volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this manuscript, we propose a conformable and flexible meander dipole rectenna array for omnidirectionally harvesting ambient RF power for application in Internet of Things (IoT) water meters. The array unit consists of an antenna for RF power harvesting and a Schottky diode for converting the harvested RF power into DC power. The impedance between the antenna and diode is directly conjugated and matched using a meander structure and coupling loop. Traditional matching networks introduce additional losses, while direct conjugate matching maximizes power transmission efficiency and reduces energy losses. The elimination of the matching network simplifies the design of the rectenna, reducing the number of components and the overall size and weight. The rectenna unit is suitable for low-power ambient energy harvesting and operates at 2.45 GHz. The measured RF to DC conversion efficiency of the rectenna unit reaches 50% at 0 dBm. The rectenna array is formed by connecting eight antenna units in parallel, and units are affixed to the four surfaces of the water meter case to achieve omnidirectional RF environmental power harvesting. The output DC power of the array can be up to 1.3 mW at 100 μW/cm² received power density. An energy management circuit (BQ25504) is designed to efficiently store, distribute, and manage the harvesting of RF power for powering the IoT water meter. Measured results demonstrated that the proposed rectenna array exhibited excellent adaptability and application potential in IoT scenarios.

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Dr. Ruinan Fan

Dr. Junlin Mi

Dr. Jianwei Jing

Prof. Liping Yan

Prof. Changjun Liu