Multi-Junction Solar Module and Supercapacitor Self-Powering Miniaturized Environmental Wireless Sensor Nodes.

A novel prototype based on the combination of a multi-junction, high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) module and a supercapacitor (SC) able to self-power a wireless sensor node (WSN) for outdoor air quality monitoring has been developed and tested. A PV module with about an 8 cm active area made of eight GaAs-based triple-junction solar cells with a nominal 29% efficiency was assembled and characterized under terrestrial clear-sky conditions. Energy is stored in a 4000 F/4.