SELF-SUSTAINING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Abstract

The increasing demand for wireless communication systems and the associated challenges of maintenance costs and environmental impact arise the need for sustainable and efficient energy sources. This work is about designing an RF energy harvesting system for wireless communication networks. The metamaterial (MTM) absorbers were selected as the main components of the RF system. MTM absorbers have unique properties and near-ideal absorption, which makes them good candidates for energy harvesting. The MTM absorbers were studied in a literature review to select the best fundamental structure for a unit cell. The absorber was designed and simulated using a CST simulator and operated at 29.5 GHz. The simulation results show good absorption rates and impedance matching between the ports. The experimental setup was built to test the manufactured design. The setup consisted of an anechoic chamber, signal generator, horn antenna, RF cables, a 3D model of the stand, a spectrum analyzer, and an MTM absorber. A power budget was calculated to not damage the equipment and compare input and output results. The results of the experimental measurements were analysed and compared with the simulation results.