MicroPower Technologies Workshop Home

According to recent studies and estimates, the market for wireless sensor networks will reach approximately $5.7 billion by 2012. One of the main challenges for this market’s development is the emergence of technologies to power all of these wireless sensor nodes. Accordingly, micro power technologies have emerged as a hot technology area that can provide many lucrative investment and development opportunities.

Topics that will be covered at the workshop include:
• Energy scavenging for MEMS devices and microsystems
• Electrostatic, piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy conversion schemes
• Thermoelectric systems and micro coolers
• Photovoltaic systems
• Micro fuel cells and micro reactors
• Micro combustion engines for power generation and propulsion
• Materials for energy applications
• Micro power ICs and transducers
• Micro battery technologies

This workshop will ensure that you and your organization are optimally positioned and prepared for business development opportunities in this exciting and rapidly developing technology area.

Presentations and Speakers
Sponsorship Opportunites
Pricing/Registration/Cancellation
Hotel Information

Presentations and Speakers

MEMS Based Fuel Cell Systems: Progress, Challenges and Advantages for Portable Power

Jeff Morse, Ph.D., Managing Director, National Nanomanufacturing Network
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Micro-fuel cells have received considerable attention over the past decade as a primary solution to the increased demands on portable power sources to track the needs of emerging consumer electronics products. Fuel cells have the key advantage that the energy is stored in chemical form in the fuel, therefore if the energy conversion platform (i.e; the fuel cell stack) can be made sufficiently small, and the fuel can be provided in easy to handle, high concentration cartridges, then a fuel cell will provide extended time between recharge for comparably sized rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, recharging is instantaneous by replacement of the fuel cartridge. While micro-fuel cell may provide advantages in terms of energy density, fuel cell power sources still face numerous challenges, including integration, cost, and manufacturability.

A micro-fuel cell system incorporating novel designs enabled by MEMS structures will be described, along with the advantages of this approach to address some of these key challenges and issues. MEMS and microfluidic structures and techniques offer inherent advantages resulting from the large surface-to-volume ratios and high level of integration possible. Exploiting these microfabrication techniques for flow field designs, and fuel processor components, very high power density fuel cell stacks and systems can be realized. Additional benefits of such systems include thermal integration whereby waste heat can be used to sustain endothermic processes in order to increase system efficiency.

About the Speaker
Dr. Jeffrey Morse is the Managing Director of the National Nanomanufacturing Network, a new organization sponsored by the National Science Foundation through the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Previously, Jeff was a Senior Scientist in the Center for Micro and Nano Technology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He received his BS (1983) and MS (1985) Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, and a PhD (1992) in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. His interests and expertise includes semiconductor devices and physics, advanced micro/nanofabrication processes, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidics. As a result, he has been a frequent invited speaker at prestigious meetings on the subject including the annual Fuel Cell Meeting and the Knowledge Foundation’s Small Fuel Cell Conference. In addition to numerous journal and conference publications, Dr. Morse holds 10 patents in the area of micro-fuel cells, which have served as the basis of Ultracell, Corp, a leading company in integrated micro methanol fuel processor/proton exchange fuel cell systems, and Lilliputian Systems, Inc., a leader in the development of MEMS-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for portable power applications.

Market Prospects for Micro Power Technologies
Jérémie Bouchaud, Director and Principal Analyst
MEMS iSuppli

Abstract
MEMS can contribute to micro power in 2 ways: low-power consumption sensors and actuators and on the other hand MEMS based energy sources. Consumer applications have been driving commercialization of low power sensors combined with advanced power management functions in the last 18 months. At the same time emerging powerless sensors and actuators can be associated with passive RFID to create completely new range of applications. iSuppli will report on these recent progresses and additional market prospects for micro power technologies.

Views on MEMS based energy scavengers will also be presented including an analysis on potential applications and a case study on energy scavengers for automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.

About the Speaker
Jérémie Bouchaud is unique to the MEMS industry, his breadth of MEMS device and application knowledge is unmatched, particularly in terms of automotive, consumer markets and RF MEMS. He was a founder and head of MEMS research for WTC - Wicht Technologie Consulting, acquired by iSuppli in April 2008. At iSuppli, Jérémie is responsible for the MEMS service area.

