Project Hub /Audio Displays & Interactive Media/LED Matrix & Cube Displays/Batteryless Microcontroller Operation Using Supercapacitor

Intermediate

ATTINY85

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Batteryless Microcontroller Operation Using Supercapacitor

A proof-of-concept project demonstrating how to run a microcontroller and an OLED display entirely without a battery using ambient energy harvesting and a supercapacitor.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

0.96 Inch I2C/IIC 4pin OLED Display Module White Rs. 349.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: Battery (generic / unspecified)
Supercap / UPS / Power Bank Module
Capacitors
Diodes (1N4007 / 1N4148 / Schottky / Zener)
Inductors / Coils / Ferrite
Microcontroller IC (DIP) / Chip
ATtiny
Piezo transducer PZ1
50mA PV1

Browse all components

How It Works

This batteryless system operates by harnessing ambient energy from light and mechanical vibrations, storing it, and utilizing specialized power management integrated circuits to run an ATtiny85 microcontroller and an SSD1306 OLED display. A 3V, 50mA solar cell (PV1) converts light into electrical energy, while piezo transducers (PZ1, PZ2) generate electrical charges from mechanical stress or sound waves. These input sources are managed by two dedicated energy harvesting ICs: the LTC3588 (U1) and the LTC3105EMS (U2). Diodes such as the 1N5819 (D1, D2) prevent reverse current flow, protecting the power sources and ensuring unidirectional energy transfer. Inductors (L1, L2) and various filter capacitors (ranging from 10nF to 47µF like C4, C5, C6) work together to stabilize voltages, smooth out ripple currents, and manage transient loads. The harvested energy is accumulated in a large 2.7V, 6F supercapacitor (C1) which acts as the main energy reservoir, providing sufficient current storage to run the logic without a traditional chemical battery. Precision resistors (R1, R2, R3) establish necessary voltage references and feedback loops for the power management stages. Once the supercapacitor accumulates enough charge, the ATtiny85 microcontroller powers up and drives the SSD1306 OLED display (LCD1) to output visual data, while a push switch (SW1) allows for manual user interaction or circuit state resetting.

Why Build This

Design and analyze self-sustaining power systems using dual energy harvesting sources like photovoltaic cells and piezoelectric transducers.

Master power management techniques for microcontrollers and displays using high-capacity supercapacitors instead of chemical batteries.

Evaluate circuit efficiency, voltage regulation, and transient load response under intermittent power conditions suitable for autonomous IoT nodes.

Real-World Application

Autonomous IoT sensors, batteryless remote monitoring devices, and maintenance-free electronic nodes operating in remote or inaccessible locations.

Skills You'll Learn

Energy harvesting circuit design

Supercapacitor power management

Piezoelectric transducer interfacing

Photovoltaic energy conversion

Low-power microcontroller operation

OLED display interfacing

Voltage regulation and filtering

Safety Precautions

Flagged during content review — not in the original source

While supercapacitors store lower voltages than standard batteries, a 6F supercapacitor can release a high surge of current rapidly if short-circuited; ensure proper polarity is observed during assembly to prevent component damage or minor thermal events.

Technology Tags

ENERGY HARVESTING

SUPERCAPACITOR

MICROCONTROLLER

ATTINY13A

OLED DISPLAY

SOLAR CELL

PIEZO TRANSDUCER

LTC3588

LTC3105

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run this project entirely in a dark room without the solar cell?

No, the system relies on ambient energy harvesting from both the solar cell and the piezo transducers. Without sufficient light or mechanical vibration, the supercapacitor will not accumulate enough charge to continuously power the microcontroller and OLED display.

Why use a supercapacitor instead of a standard rechargeable lithium battery?

Supercapacitors offer near-infinite charge-discharge cycle lives, fast charging capabilities, and maintenance-free operation, making them ideal for batteryless proof-of-concept energy harvesting systems where chemical batteries would eventually degrade.

How does the circuit handle sudden drops in ambient energy?

The 6F supercapacitor acts as an energy buffer, maintaining voltage levels and supplying stored energy to the ATtiny85 and SSD1306 display during temporary lulls in light or vibration.

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-01483