A 26 GHz rectenna based on a solar cell antenna for internet of things applications

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) Vol. 14, No. 5, October 2024, pp. 5253~5262 ISSN: 2088-8708, DOI: 10.11591/ijece.v14i5.pp5253-5262  5253 A 26 GHz rectenna based on a solar cell antenna for internet of things applications Chokri Baccouch1, Saleh Omar2, Belgacem C. Rhaimi2 SYS’COM Laboratory LR99ES21, National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia 2 MACS Laboratory: Modeling, Analysis and Control of Systems LR16ES22, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia 1 Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: This paper presents a new rectenna system that combine a patch antenna with a solar cell to capture energy from both radio frequency (RF) signals and sunlight. The patch antenna collects RF signals, while the solar cell converts sunlight into electricity. This integration offers a sustainable energy solution for internet of things (IoT) sensors or drones. The antenna's performance at 26 GHz demonstrates impressive metrics, including a -68 dB S11 reflection, 700 MHz bandwidth, 6.25 dBi gain, 49.8 Ω impedance, and 42.25% RF-DC conversion efficiency. The "solar rectenna" integrates both technologies, driving technological advancement and fostering sustainability in wireless communication. Received Jan 18, 2024 Revised May 20, 2024 Accepted Jun 4, 2024 Keywords: 5G Drones Energy harvesting internet of things Patch antenna Solar cell Wireless communications This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Chokri Baccouch SYS’COM Laboratory LR99ES21, National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University Rommana 1068, Tunis, Tunisia Email: 1. INTRODUCTION The advent of Industry 4.0, initiated by the fourth industrial revolution in 2011, symbolizes the fusion of technologies across physical, digital, and biological domains. This revolution heralds significant progress in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligent (AI), blockchain, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, internet of things (IoT), 3D printing, and advanced mobile communications. Notably, it catalyzes the emergence of autonomous vehicles like drones and drives extensive technology integration into manufacturing, giving rise to the "smart factory" concept [1]–[3]. Concurrently, the communications and information technology sector rapidly evolve to deliver cutting-edge solutions for advanced communication services, adhering to international standards. Utilizing wireless communication, smart antennas, sensors, and aerial communication systems, including satellites and drones, facilitates the deployment of smart digital applications and services. This evolution, particularly in the 5G era, enriches daily lives and fosters connections in modern smart societies [4]–[6]. The innovative technology of 5G in wireless communication promises exceptional service marked by high speed, versatility, and user-friendliness [7]. This advancement is poised to foster a "sustainable communications community" where mobile devices play a pivotal role in enhancing daily lives. As data rates and connected devices on the 5G network increase, deploying advanced technologies like massive multipleinput and multiple-output (MIMO) systems becomes crucial. Notably, 5G MIMO antennas typically operate at higher frequencies for enhanced data rates, albeit posing challenges such as shorter range and covering smaller geographic cells, emphasizing the need for careful trade-offs. Journal homepage: http://ijece.iaescore.com 5254  ISSN: 2088-8708 The rise of IoT relies increasingly on wireless capabilities, supplanting traditional wired systems. Adoption of wireless communication, alongside advanced antennas like 5G MIMO, has markedly hastened IoT development and deployment. Experts predict widespread adoption across sectors like healthcare (for remote robotic operations) and smart infrastructure facilitating communication between city traffic lights. Various smart IoT applications have emerged, revolutionizing sectors such as insurance, healthcare, agriculture, and monitoring [8]–[13]. Figure 1 illustrates a typical network infrastructure for 5G IoT applications. This paper proposes the design of 5G printed antenna tailored for millimeter wave bands, specifically for use in the satellite-routed sensor system (SRSS) to support IoT applications. It offers a novel approach compared to previous studies. The subsequent sections of this paper are organized as follows: section 2 details the design and implementation procedures for the proposed antenna. Section 3 covers the simulation results, while section 4 presents the proof of concept. Concluding remarks are offered in section 5. Figure 1. Internet of things: connecting “anything, anyone, anytime, anyplace” [5] 2. RELATED WORKS In a prior investigation [14], a single-port dual-band antenna was devised for 2.45 GHz WLAN applications, incorporating solar cells into its architecture. Thirty solar cells were utilized, serving both as guides and forming the primary radiation structure in the low and high bands, respectively. To achieve dualfrequency performance, microstrip and slot antennas were seamlessly integrated into compact structures, exploiting various multiple resonance modes. Measurement outcomes indicated that the lower band covered a range of 2.27-2.5 GHz with an omnidirectional radiation pattern, while the higher band exhibited a gain range of 4.8-6.9 dBi. In another study [15], a multipoint feed patch antenna was developed, incorporating an aperture linked to a solar cell aimed at powering low-consumption wireless sensors. Strategically placing the solar cells on the structure served both as heat sinks and enhanced overall integration. The antenna achieved broadband performance through a multipoint power structure. Simulations and measurements showed consistent results, indicating that the antenna, with dimensions of 1.31λ0×1.31λ0×0.06λ0 (where λ0 denotes the wavelength in free space at the center frequency), maintained a stable gain of 9.47 from 4.8 to 5 GHz for 5G communications and a peak gain of 10.85 dBi across the operating frequency band. In a separate study [16], a compact photovoltaic cell integrated with an antenna was proposed for IoT applications. The design features a gallium arsenide photovoltaic cell with a hexagonal slot and trapezoidal disturbances in its active area. The lower contacts of the photovoltaic cell also serve as the ground plane for the antenna. An AC blocking circuit and chip inductor are integrated to prevent RF current flow into the photovoltaic cells. This configuration allows the device to function as both a photovoltaic cell and an antenna. The GaAs photovoltaic cell exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 13.25% without an antireflective coating, with measured open circuit voltage at 0.963 V, 21.00 mA/cm2 of short circuit current density, and 65.52% fill factor. The complete structure' (...truncated)