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EnOcean – The World of Energy Harvesting Wireless
Technology
Energy can be found everywhere – in the movement of doors and windows or machinecomponents, the vibration of motors, changes in temperature or variances in luminance level.
These energy sources, which usually remain unused, can be tapped into by means of energy
harvesting to power electronic devices and transmit wireless signals.
This principle is the basis of energy harvesting wireless technology
from EnOcean.

What does “no batteries” mean?
Energy is within reach everywhere, it just needs to be harvested:
this is the principle of energy harvesting. EnOcean uses this principle
for its wireless modules, which get their power from the surrounding
environment. Tiny energy converters power sensors and switches,enabling them to function without batteries or wires and therefore
work maintenance-free. Replacing batteries means expenditure,both from a hardware and maintenance perspective. EnOcean’s selfpowered technology means no batteries need to be replaced, ever.
This is particularly true in systems consisting of several tens,
hundreds or thousands of wireless nodes as you find in the field of smart home and buildingautomation. Just think of a hotel, which has equipped each of its 400 rooms with four batterypowered sensors. Every two to three years, each one of these 1,600 batteries needs to bereplaced – it is irrelevant if the devices are hard to access or hotel guests might be disturbed.
Worse still is when batteries in a light switch or a remote control fail during guest usage. In
commercial or industrial operation, a battery cost calculation must therefore be included togenerate accurate lifetime costs covering maintenance efforts and proper hazardous materials
disposal. Only Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations reveal the true cost of batteryoperated systems.
Energy harvesting solutions free building owners, facility managers or contractors from theburden of batteries. They combine the benefits of highly flexible wireless solutions with thesame maintenance-free attributes as wired-in devices with a fast, consistent, and repeatable
return on investment (ROI).
Which energy sources count?
There are three main sources of energy the EnOcean technology is using: motion, light anddifferences in temperature. In the process, an electro-dynamic energy converter uses kinetic
motion, or a miniaturized solar module generates energy from available light in a room.
Combining a Peltier element with a DC/DC converter taps into heat as an energy source. These
small amounts of harvested energy are sufficient to transmit and receive wireless signals andenable operation of numerous maintenance-free sensor solutions. This includes battery-lessswitches, intelligent window handles, solar-powered temperature, humidity and light sensors,
as well as self-powered occupancy sensors or even relay receivers.

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WHITE PAPER Energy from motion

The mechanical energy converter ECO 200 converts mechanical energy,
the press of a switch for example, into electrical energy. It works similar
like a dynamo and makes the energy immediately available. With anenergy output of 120 µWs and an according wireless battery-less module,
it is possible to transmit three radio telegrams per operation. The ECO 200enables a typical completion of more than 300,000 switching cycles; underideal conditions, more than a million switching cycles are possible.
 Energy from light

Miniaturized solar modules, not larger than 13 mm x 35 mm, can even use
indoor light to supply electricity for ultra-low power wireless radio modules.
If a measured value is transmitted every 15 minutes for example, 3.6 hoursof charging in daytime and 200 Lux are adequate for an uninterruptedoperation.
 Energy from temperature differences

Thermo generators, so-called Peltier elements, gain the energy. TheECT 310 DC/DC converter already starts to resonate upwards of 10 mV
input voltage. On 20 mV (temperature difference about 2 K), a useful
output voltage of more than 3 V is generated. At a temperature differenceof only 7 K, approximately 100 μW of energy is already produced.

What is the EnOcean platform?
It’s not only energy harvesting that makes the wireless technology work. EnOcean offers its
OEM customers a complete plug&play system of energy converters, energy management,
wireless modules, software and development tools as well as an energy saving, very reliable
radio protocol. All platform components are optimally matched to each other. Depending on
the energy requirements, this complete package enables several wireless applications, which
work without wires and batteries. In establishing this comprehensive platform, EnOcean has
managed to keep the integration barriers extremely low. This enables easy integration
processes, without the need for in-depth knowledge of battery-less technology.

