Boston, Mass. - EnOcean, the inventor of energy harvesting wireless sensor networks, has been awarded the top prize for "Best Application of Energy Harvesting" by IDTechEx's panel of independent experts. The award recognizes EnOcean's energy harvesting radio modules for simplifying the integration of energy-management systems in buildings via self-powered wireless sensors and switches, and distinguishes EnOcean as having achieved commercial success with its end product using energy harvesting.

EnOcean-based sensors and switches are powered by ambient sources of energy " such as light, temperature and motion, and reduce the amount of energy lost to unnecessary lighting, heating and cooling of buildings. BAS (Building Automation Systems) have proven to be reliable means of reducing energy consumption up to 40%. Self-powered sensors and switches, enabled by EnOcean, overcome the integration barriers than have stalled widespread BAS retrofitting.

The EnOcean Alliance's open, interoperable wireless standard enables manufacturers to rapidly develop solutions to suit today's "green" economy. Currently, more than 100 manufacturers have joined the EnOcean Alliance and have manufactured solutions that can anchor BAS.

The EnOcean technology has already been deployed in more than 100,000 buildings worldwide, wirelessly linking energy autonomous sensor networks. All EnOcean-based sensors, switches and controllers are interoperable regardless of the manufacturer. For example, an EnOcean-based occupancy sensor manufactured by Vendor A will communicate to any lighting or HVAC controller manufactured by Vendor Z.

EnOcean modules, often referred to as "application modules", ship out-of-box with extensive firmware functionalities built-in, such as basic switching, dimming, measuring, etc., and can go straight into an application without additional programming.

OEMs can now create solutions that transform structures into energy-efficient, responsive and sustainable buildings. EnOcean-based controls simplify the installation of BAS and also provide flexible and effective means of collecting and disseminating utility information such as Demand Response events and meter consumption.

Once received from the utility, batteryless controls can seamlessly propagate DR signals throughout a building while reducing energy consumption according to occupancy statuses and daylighting potential.

The award panel included Virginia Tech Professor, Shashank Priya, and Dr. Peter Harrop from IDTechEx. Judging criteria were based on success in terms of products sold and revenues generated.

For more information visit www.enocean.com.