Multi‐Surface Adhesion Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Supply‐Less IoT

Abstract

Abstract The growing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices hinges on resolving the challenge of powering sensors and transmitters. Addressing this, supply‐less IoT devices are gaining traction by integrating energy harvesters. This study introduces a temperature sensor devoid of external power sources, achieved through a novel luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) device based on a stretchable, adhesive elastomer. Leveraging a lanthanide‐doped styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene matrix, the LSC yielded 0.09% device efficiency. The resultant temperature sensor exhibits a thermal sensitivity of 2.1%°C−1 and a 0.06 °C temperature uncertainty, autonomously transmitting real‐time data to a server for user visualization via smartphones. Additionally, the integration of LED‐based lighting enables functionality in low‐light conditions, ensuring 24 h cycle operation and the possibility of having four distinct thermometric parameters without changing the device configuration, stating remarkable robustness and reliability of the system.

Keywords

• building‐integrated photovoltaics
• Internet of Things
• luminescent solar concentrators
• self‐adhesive
• temperature sensors