The success of WTC - Wicht Technologie Consulting is due to a large degree to the MEMS research which Jérémie developed. In the course of his career, Jérémie has led over 100 MEMS-related market research endeavors. Prior to WTC, he oversaw technology transfer for sensors and MEMS at the German office of CEA-LETI

Jérémie is a graduate of the Munich University of Applied sciences and of Ecole Supérieur de Commerce of Grenoble. He speaks German, English and French.

Energy harvesting systems using piezo-electric Macro Fiber Composites
Thomas Daue, President
Smart Material Corporation

Abstract
Harvesting energy from “waste” vibration present in the environment has seen an increasing interest during the past years as part of the general heightened awareness for alternative energy sources. Beside of typical electro mechanical methods, ferro electric devices have proven to be very effective to harvest energy for low power devices as often found in portable electronics, sensor controlled and condition monitoring systems due to the wide usable frequency range and adaptability.

This presentation will give a quick overview of piezo ceramics suitable for energy harvesting and possible energy yield followed by a design overview using the piezo-electric Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) for energy harvesting. Due to their excellent properties like flexibility, anisotropy and long term stability Macro Fiber Composites (MFC) fit all the requirements for energy harvesting generators.

The presentation will discuss mechanical design parameters to increase efficacy of energy harvesting using the MFC. Examples of commercially available energy harvesting electronics build particular for piezo-electric generators will be presented, including the achievable efficacy of the complete piezo-electric-electronic system. A brief review of economics comparing MFC based energy harvesting systems with standard batteries will discuss possible applications.

About the Speaker
Thomas Daue has been with Smart Material Corp., Sarasota, Florida as its President since 2000. Thomas began his professional career in computer architecture and computer development before he started his first company for high vacuum surface analysis equipment in 1983. Shifting his academic and entrepreneurial focus on the development and application of new materials, Thomas has started subsequently several companies in this area, including diagnostic medical devices and medical implants. Daue received a B.S. and M.S. degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the Technical University in Berlin, Germany.

Utilizing waste energy for wireless sensor networks, for better system control
and maintenance plans
Burkhard Habbe, Vice President, Business Development
Micropelt, Dallas,TX

Abstract
Energy conservation and condition based maintenance are two of the hot topics almost everyone is aware of. To conserve energy it is instrumental to control how energy is used; as well as optimizing process flow and maintenance schedules. Gathering information is an important factor to make smart maintenance choices and process adjustments. Wireless sensor networks can help getting to these data points and enable smart control. Energy harvesting based on temperature differentials can supply the necessary energy allowing a wide deployment of sensors.

About the Speaker
Burkhard Habbe is Vice President Business Development at Micropelt. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering of Munich’s Technical University. During his career he has held various positions in engineering, sales, marketing and business development in technology driven industries including Software, Consulting, Microelectronics Assembly and Machine Vision. Today Habbe is responsible for taking the exciting capabilities of Micropelt’s thin film thermoelectrics to the relevant world markets.

Combining Energy Harvesting and Power Management
for a Wireless Sensor Power Solution
Charles Lakeman, Vice President Micropower Division
TPL Inc., Micropower Division

Abstract
The key factors to the growth of wireless sensing applications have been the evolution of ultra-low power microcontrollers that can accomplish more for less power and the development of advanced wireless communications technologies. These advances have led to the development of devices that can measure and communicate data at an energy cost in the range of µJ/bit. Consequently, designers have been able to consider using energy harvesting systems that can generate and store small amounts of energy as power sources. Much of the effort in developing energy harvesting, therefore, has focused on systems that can provide energy for measuring, processing and communicating small amounts of data such as temperature or pressure. In particular, the evolution of thin film battery technologies has provided an energy storage solution that is eminently suitable for very low power sensors. However, sensors that measure more complex sets of data or that must maintain a mesh network (in which frequent and unpredictable communications are needed) require more energy and higher average power consumption. In these applications, the low capacity of thin film batteries is unable to support extended operation of the sensor in the absence of harvested energy. In this presentation, we describe a power management and energy storage system that uses a combination of conventional lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries with supercapacitors to provide a comprehensive charge management and energy storage system for low power energy harvesting in “meso-power” applications. Features of the design include dynamic peak power tracking, a broad operating temperature range, compatibility with solar, vibration and thermoelectric inputs, a highly efficient two-stage energy storage system, low output impedance, and the ability to maintain operation under dynamically varying input and load conditions. This presentation will illustrate the features and operation of the system with examples of applications with different sensors in various environments.

