Allowing batteries operate the sensors are no attractive alternatives. It is crowded in the gas turbine, and batteries that can withstand the high temperatures are expensive. Plain cabling is too expensive and complex.

Therefore, the electronics rather than harvest their own energy. In an aircraft engine is a lot of potential power sources, given that the shake, rotate and warm. But AAC is mysterious.

- No, what kind of energy we use, we must not disclose, "says Peter Nilsson, who is project manager at AAC Microtec.

The technical challenges of sensor networks in extremely harsh environments, the company can talk more about. Miniaturized, robust electronics for example, aerospace applications is the AACS business.

The collaboration with Volvo Aero is the company's first effort to use energy from the surroundings. The goal is to monitor a wide range of parameters of aircraft engines as temperature, strain, vibration and pressure.

- It is much cheaper and easier to install than the system of cables that are used to develop and test flight engines today, "says Peter Nilsson.

The idea eventually is that the electronics will also monitor the engine in operation. It opens new opportunities to reduce costs and increase security. Maintenance can be based on certain control parameters instead of at predetermined intervals and to optimize the engine more efficient. The project, partly financed by VINNOVA state, also participate Uppsala University.

AACS CEO Mats Magnell think that energy harvesting is an interesting trend and expect more projects in the future.