As organisations expand their Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, a persistent challenge emerges: the unsustainable dependency on battery power. While mesh networks deliver scalability and resilience, their backbone anchor nodes remain dependent on finite power sources that require maintenance, create waste, and limit long-term viability.
Lightricity introduces a transformative advancement in IoT sustainability: the 4EverMesh Anchor, a Wirepas-compliant anchor node powered entirely by indoor light. This pioneering solution redefines power autonomy for mesh networks, offering a permanent, maintenance-free alternative to battery-operated infrastructure.
Understanding the Role of Anchor Nodes
In a Wirepas mesh network, anchor nodes (also known as router nodes) play essential roles:
- Acting as central hubs for data transmission
- Calculating optimal routes to the gateway
- Maintaining network stability and coverage
Traditionally, these nodes rely on batteries. In large-scale deployments, this results in:
- Recurring maintenance cycles
- Logistical complexity
- Network downtime
- Environmental impact due to battery disposal
The Lightricity 4EverMesh Anchor: How It Works
The 4EverMesh Anchor removes the need for batteries through advanced light energy harvesting technology.
Core Technology
- Uses Lightricity’s proprietary photovoltaic (PV) cells, validated by the UK National Physical Laboratory as one of the world’s most efficient indoor PV technology.
- Achieves up to 35% conversion efficiency from indoor light.
- Includes a hybrid storage element enabling operation even when lighting is unavailable.
- The anchor is small and positioned adjacent to the light source (luminaire) and unobtrusive.
Dual Operating Modes
1. 24/7 Mode
- Designed for continuous-operation environments like warehouses
- Provides 3–4.5 days of operation without light
- Ensures stable and optimised network performance under constant lighting
2. Energy Saving Mode
- Ideal for spaces with predictable lighting (offices, hospitals, retail)
- Activates when light exceeds 5000 lux
- Enters sleep mode 5 minutes after light turns off
- Can remain dormant for up to 3 months, restarting instantly when lighting returns
Strategic Advantages for IoT Deployments
Operational Excellence
- Removes battery replacement cycles and associated labour costs.
- Reduces total cost of ownership through maintenance-free performance.
- Simplifies deployment with compact, lightweight, unobtrusive design.
- Enhances network reliability by eliminating power-related failures.
Sustainability Leadership
- Eliminates battery waste throughout the IoT lifecycle.
- Supports ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) objectives.
- Reduces carbon emissions compared to battery usage.
Scalability Enablement
- Supports networks with thousands of devices
- Suitable for hard-to-access locations without maintenance concerns
- Integrates seamlessly with existing battery-powered anchors.
- Future-proofs IoT infrastructure against tightening sustainability regulations
Application Versatility
The Wirepas Mesh Network is engineered for a wide range of IoT use cases and the 4EverMesh sustainably supports these applications:
- Smart Metering – Long-term autonomous data collection.
- Asset Tracking – Continuous tracking in warehouses, hospitals, and industrial environments.
- Industrial IoT – Robust performance in demanding conditions.
- Smart Lighting & Building Automation – Sustainable infrastructure for modern buildings.
- Supply Chain & Logistics – Reliable monitoring for complex operational networks.
Technical Integration and Deployment
- Seamless Compatibility: Works exactly like a standard Wirepas anchor node.
- Easy Installation: No network reconfiguration required.
- Flexible Deployment: Suitable for both new setups and retrofits
- Proven Reliability: Performs effectively alongside traditional anchors.
The Path Forward: Redefining IoT Power Infrastructure
Transitioning from battery-powered to light-powered infrastructure represents a significant shift toward autonomous, sustainable IoT ecosystems. The 4EverMesh Anchor shows that environmental responsibility and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
As IoT networks continue expanding, power infrastructure will increasingly influence scalability and sustainability. Lightricity offers a clear path forward—networks that power themselves, operate indefinitely, and align with global environmental goals.