About the Speaker
Dr. Charles Lakeman has led TPL’s micropower program from its inception in 2004 and is now the Vice President of TPL’s Micropower Division. Over the past five years, he has led the development of the EnerPak product to the point where prototypes are now undergoing beta-testing with select customers. He earned a B.Eng. degree from the University of Leeds, UK and MS and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Following a post-doctoral appointment at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he was employed by Texas Instruments until he joined TPL in March 1998. Dr. Lakeman holds three issued patents, is an inventor on three pending patent applications, has authored many papers published in refereed journals and has given numerous invited and contributed presentations on micropower systems, microfabrication and chemical processing and properties of ceramic thin films.

Fuel Flexible Micro Wankel Power System Project -- Fuel Flexible Mini and Micro Engines
Dr. Albert (“Al”) P. Pisano, Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering
FANUC Chair of Mechanical Systems / Director, Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
University of California at Berkeley

Abstract
In this talk is a project overview and recent research results for the fuel flexible mini and micro Wankel power system project at the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center of the University of California at Berkeley. The talk will begin with the research motivation for the project, which is the extraordinary high specific energy density of hydrocarbon fuels. When compared with the energy density of batteries, hydrocarbon fuels may have as much as 20x more energy. However, the technical challenge is the conversion of hydrocarbon fuel to electricity in an efficient and clean micro engine. In this project, the Wankel engine, as invented by Professor Wankel of Germany and made famous by the Japanese automobile manufacturer, Mazda, is used as the micro engine design. A 1.5 cc displacement Wankel engine has been operated on a wide variety of fuels, ranging from hydrogen to gasoline to diesel fuel without mechanical modification. Less than on cubic inch in size, it generates up to 43 Watts of electrical power. The final portion of the talk will describe the packaging challenges and system challenges to make such engines a commonplace source of distributed electrical power, independent of the existing electrical grid.

About the Speaker
Albert (“Al”) P. Pisano currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley, having been appointed to that position in July 2004. He joined the University of California in 1983. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001. At UCB, Professor Pisano holds the FANUC Chair of Mechanical Systems in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with a joint appointment to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He has previously served as Director of the Electronics Research Laboratory, the largest organized research unit on the UC Berkeley campus (with over $73 million in research funds each year). He currently serves as a Director of the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC). Professor Pisano received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. (1981) degrees from Columbia University in the City of New York in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining the faculty at UC Berkeley, he held research positions with Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, Singer Sewing Machines Corporate R&D Center, and General Motors Research Labs. From 1997-1999, he served as Program Manager for the MEMS program at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, VA, where he expanded the MEMS research portfolio to 83 contracts awarded nationwide with a total MEMS research expenditure in excess of $163 million distributed over 3 fiscal years. His research interests and activities at UC Berkeley include MEMS for a wide variety of applications, including RF components, power generation, drug delivery, strain sensors, biosensors and disk-drive actuators. Professor Pisano is the co-inventor listed on 20 patents in MEMS and has authored or co-authored more than 190 archival publications. Since 1983 he has graduated 33 Ph.D. and 64 MS students. He is a founder in five start-up companies in the area of transdermal drug delivery, transvascular drug delivery, sensorized catheters, MEMS manufacturing equipment and MEMS RF devices.

Energy Harvesting for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Dr. Shad Roundy, Senior Manager, Sensor Engineering, Atmel

Abstract
As of September 2007, all cars sold in the United States must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Legislation has passed in the European Union requiring TPMS on all new platforms from November 2011 and new car sales from 2014. Given this large mandated market along with the fact that current TPMS modules require a battery for operation, interest in energy harvesters for TPMS is high. All TPMS modules currently on the market attach to the rim or valve stem rather than the tire. The focus of this presentation is to explore the application requirements, feasibility, and design considerations for rim and valve stem based energy harvesters to replace the battery in TPMS modules. The energy input along with the application requirements make a MEMS based design highly impractical. However, a technical solution to the problem that meets the current requirements from the energy available is feasible if difficult considering some of the extreme requirements.