Which radio protocols can EnOcean power?
Based on its know-how and comprehensive platform approach of optimally matchedcomponents, EnOcean can actually enable any ultra-low power radio to be operated by energy
harvesting. Currently the EnOcean technology powers theinternational standard ISO/IEC 14543-3-1X (also known as
EnOcean standard), which is optimized for ultra-low power
wireless applications and energy harvesting. EnOcean wasclosely involved in the standard’s ratification process at theInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The
standard can be downloaded at www.iso.org.
In the meantime, associations and wireless players havestarted to specify ultra-low power sub-protocols of other existing wireless standards, e.g. forthe 2.4 GHz ISM band (IEEE 802.15.4). These specifications are inspired by the characteristicsof the EnOcean standard to allow the realization of ultra-low power applications in their
particular established fields. Due to this development, EnOcean’s energy harvesting wirelesstechnology can also power radio communication in the worldwide open IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

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Are these standards optimized for specific applications?
EnOcean recommends the ISO/IEC 14543-3-1X standard for reliable, sustainable integrated
building automation for an intelligent control of interconnected building areas requiring highsystem availability. Therefore, the EnOcean radio protocol is
specifically designed to support ultra-low power devices andenergy harvesting applications in building and homeautomation. For optimal RF effectiveness, the radio protocol
uses sub 1 GHz frequency bands. RF reliability is assured
because wireless signals are less than one millisecond induration and are transmitted at a data rate of 125 kilobits per
second. Although transmitted power is up to 10 mW, thewireless transmission used here only has an energy requirementof 50 µWs for a single telegram. That is about the same as thepower needed to lift a weight of 1 gram by 5 millimeters. The
short telegram is randomly repeated twice in the space of about
40 milliseconds to prevent transmission errors.
Energy harvesting applications using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard meet more specific market
demands, e.g. for consumer LED lighting control or other control solutions in areas wherechannel availability and grade of service is not the major customer request.

What is the range of wireless signals powered by energy harvesting?
Devices, which operate in the sub 1 GHz ISM frequency band, offer robustness of transmission
through walls, minimal interferences and a communication up to 100 feet (30 meters) inbuildings and 1000 feet (300 meters) in the free field. Detailed information on range planningin the sub 1 GHz band can be found in the EnOcean Range Planning Guide. These range
characteristics makes the EnOcean standard highly suitable for integrated building control.
At the same time, using sub 1 GHz bands minimizes electric smog, because the electromagnetic
fields emitted by the radio switches are extremely low. In addition, the battery-less sensors
are in a sleeping mode most of the time and only transmit wireless telegrams (status updates,measured values, control commands) when activated or in a pre-defined time cycle and overa very short time. More details on the radio emissions of the EnOcean standard can be foundin the report from the independent ECOLOG institute.
The short activation cycles also apply to 2.4 GHZ energy harvesting applications so that wirelesssignals are sent only when needed. This reduces electric smog in this higher band as well.
Usually, the range at 2.4 GHz is about 30 feet (10 meters) in a building and 300 feet (100meters) in the free field. Therefore, it is more suitable for single-room solutions, where a highpenetration through walls is not required.

Can I use EnOcean worldwide?
Yes, the EnOcean ISO/IEC standard uses different license-free frequency bands in the sub 1
GHz range to meet the specifics and legal regulations of countries around the world. EnOcean
solutions are available in the following frequencies, making them suitable for a worldwide use:
868 MHz for Europe and China, 902 MHz for North America and Canada and 928 MHz for Japan.
In addition, there are battery-less solutions using the worldwide opened 2.4 GHz frequency
band.

