An alternative energy source for low power autonomous sensors

Vlad Marian (1) , Christian Vollaire (1) , Jacques Verdier (2) , Bruno Allard (1)

1 AMPERE - Ampère
2 ST-CROLLES - STMicroelectronics [Crolles]

This paper details the feasibility of a microwave energy harvesting system capable of generating DC power from the ambient electromagnetic field as the one from a GSM base-station, and in a sufficient amount to replace batteries in specific low-power applications. The basic principle of such a system is detailed. A low power RF/DC rectifier has been designed and fabricated as well as a 4-element patch antenna array. The receiver was submitted to energy densities similar to those encountered in the vicinity of GSM base-stations and output DC voltages in excess of 400 mV have been measured

Domaines: Energie électrique

Vlad Marian, Christian Vollaire, Jacques Verdier, Bruno Allard. An alternative energy source for low power autonomous sensors. EuCAP, Apr 2011, Rome, Italy. pp.405 - 409. ⟨hal-00629352⟩