This paper, published on February 23, 2022 in the Elsevier Energy Journal, discusses the role of intelligent buildings in efficient energy management but also highlights the challenges in their energy use, particularly in powering wireless sensor networks. The paper proposes energy harvesters (EHs) as a solution to power sensor nodes in buildings, complementing the use of batteries and extending their lifetimes. The study reviews various EH technologies currently under the experimental or development phase that can extract power from environmental sources such as mechanical motion, thermal, light, radio-frequency, and fluid flow. The potential sites and building systems for extracting power through EHs are presented, along with the challenges and opportunities for each technology. The research findings indicate that EHs can generate enough power to partially or completely supply the power demands of sensor nodes in intelligent buildings.

Keywords: Access Controls, Architecture/Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), CCTV, Communications, Construction/New Buildings, Control & Monitoring Equipment/Sensors, Energy Efficiency/Management, Fire/Life Safety, HVAC & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Intelligent Building, Internet of Things (IoT), Large Building Controls/Automation, Lighting Systems/Controls, Protocols/Standards, Smart Cities, Smart Grid