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What about data integrity and security?
EnOcean modules transmit data packets at random intervals to ensure thatthe probability of collision and interference is extremely small. As a result, arange of switches and sensors using the sub 1 GHz frequency band can beoperated in close proximity to each other. Besides this, each EnOcean
standard module comes with a unique 32-bit identification number (ID), whichcannot be changed or copied and therefore protects against duplication.
This authentication method offers field-proven secure and reliablecommunication in building automation. For applications requesting additional
data security, e.g. in smart home systems, EnOcean protects battery-less wirelesscommunication in sub 1 GHz with enhanced security measures to prevent replay oreavesdropping attacks and forging of messages. These features include a maximum 24-bit
rolling code (RC) incremented with each telegram and state-of-the-art encryption using theAES algorithm with a 128-bit key.
How can I start with EnOcean technology?
 Modules and accessories

EnOcean offers all components of the energy harvesting wireless platform. First of all, theenergy converters, being the ECO 200 electro-mechanical harvester, the ECS 300
miniaturized solar cells and the ECT 310 DC/DC converter for thermo-electric applications.
These go hand in hand with a comprehensive wireless module portfolio which includes
plug&play sensor modules, programmable modules, transceiver modules, a ready-forintegration switch module as well as components for industrial switches. Some module
variants include advanced security functionalities ex works. The products come along withsoftware, firmware and source codes for EnOcean modules. With EnOcean Link, the company
offers a middleware, which provides a universal interface for wireless communication andautomatically interprets information from EnOcean telegrams. A detailed overview of all
EnOcean products can be found at www.enocean.com/products.

 Development platform

EnOcean has set up a cost-effective and customized development platform for engineers toallow a fast integration of energy harvesting wireless technology into applications. The concept
is based on the developer kit covering the entire product range, from energy harvesting andwireless modules to ready-made product solutions. Due to the modular concept, OEMs benefit
from a higher flexibility in product development meeting their specific, product-related
requirements and assure them a competitive edge.
 Fastest time-to-market: OEM white label finished products

In addition to the module portfolio and the development kits, EnOcean offers a first base lineof white label finished products. This supports OEM customers in bringing EnOcean-based
product portfolios to the market quickly and cost-effectively. OEMs benefit from significantly
shorter development timelines, reduced investment, and reduced distraction, as they work tocapitalize on quickly evolving market opportunities for energy harvesting wireless applications.
Instead of developing the products on their own, manufacturers simply private label the neededproducts. The white label offering includes self-powered occupancy sensors, a window contact,
light switches, a key card switch as well as solutions for HVAC and lighting control.

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Where can I buy EnOcean products?
EnOcean works together with a worldwide network of value-added distribution partners. They
offer the EnOcean portfolio in all available frequencies and offer application support andtechnical expertise. To find your appropriate distribution partner, please look at
www.enocean.com/en/products/distributor/.
What is the difference between EnOcean and the EnOcean Alliance?
EnOcean, the company, is the inventor and provider of the energy
harvesting wireless technology. The company offers its technicalplatform to manufacturers (OEMs) to enable them developing
their system ideas for buildings, industry and the Internet ofThings. EnOcean is a Promoter member of the EnOcean Alliance.
The EnOcean Alliance is an international consortium of nearly 400
companies worldwide, which develop and promote solutions
based on the EnOcean energy harvesting wireless standard in thesub 1 GHz band. The organization’s main objective is to make themost effective use of intelligent control and automation to improve a building’s carbon footprint
while increasing comfort and safety.
The Alliance ensures the interoperability of devices and solutions by defining standardized
application profiles (EnOcean Equipment Profiles). This ensures the interoperability of thedevices, meaning that products from different Alliance members can seamlessly work together
in a system. In addition, the organization offers its members a platform of vital exchange andpartnership. Today, the EnOcean Alliance is one of the fastest growing technical Alliances andhas the largest wireless installation base in several hundreds of thousands buildings worldwide.
What is the unique point about EnOcean technology?
EnOcean energy harvesting wireless solutions overcome a high obstacle: How to network anincreasingly large number of individual wireless nodes or sensors that can communicate withlong-range wireless networks? Here, power cables or batteries can prove to be a drawback,both at installation and ongoing maintenance. Battery-less devices have access to ever-present
power sources, making them maintenance-free and highly flexible to install, even in retrofit
projects.
Due to its special properties, energy harvesting wireless technology is an attractive solution for
the flexible and maintenance-free collection and transmission of all types of data. Energy
harvesting turns self-powered sensors into important assistants that help us performing thetasks of our modern lives.
Benefits of energy harvesting wireless solutions


