Internet of things energy system: Smart applications, technology advancement, and open issues

Abstract

The internet of things (IoT) is a distributed heterogeneous network of lightweight nodes with very minimal power and storage. The IoT energy system for smart applications such as smart grid, smart building, and smart transportations depends on the IoT architecture, determining the high or low-energy consumption levels. Most of the IoT objects are power-driven by batteries with short life spans that require replacement. The replacement phase is tedious; hence this paper comprehensively discussed the IoT energy system, energy resources, and energy storage as these three elements are crucial to enable energy efficiency for the IoT applications. In comparison to the battery-powered solutions, the scavenging of infinite quantities of energy makes the IoT systems robust. Therefore, this paper further elaborates on understanding the current situation in terms of renewable energy harvesting for these low-energy systems. The IoT energy storage highlighted in this paper includes fuel cell, lithium battery, and supercapacitor technology. This paper also provides the findings for IoT energy system challenges and open issues in management and storage in terms of bidirectional, continuity, autonomy, fluctuation, conversion, consumption, integration, multifunction, and stability. This paper will assist researchers in more quality yet practical energy usage and savings, better IoT system architecture, and smart application sustainability.