About the Speaker
Shad Roundy is a Senior Manager of Sensor Engineering at Atmel. He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley in 2003. After a couple of years as a lecturer at the Australian National University, he joined LV Sensors, a wireless sensors startup focusing on the automotive market, where he remained until recently joining Atmel. His professional interests include energy harvesting, smart materials, and the application of these to MEMS technology.

Advances in Vibration Energy Harvesting – A Market, Application and Technology Update
Jerry Ruddle, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Commercialization
Advanced Cerametrics, Inc.

Abstract
The practical utilization of energy harvesting requires a systems understanding of the available ambient energy, the power required for the application, and the technologies available to both harvest and deliver the required power. An overview of energy harvesting sources, markets, and applications will be offered, with specific applications and performance data highlighted for piezoelectric fiber composite vibration energy harvesting products and technologies.

About the Speaker
Jerry Ruddle is a business executive with a blue-chip background in business development, sales, marketing, venture finance and strategic transactions in the high-technology sector - Jerry has built businesses ranging from early stage technology ventures to divisions of Fortune 500 companies like Hewlett Packard Co. His background includes market leadership in medical devices and systems, biometric technologies and identity management systems, defense and government security, and most recently, green tech solutions for energy harvesting. He has a track record of taking new technologies in emerging global markets to commercial success. With a BS in Engineering from Duke University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler School at UNC Chapel Hill, Jerry is currently responsible for leading the commercialization of breakthrough ambient-vibration energy harvesting solutions from Advanced Cerametrics that can replace battery and wired sources with perpetual power.

An Overview of Battery Technologies for Energy Harvesting Applications
David Squires, VP Strategic Marketing, Infinite Power Solutions

Abstract
This presentation provides an overview of micro energy storage technologies suitable for applications utilizing energy harvesting. Background will be provided on the main energy sources such as AAA, coin cell, supercaps, thin primary cells (LiPo) and rechargeable thin film batteries. Additional detail will be provided on the rechargeable thin film category, as this technology is in its nascent stage and is less well known than the other categories. The presentation will also provide application examples to illustrate the energy source selection process.

About the Speaker
David Squires is VP of Strategic Marketing at Infinite Power Solutions. He joined IPS in February this year and is responsible for setting strategy, identifying and managing strategic partnerships at IPS. Previously, Squires worked at Xilinx for 17 years in a variety of roles ranging from Chief Strategist to FPGA Marketing Director, to managing Xilinx’s DSP business unit. Squires was largely responsible for creating Xilinx’s DSP business unit. He held applications and technical marketing director positions in two software startups and prior to that, began his career as a linear design engineer at National Semiconductor. Squires earned an MSEE from Caltech, a BSEE from McMaster University and holds 6 patents.

Sponsorship Opportunities
The MEMS Investor Journal and MEPTEC are offering sponsorship opportunities for their 1st Annual Workshop on Micropower Technology. There are three sponsorship levels that will provide sponsors with many benefits.

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Pricing/Registration/Cancellation
Guaranteed registration will be accepted by mail, fax, phone or e-mail. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Pre-registering and pre-paying will guarantee you admission, proceedings materials and lunch. Please note that you may pay at door for attendance, but you must hold your registration with a credit card. There will be an additional $25.00 fee to register at door on the day of the event without a pre-paid or held reservation.

Refunds for advance payment will be given in full provided cancellation is received 5 business days prior to the event (by end of day October 15). If you chose to pay at the door but do not show and do not cancel 72 hours in advance, the credit card you provide to hold the reservation will be charged.

PLEASE REGISTER BY OCTOBER 16, 2009.

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Registration confirmation, location map and other information will be sent to you.

Hotel Information
A block of rooms are being held as space is available at the Radisson Hotel for a rate of $79.00. The hotel is conveniently located at 1471 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA in close proximity to the San Jose Airport. Call 408-452-0200 or 800-333-3333 to reserve your room. Be sure to mention MEPTEC in order to secure your special rate.