Reduced planning and installation costs, no wires needed

Maintenance-free for > 20 years, no battery replacement needed

Equivalent functionality as wired devicesFlexible positioning and updating

Reliable, long range communicationNo hazardous waste disposalWorldwide use of battery-less technology© EnOcean | www.enocean.com| EnOcean – The World of Energy Harvesting Wireless Technology || February 2020 | Page 5/ 7

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Which are the core markets for battery-less applications?
 Building automation and smart homes

Energy harvesting wireless applications are very wellestablished in the building automation and smart home
sector. The self-powered sensors and switches bridge the“last meters” in a communication system, delivering theneeded data from many different points for intelligent
HVAC, lighting or shutter control to reduce energy
consumption and increase comfort and security. Solutions
range from window contacts and temperature, brightness
and humidity sensors to presence detectors, CO2 metering
devices and even thermal-powered heating radiator valves
or complete smart home systems.

Today, more than 5,000 products for home and building automation based on the EnOcean
standard are offered by members of the EnOcean Alliance. In addition, these devices can easily
be connected to other protocols such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet/IP, KNX, BACnet, LON or DALI via
gateways, enabling an integrated system interconnecting all building areas for a highly
optimized intelligent control.
 Machine-to-Machine

Due to its unique characteristic of combining wireless, battery-less and maintenance-freeoperation, energy harvesting wireless technology is rapidly becoming the established standard
for the last leg communication level in M2M applications. The vigilant sensors can warn against
danger, monitoring liquid and gas leaks, for example, or can be used in early warning systems
for avalanches. In addition, agricultural monitoring is a M2M application with a highly promising
future. In this case, long range self-powered wireless sensors are placed over large areas toprovide early warnings or to monitor farm animals and plants in order to react very quickly tochanging conditions. Sensors monitor the degree of humidity or soil nutrients for an optimal
supply of water and care for plants. Similar sensors can monitor parameters related tostructural health of buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams or drilling platforms. This includes
integrity, position, and vibrations and acting as an early warning system. The energy harvesting
wireless technology also enables wireless bus stop buttons and facilitates continuous,
maintenance-free monitoring of logistics processes and cold chains.
 Internet of Things (IoT)/consumer

EnOcean has also conquered the IoT consumer market with a self-powered switch module that
operates in the 2.4 GHz range. Users can thus control their LED light systems at home with thekinetic energy from pressing a button. The energy harvesting light switch is practical, especiallywhen no smart phone is at hand or if it would be inconvenient to start the app only to switch
on the lights.
The intelligence to make use of the data can and will be implemented anywhere, but thesystems that collect the initial information need to be reliable and perpetual so that you can“install and forget” this. This is where energy harvesting wireless sensors come in: the Thingsin the Internet of Things.

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What is the future of energy harvesting wireless technology?
Energy harvesting wireless is just starting to unfold its potential. The rapid improvement ofcomponents and system design setup will open up new applications in every aspect of life. In
smart city concepts, for example, the self-powered sensors
could supply information for flexible parking space andtraffic data management as well as the data for demanddriven street lighting.
As energy harvesting wireless technology advances,possibilities are emerging for using self-powered,maintenance-free wireless modules for numerous
applications where wired or battery-powered systems
would be too elaborate in their technology and by nomeans cost-effective. Powering sensors is inevitable forcollecting data and the digitalization of our world
independently from location and time.

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