Hybrid energy harvester based on dual band transparent dielectric resonator antenna

Abstract

This article presents a compact hybrid solar and radio frequency (RF) energy harvester based on dual-band transparent dielectric resonator antenna (TDRA). It integrates with an amorphous silicon solar cell film, a TDRA and a rectifier circuit. The TDRA replaces the glass protective of the traditional solar cell to prevent the solar cell from being oxidized and damaged and also can efficiently harvest electromagnetic (EM) waves, which achieves harvesting solar and RF energy at the same time. The measured results show that the TDRA can reach impedance bandwidth (jS11j < À10 dB) of 2.37-3.03 GHz and 3.41-3.88 GHz and the realized gain of 4.9 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 5.95 dBi at 3.6 GHz. The efficiency of the rectifier can reach 60% and 40% at two resonance frequencies, respectively. The results prove that under weak lighting conditions, the hybrid harvester has a higher DC output power compared with the RF-only or solar-only energy harvester. Thus, it can be well applied to wireless sensors and Internet of Things devices.

A programmable solar‐powered radio frequency transmitter

“…Most researchers have focused on the integration design of solar cells and antennas. Optical transparent antennas using mesh conductors as radiators 1,2 or using a transparent dielectric resonator 3 are used in combination with solar cells. In addition, using solar panels as radiation structures [4][5][6] or reflective ground 7 is also used for solar antenna design.…”