Dr Klaus Prume, Manager Piezoelectric Test Systems at aixACCT (interviewed for the Spring 2011 issue of the Metrology for Energy Harvesting e-newsletter)

What is the relevance of metrology for energy harvesting (EH) to aixACCT?

At aixACCT we characterise new materials and devices for our customers – everything we do is based on accurate measurement. We’re seeing a lot of interest in EH materials such as piezoelectric and thermoelectric ceramics. R&D into EH materials and devices is progressing and the sector must develop traceable measurement methodology to support it.

What do you see as the main metrology challenges to development of EH devices?

Measurement of material properties is the first challenge, assessing and comparing the various devices is the second. Essentially, we need to have the capability to both measure and compare materials and devices to exploit the potential of EH technology.

At present, there is a big variety of proposed EH devices, which are based on different concepts. We need a system capable of measuring the materials’ characteristics, but also the efficiency and functionality of the designed device. Then we need to be able to compare across the concepts. This is crucial because to develop the most efficient and cost-effective devices we must be able to properly assess and compare the benefits and costs of different concepts.

What will successfully addressing these challenges mean for aixACCT?

We’re seeing growing interest not only from industry in EH devices and systems, but also from the EU and many research institutes. As the challenges are addressed and the sector grows we want to be ahead in the development stages, in prime position to help expand the European market.

Some products developed using energy harvesting technologies are already commercially available – what impact has the lack of a traceable metrology methodology had on such products?

So far it has had a minor impact because there are two stages to developing a new technology and we are only now entering the second stage.

First is proof of concept. You must prove that the technology has advantages over the existing; if you do this then the technology will become successful. The commercial EH devices to date have helped establish that EH is a viable technology.

The second stage is expansion into the market. This is where traceable measurement is crucial, because you must to be able to compare the efficiency of different devices and concepts in order to have widespread adoption of the new technology.

At present there is a variety of devices based on the new EH technology principles. Our customers – both for material and device characterisation – are starting to ask if we have traceable measurement and how they should get ‘reliable’ data. The market now needs standardised metrology methods before it can develop further.

Where do you feel that European capability ranks in terms of developing innovative EH products?

There are lessons to be learned from the R&D into solar technology – Europe is world-leading in both research and commercialisation because there was strong support from the EC, although competition is now increasing in China, Malaysia and other countries in Asia.

In other areas of EH Europe is typically good at research into new materials and technology, but Japan and the US have the edge at developing products. We provide the information, eg on material properties, processing and reliability, but commercialisation happens somewhere else. Europe is not currently at the forefront of development, but with continued support we could be. This is why EC projects with a focus on the industry challenges such as Metrology for energy harvesting are so important; they are vital for Europe to obtain that leading edge for development.

What do you feel are/will be the main benefits or potential of energy harvesting technologies?

The main benefit would be the replacement of batteries. There has been, and continues to be, a massive expansion in the number of electronic gadgets per person. All of these require energy, which is currently supplied by batteries. Batteries have disadvantages, particularly with regard to the environment. Using EH devices to replace batteries would have huge societal benefits. This view is reflected by the EU – development of alternatives to batteries is a key area of funding.

Another benefit would be the independence from power sockets and batteries – this will make certain applications easier. For example, condition monitoring of bridges, pipelines, or railroad tracks would be much easier with EH sensors, as there would be no need for regular site visits to replace batteries.

About aixACCT

aixACCT provides electrical test systems for material development and device qualification for:

·         Non volatile memory technologies (eg FeRAM, RRAM)

·         MEMS (eg cantilevers, membranes)

·         Actuator/ sensor applications (eg multilayer actuators, pressure sensors)

aixACCT helps customers reduce time to market and prove functionality of new products at an early stage of development by offering novel testing concepts and system solutions. aixACCT covers the whole product development chain, from material study to prototype testing and quality assurance during production. aixACCT has helped develop numerous products to market, including printers, car injection systems, and memory devices.