What the Project Is
Discover the power of LAYER®. This innovative project uses ambient light to harvest energy from indoor environments, eliminating the need for batteries. LAYER® is built with Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology that transforms ambient light into sustainable micropower. The solution significantly reduces the costs and environmental impact associated with battery maintenance and replacement. Batteries contribute heavily to environmental degradation, with only 49% being recycled in 2020. Their full degradation may take over 7,000 years, while contaminants like mercury adversely affect soil and water for decades. Using LAYER®, manufacturers can pioneer a battery‐free future, enhancing product intelligence and lifespan without the burden of traditional battery limitations.
Main Benefit
The project delivers a powerful array of benefits:
- Longevity: Generates self-sustaining electricity, resulting in a prolonged product lifespan.
- Adaptability: Designed to meet diverse energy needs and various form factors with an adaptable design.
- Eco-Friendly: Offers an intelligent, green energy solution that eliminates the heavy environmental impact of conventional batteries.
- Effortless Integration: Seamlessly fits into any product with optimal performance even in low light conditions.
- Industry Versatility: Powers smart building solutions, asset tracking, and smart home applications like CO2 sensors, infrared cameras, and digital door locks.
This combination of features makes LAYER® a standout solution for modern low-power devices.
LAYER® Factory & Lab
The project encompasses two key divisions that push the boundaries of energy harvesting technology. The LAYER® Factory is a state-of-the-art Green Micropower Factory overseeing large-scale production, with capacity ambitions reaching up to 30 million modules per year by 2024. In this fully automated facility, cutting-edge machinery and highly skilled technicians guarantee high quality and performance standards. Meanwhile, the LAYER® Lab focuses on developing prototypes and pre-series units to validate innovative concepts. Ideas transform quickly and effectively into functional prototypes that integrate sustainable energy into products, reducing their environmental footprint. It is impressive to note how both divisions contribute to an eco-friendly, efficient production cycle.
The Innovative OPV Technology
At the heart of the project is its use of Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology. The indoor organic photovoltaic module converts ambient light into electricity through an organic active layer mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen. This active layer absorbs light photons to generate electron-hole pairs that are then separated by an internal electric field, which produces an electric current. This approach is a game changer for indoor IoT applications. OPV modules are lightweight, ultra-thin, flexible, and free form factor, making them perfectly suited to power low-power devices even in dim indoor environments. It is a remarkable feat of innovation that focuses on efficient energy generation where light is abundant.
Inkjet Printing & Versatility
Inkjet printing technology is at the core of LAYER®’s manufacturing process. This advanced method allows for the custom creation of organic photovoltaic modules in unique shapes, tailored specifically to customer requirements. The environmentally friendly ink, based on carbon-based materials, ensures that the modules remain sustainable without compromising performance. This design flexibility opens up endless possibilities for integrating self-generating power into diverse products—from remote controls and keyboards to thermostats and digital door locks. It is proof that dynamic technology and design can work hand in hand to support innovative energy harvesting solutions.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Future of Ambient Light Harvesting
The future looks bright when it comes to ambient light harvesting. LAYER® is at the forefront of a sustainable energy revolution. With its seamless integration, adaptable design, and impressive performance even in low-light conditions, LAYER® is set to redefine how low-power devices are powered. The possibilities are immense; from powering smart buildings and asset tracking systems to innovative smart home devices, the technology is versatile enough to meet the varied needs of modern electronics. This project not only pushes the boundaries of energy efficiency but also addresses a critical environmental challenge by eliminating the hazardous effects associated with battery waste. In a world where environmental sustainability is more important than ever, LAYER® offers a glimpse of a future where devices self-sustain using the power of ambient light… truly a revolution in energy harvesting.
