SUINK is developing sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the next generation of smart sensors in the automotive industry. The project aims to create innovative sensors that generate their own energy instead of relying on electricity from a vehicle’s battery.
The self-charging power systems (SCPS) developed in the project combine bio-based conductive, dielectric and piezoelectric inks that are deposited onto flexible bio-based substrates using inkjet printing technology. The resulting lightweight and flexible systems integrate energy harvesting, energy storage and sensing functionalities into a single sustainable platform.
The power systems utilise mechanical vibrations generated by moving vehicles as a renewable energy source. A piezoelectric energy harvester converts these vibrations into electrical energy, which is processed through a rectifying circuit and stored in a supercapacitor. The harvested energy is then used to power sensors measuring temperature, humidity and mechanical strain.
In addition to automotive sensors, SUINK is developing recyclable energy-harvesting textile materials for vehicle interiors. By reducing component weight and enabling battery-independent operation, the project contributes to improved energy efficiency and productivity in the automotive sector.
Sustainability and circularity are at the core of SUINK. The project addresses the entire product life cycle, from eco-design and manufacturing to end-of-life management, introducing new protocols for recyclability and reusability.
Funding
SUINK is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 101070112). The project runs from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2026. The total project budget is €4.97 million, fully funded by the EU.
Consortium partners
The consortium is coordinated by Tekniker (Spain) and brings together 11 partners from five European countries:
- Tekniker (Spain)
- Universidad del País Vasco (Spain)
- Oribay (Spain)
- Centexbel (Belgium)
- Greenovate! Europe (Belgium)
- Dowel Innovation (France)
- Institut Mines-Télécom (France)
- Kaira Clan (Finland)
- Tampere University (Finland)
- Gemmate Technologies (Italy)
- Centro Ricerche Fiat (Italy)
Tampere University's role
At Tampere University, the project is carried out within the Electronics Research Centre (ERC).
The team focuses on developing sustainable printed energy storage devices, materials development, system integration and project management. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Chirag Mevada
Professor Matti Mäntysalo
For more information, visit: www.suink.eu