Energy Harvesting Through the Radio Frequency Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract

Mobile communication, radio and television towers, satellites orbiting earth and even the cellular phones are continuously transmitting Radio Frequency waves. This immense amount of energy source around us is un-utilized and with the use of appropriate technology it could be utilized to power up small standalone applications. This research investigation studies the field intensity radiation pattern in a few areas for harvesting the radio frequency waves to power micro-watt level applications. The antenna pattern design choice, the energy harvester design, the implementation and test results are presented. Dipole, isotropic and spiral antennas are used to scavenge the power and comparison of harvested power is displayed in different locations at the coastal belt from Galle to Colombo in Sri Lanka. Among the three tested antennas, isotropic antenna is identified as the best antenna for energy harvesting in the Sri Lankan perspective. The practical application based on the designed harvester system is presented.