Energy harvesting through piezoelectricity - technology foresight

Abstract Energy harvesting is important in designing low power intelligent networks, such as Internet-of-Things. Energy harvesting can ensure wireless and lossless energy supply to energy dependent technological solutions with independence of infrastructure. Electrical energy created through piezoelectricity occurs as soon as electrically balanced crystals are deformed through mechanical pressure. The purpose of this paper is to examine key academic interest in the field and presents a foresight of this interest into the future. Data from 2005 until today show an exponential growth of published scientific articles. In contrast to this, is found a low level of ability to convert the technology from academia to commercialization. A decision making model is proposed including a requirement for better understanding of niches, niche definitions and configuration of energy harvesting design considerations.