The Energy Harvester from ZF is an innovative technology designed to enhance energy efficiency and building security in applications such as windows and doors. By monitoring the status of windows, the Energy Harvester helps prevent the wastage of heating energy by wirelessly transmitting information to the building technology. For instance, if a window is open, the heating or air-conditioning system can be automatically adjusted to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, the Energy Harvester can provide information about the open or closed status of windows and doors, which can be checked on a central unit, reducing the need for manual guard duty in large commercial buildings.

One of the key advantages of the ZF Energy Harvester is its ability to generate sufficient energy for the transmission of a radio frequency (RF) protocol with each actuation. This eliminates the need for batteries and ensures that the technology remains maintenance-free. The wireless nature of the Energy Harvester also adds flexibility to its use, allowing it to be implemented with different RF protocols, such as Bluetooth®, EnOcean®, or customized RF protocols.

Overall, ZF's Energy Harvester is a smart and energy-saving solution for the smart home. It offers a battery-free and wireless approach to monitor the status of windows and doors, contributing to energy efficiency and building security. ZF showcased various applications of this technology at the Light + Building exhibition in Frankfurt from 3rd to 8th March 2024 (Hall 9.0, Stand E21).