Design and Characterization of Rectenna for Wireless Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Wireless energy harvesters enable the continuous operation of sensors without the need for frequent battery replacements, ensuring long-term and autonomous functionality in remote or challenging environments. In this work, we have designed and developed a half-wave rectifier for the purpose of wireless energy harvesting and transfer. This rectenna has been specifically designed to operate within the commonly used 2100 MHz wireless band and is powered by a high-gain wideband antenna. The rectifier consists of two surface mount SMS7630 Schottky diodes, a capacitor, and a 1 kΩ load resistor. We have achieved the desired operating band by adjusting the dimensions of matched transmission lines. To power the rectenna, we have also designed a high gain wideband antenna. The antenna’s gain has been improved by introducing an air-gap and utilizing a low-loss RT-duroid 5880-based multilayered substrate. Additionally, we have reduced the length of the ground plane to increase the antenna’s bandwidth, resulting in an omnidirectional radiation pattern. Both the antenna and rectifier circuits were developed and tested independently. Our proposed rectenna exhibits a measured radio frequency to direct current conversion efficiency of 27.9%.