Dracula Technologies' LAYER®Vault was recognized for its groundbreaking contribution to clean technology and sustainability, winning a 2024 Best of Sensors Award in June. The awards, presented jointly by Questex's Sensors Converge and Fierce Electronics, celebrate excellence in sensor technologies and their impact on the electronics ecosystem.
A panel of industry experts evaluated entries based on market value, problem-solving capabilities, and design uniqueness, with LAYER®Vault distinguishing itself as a game changer in Cleantech/Sustainability, one of 12 Product Innovation categories.
"Finalists in this category have made notable impacts to enable cleaner, greener solutions across various industries, setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly technology and sustainable development," said Charlene Soucy, Senior Vice President at Sensors Converge, as she presented the award to Dracula Technologies.
LAYER®Vault's patented technology combines low-light Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) energy harvesting with electrical storage on a single flexible film, addressing many of the critical challenges faced by manufacturers and end-users in the industry.
This innovative sensor offers a unique solution to the rising cost of batteries, environmental concerns, and waste management issues. By eliminating the need for traditional batteries, LAYER®Vault significantly reduces maintenance and replacement costs while aligning with stringent environmental regulations.
LAYER®Vault consists of two layers: an energy harvesting layer and a storage layer. The energy harvesting component utilizes Dracula Technologies' proprietary OPV inkjet technology, capable of capturing energy from various light sources, including natural, artificial, direct, indirect, and even low-luminosity environments. This versatility makes it especially suitable for indoor applications.
The storage layer works in tandem with the OPV harvesting substrate, accumulating energy for use during low-light periods. This integration ensures uninterrupted functionality, opening up new possibilities across various IoT sectors such as Smart Buildings, Smart Homes, Smart Asset Tracking, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), and Remote Control Markets.
One of the strengths of LAYER®Vault is its ability to power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near-Field Communication (NFC) devices efficiently. This capability enables true autonomy for a wide range of IoT and ultra-low power products, eliminating the need for battery replacements and reducing the overall environmental impact.
The customizable nature of LAYER®Vault allows for tailored design specific to target sensors and applications. This optimization ensures that the system generates and stores precisely the required amount of power, further enhancing its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By removing the need for pick-and-place operations during manufacturing, LAYER®Vault also simplifies the production process, leading to significant reductions in operational costs.
LAYER®Vault primarily uses organic and non-toxic components, and its production relies on environmentally friendly OPV inkjet printing techniques. This approach not only bypasses stringent battery regulations but also contributes to a greener manufacturing process.
Dracula Technologies, headquartered in Valence, France, continues to push the boundaries of sustainable energy solutions for IoT devices. The LAYER®Vault represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly power sources in the expanding Internet of Things landscape. As the electronics industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, innovations like this are paving the way for a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future.
For a complete list of the 2024 Best of Sensors Award winners, check out this article.