Energy Harvesting and Storage Solutions for Low-Power IoT Devices in Livestock Industry

The Internet of Things (IoT) holds immense potential for enhancing livestock productivity, driven by the increasing affordability, miniaturization, and computational capabilities of electronic devices. Achieving energy autonomy is critical for developing IoT applications in the livestock industry. This paper explores a range of energy harvesting and storage technologies tailored for low-power IoT devices in livestock applications, addressing current challenges and limitations. Examining technologies such as smart cattle waterers (waterers with the ability to self-sense their water level), virtual fences (animal-born devices capable of applying stimuli to delimit a confinement area), and animal behavior monitoring devices, we provide insights into the selection criteria for energy harvesting and storage. Additionally, the paper discusses specific study cases within the livestock industry, illustrating the practical application of the reviewed technologies and offering valuable considerations for the device development process.