Energy Harvesting Module and Low Power Rectifier Circuit
RADIO frequency (RF) energy harvesting has garnered much interest in recent years as our lives have become more connected. Whether it be smart homes, industry 4.0, wearables or sport-tech; objects which were once inanimate are brought to life with electronics such as sensors, and low-power transceivers. This evolution of ‘things’ is commonly referred to as the Internet of Things (IoTs).
5G networks, mm-Wave driven, has recently emerged as a viable source of power for low power IoTs due to the allowance of relatively high-power radio transmissions in the 5G band, provides an opportunity for harvesting power energy from radio waves.
UNMET NEED
Our solution provides an optimal solution to the following list of unmet needs:
1. High Efficiency at Low RF Power Levels
2. Wideband Operation
3. Miniaturization and Integration – Compact and integrated solutions for IoT devices
4. Adaptive Power Management – easily integrated with storage and utilization of the harvested energy.
5. Scalability for High-Power Applications – Scaling up for applications requiring higher power.
6. Low-Cost and Mass Production – Economical modules for widespread adoption in IoT.
7. Integration with IoT and Wireless Sensor Networks – Seamless integration into IoT devices and cellular- wireless networks.
OUR SOLUTION
We present a scalable and modular design approach for designing a power splitting rectifier and voltage summation used to bypass the compromises involved in achieving high PCE and high VOUT for the same load, integrated into a package with unique features that allows for a miniaturized compact component.
Using this component, which serves as a building block, it is possible to assemble and supply large arrays, for the ability to harvest energy at high powers and voltages, in a modular manner, according to the required needs.
APPLICATIONS
For outdoor IoT devices, RF energy harvesting plays a crucial role in enabling autonomous and maintenance-free operation in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Here are few typical applications of RF energy harvesting for outdoor IoT devices:
1. Environmental Monitoring Applications –
o Air quality sensors (e.g., CO₂, NO₂, particulate matter).
o Weather monitoring systems (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed).
2. Smart Cities Applications –
o Smart streetlights with integrated environmental sensors.
o Traffic flow monitoring using wireless sensors.
o Parking management systems with wireless occupancy detectors.
3. Infrastructure Monitoring Applications –
o Structural health monitoring of bridges, roads, and buildings (e.g., strain, vibration, crack detection).
o Pipeline monitoring for leaks or pressure changes in oil, gas, or water systems.
o Rail track monitoring for fault detection.
4. Disaster Management and Early Warning Systems Monitoring Applications –
o Flood monitoring and prediction with water level sensors.
o Landslide and avalanche detection systems using vibration sensors.
o Seismic monitoring for earthquake early warning.
5. Outdoor Security Systems Applications –
o Perimeter surveillance sensors for restricted areas or critical infrastructure.
o Motion detection for outdoor cameras and alarms.
o Smart locks and access control systems in outdoor environments.
6. Smart Transportation Applications –
o Smart toll systems with RFID sensors for vehicle detection.
o Wireless road condition sensors (e.g., ice or snow detection).
o Connected systems for monitoring outdoor transit infrastructure.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent Pending