ENHANCE · Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters for Self-Powered Automotive Sensors: from Advanced Lead-Free Materials to Smart Systems

The proposed Initial Training Network entitled ""Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters for Self-Powered Automotive Sensors: fromAdvanced Lead-Free Materials to Smart Systems (ENHANCE)"" will provide Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with broad andintensive training within a multidisciplinary research and teaching environment. Key training topics will include developmentof energy harvesters compatible with MEMS technology and able to power wireless sensor. Applied to automobiles, suchtechnology will allow for 50 kg of weight saving, connection simplification, space reduction, and reduced maintenance costs -all major steps towards creating green vehicles. Other important topics include technology innovation, education andintellectual asset management.ENHANCE links world-leading research groups at academic institutions to give a combined, integrated approach ofsynthesis/fabrication, characterization, modeling/theory linked to concepts for materials integration in devices and systems.Such a science-supported total engineering approach will lead towards efficient piezoelectric energy harvesters viable for theautomotive industry. ESRs will focus on this common research objective, applying a multidisciplinary bottom-up approach,which can be summarized by : ""engineered molecule- advanced material- designed device - smart system"". ENHANCE alsoseeks to intensify the relationship between academic and private sectors, and to train highly skilled young researchers fornew materials and device technologies. Both are essential to provide a strong European lead over the rest of the world inthis highly competitive industry.""