According to a recently published report from iRap Inc., "Ultra-Low Power (Microwatt) Energy Harvesting for Wireless Switches and Wireless Sensor Networking–Types, Applications, New Developments, Industry Structure and Global Markets," the global market for ultra-low power energy harvesting devices estimated to be about $79.5 million in 2009 will reach $1,254.1 million in 2014, at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 73.6%, in spite of the recession.
Electromagnetic energy harvesting kits will have the highest market share, reaching 92.8% of the market by 2014. Vibration-to-energy harvesting kits will lose market share, dropping to 3.4% of the market from a high in 2009 of 6.3%. Thermoelectric generators (TEG), photo-voltaic EH and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting had a combined market share of 5.7% in 2009. By 2014, this share will reduce to 3.8%
Among the five markets, the potential market for energy harvesting based on wireless sensors and switches in buildings alone is in several billion pieces per year. This market, at $75 million (94.3% share) in 2009, will increase to $1,171 million (93.38%) in 2014. Occupancy sensors, window contacts, temperature sensors, gas sensors and many other sensors necessary to help make a building energy-efficient are all included in the annual potential market of several billions of pieces annually. Most of these sensors (over 90%) will have to be maintenance-free (i.e., no battery).
Although starting with low numbers in 2009, the markets for energy harvesting devices and wireless sensors used in multiple applications such as industrial machinery, agriculture, structural health monitoring, tire pressure monitoring systems and medical- related markets will reach sizable numbers by 2014.
