A System-Oriented Approach for Modeling Energy Harvesting Devices in Wireless Sensor-Modules

Self-sufficient energy supply of micro-systems presents a key-feature for innovative micro-system applications, e.g., sensor-networks for condition monitoring purposes. In this paper we present the method of modeling and the characterization of an exemplary energy-harvesting device. The idea of a modulation framework in SystemC is introduced which allows precise modeling of energy supply and demand on a modular, expandable basis. The presented method can be used during early design-stages for system-optimization, regarding performance, dimensions and material use.