GK Insulators and Torex Semiconductor Develop Demo Unit Featuring Solar-Powered EnerCera® Charging Module
NGK Insulators, Ltd. and Torex Semiconductor Ltd have jointly developed a next-generation charging module equipped with EnerCera® and advanced solar cells, such as organic thin-film and perovskite solar cells.
Conventional solar-powered systems typically operate by directly driving the system from solar-generated electricity. However, under weak lighting conditions—such as indoor environments—the power generated is minimal, which limits practical use.
Powerfilm mounting board
The newly developed module integrates solar cells, EnerCera batteries (from NGK), and an ultra-low-power power management IC (from Torex), enabling efficient energy harvesting even from weak light sources producing around 100 µW. The energy is stored in the EnerCera battery, which then supplies sufficient power to drive the system, thereby significantly expanding potential use cases.
Additionally, the combination of flexible film-type solar cells, EnerCera® batteries, and power management ICs allows the creation of lightweight, ultra-thin, and bendable modules that leverage the strengths of each component.
From these features, the module is expected to be deployed in applications such as wearable devices, IoT edge devices, and indoor environmental monitoring systems for offices and factories.
Solaires mounting board
What is EnerCera®?
EnerCera® is an ultra-compact, ultra-thin lithium-ion rechargeable battery that utilizes NGK Insulators’ proprietary crystal-oriented ceramic plates as electrodes. Its unique semi-solid structure, composed of ceramic laminate battery components soaked with a small amount of electrolyte, delivers a combination of features previously difficult to achieve in lithium-ion batteries. These include compact size, high capacity, high output, high heat resistance, and long life—ideal characteristics for IoT device power sources. Recognized for its innovation and practicality, EnerCera® has received numerous awards and is considered a key enabler for the widespread adoption of IoT modules.
EnerCera Product Site https://www.ngk-insulators.com/en/product/enercera.html
EnerCera Special Site https://enercera.ngk-newvalue.com/en