The Dolphin modules use the energy harvesting principle, in which energy is obtained from the surroundings, to supply self-powered wireless sensor networks. The modules are based on miniaturized energy converters that convert motion, light or temperature differences into electrical energy. Together with an efficient energy management system, the energy harvesting technology facilitates communication between maintenance-free IoT devices based on open wireless standards, such as EnOcean, ZigBee and Bluetooth Low Energy. The solutions are used in building automation, smart homes, LED light control systems as well as industrial applications. Networked devices form the basis of the Internet of Things. They process large volumes of sensor data to make our everyday lives easier, safer and more comfortable. EnOcean´s Dolphin modules are a key component of this extensive network: self-powered, wireless sensors that provide reliable sensor data for IoT systems. Self-powered wireless sensor networks increase system capacity by reducing outages caused by batteries, which means less maintenance work is required. They also help conserve resources and permit sustainable solutions, since fewer cables and batteries are needed. Batteries, in particular, are expensive to maintain, harm the environment and have to be disposed of regularly.
EnOcean GmbH will continue to expand its Dolphin product portfolio. In October 2016, EnOcean launched energy harvesting wireless modules for use in ZigBee and Bluetooth Low Energy systems on the 2.4 GHz band alongside the established sub 1 GHz EnOcean wireless technology. Thanks to the low power consumption of the EnOcean technology, the batteryless sensors and switches are perfectly suited for use in smart buildings. The product lines "868 MHz EnOcean" for Europe, "902 MHz EnOcean" for North America and "928 MHz EnOcean" for Japan consist of batteryless, radio-based switch, sensor and receiver modules as well as various tools. They are based on the EnOcean wireless standard introduced by the EnOcean Alliance (ISO/IEC 14543-3-1X) on the sub 1 GHz band, which has proven to be a resounding success in building automation and smart homes, due to its high reliability and a radio range of up to 30 meters. Standardized sensor profiles help ensure the interoperability of more than 1,500 products from the EnOcean ecosystem, which makes it possible to develop interoperable system solutions. The Dolphin portfolio also includes the "2.4 GHz ZigBee" product line with energy harvesting wireless switch modules as well as a wireless receiver for ZigBee systems in the 2.4 GHz band, which can be used in smart home applications all over the world. Moreover, the "2.4 GHz BLE" portfolio includes a wireless switch module for Bluetooth Low Energy systems for modern light control. Radio-based 2.4 GHz BLE sensors will also be available, starting in 2017.
