect into a single network, without special devices to coordinate the network. Consumers will be able to easily install products and add extra devices to their lighting network. Like all products using standards in the ZigBee standards portfolio, ZigBee Light Link devices can be controlled over the Internet through computers, tablets and smart phones.

But of course Zigbee is not the only wireless home automation that can be controlled from their computer, smart phone or tablet.  It is possible to automate your comfort with Z-Wave.  Applications can help save time, energy and money.  Z-Wave applications enable you to know if you left lights on, what the room temperatures are, or if the garage is open. Some applications can even set alarm clocks so you can be sure your children are out of bed in time for school! Turn your home off and on all from one central location in the palm of your hand.  How much simpler could it be?

As we venture further into Spring, we realise it’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.  Every day people are moving home and trying somewhere new.  As we all know, not every home is a new build, so sometimes you have to work with what you’ve got. Those old fixtures and fittings may not be to your taste, but it’s not all lost.

Why not bring your home into the 21st Century and invest in wireless home automation? Z-Wave or LightwaveRF switches, dimmers and sockets can be retrofitted in the home using the existing wiring, without having to even drill a hole.  The faceplates are available in a selection of colours; white, brushed stainless steel, black; and fit on a standard back box.  These switches can be operated by remote control or even your Smartphone!

To add to your options, this week, Vesternet introduced the Z-Wave Duwi Everlux and the Z-Wave Duwi Arcada.  The Duwi Everlux is a white mounting, whith paddle cover and mounting frame.  The Duwi Arcada is more modern in design but again provides a mounting frame and paddle cover.  These are great ways to start off your wireless kit.

There is no need to worry if your switches or dimmers are from the dark ages.  With little disruption and a lick of paint, your home will look modern, and operate efficiently with wireless.  Operate your lights or other electrical gadgets with a touch of a button and gain control of your new home.

The same can go for how we protect our families and homes from harm.  More often than not, people believe it won’t happen to them but burglars are opportunists, and if they can play the prank, they will make the fool out of you.

How often do we leave the house and wonder, did I shut the window? Did I lock the door?did I set the alarm?  It’s so easy to do things automatically and instantly forget what we have done.

This is where some fool proof security comes in.  The new Z-Wave MicasaVerde Vera 3 Security Kit and the Z-Wave Vera Lite Security Kit are available from Vesternet.  You can manage your whole home security by starting small and building it up over time.  The Vera 3 can control sensors, lights, CCTV, alarms and in additional can work with a Smart phone app.

With a faster processor, more memory and upgraded Wi-Fi, Vera 3 is the most flexible, powerful and affordable home controller on the market available today.  It is possible to add many Z-Wave devices to build up your home.  If you already have a Wi-Fi router at home, you can purchase the Vera 3 Lite which has had the Wi-Fi removed and would fit straight into your existing home network.

Protect you and your home by having the last laugh.  Z-Wave Security kits are available from Vesternet, from the basic starter kits through to the more complex.  It’s a system you can customise for your home.  If a burglar triggers a sensor and sets off the lights, alarms or even alerts you on your mobile phone Z-Wave can handle it.

Don’t be a fool, enquire about your home security options today.

Morecambe and Wise were a great partnership who brought sunshine to many homes.  Pair up your wireless devices and home automation and together you can manage all your home energy needs, without wasting a drop!

Home energy management has emerged as one of the fastest growing home automation markets and a variety of products are available from Vesternet.  Whether Z-Wave technology, Zigbee or LightwaveRF is your home automation desire, Vesternet can advise and help you build up your own home energy management system.

Home automation helps you to keep tabs on when you are heating your home, how many appliances are running, and what their energy consumption is.  Your wireless system can give you detailed data on what is being used, so you can pinpoint energy wastage, and make changes to your home usage.

With its simple set up, you can go away on holiday without those second thoughts, “did I leave the bathroom light on?” or “Did I turn down the thermostat?”  Z-Wave supports the amazing VERA Gateway technology, where all this can be pre-programmed, and the potential of this energy management system is unlimited.

Having 21^st Century technology in your home, doesn’t need to be complicated, so go on your summer holiday and let your home automation system take control your home.

Woohoo!    

• Door & Window Sensor
• Wall Controller
• Light sensor
• New motion detector colours

Lots more coming soon…