Integration of RF Energy Harvesting Modules in IoT Nodes for Sustainable Wireless Communication

Abstract

Because of how fast IoT devices are growing, there is a growing need for long-lasting, dependable and maintenance-free power supplies that can keep the billions of IoT sensor nodes running properly on their own. Traditional IoT nodes using batteries must often be us replaced or recharged and this is not convenient for distant locations. In such situations, collecting wireless energy from electromagnetic networks such as Wi-Fi, cellular and broadcast transmitters becomes easier through Radio Frequency energy harvesting. This research explains how to design an IoT node with RF energy harvesting, wideband rectennas and intelligent power management that can sustain and power wireless communication using energy from the air. Tests are performed on the proposed system in different locations and under multiple radiofrequency power densities. Tests have proven that the system is able to deliver between 120–300 µW of power when it is placed at a distance between 5 and 20 meters from standard radio emitters. Harvested energy can run low-duty-cycle features in LoRa and Zigbee wireless protocols. Additionally, the study considers the impacts of harvested power, message frequency and how efficient the system is. As a result, it is now clear that utilizing RF energy harvesting in IoT devices may help network time last longer, waste batteries less and be used in locations without existing infrastructure.