RF Energy harvesting using smart textile and composite materials for wireless microsystems and sensing applications Ref.No.SSTCRC2565
1. Introduction
The main objective of this project, entitled "RF Energy Harvesting Using Smart Textile And Composite Materials For Wireless Microsystems And Sensing Applications", is to develop energy harvesting sensors that are autonomous, fully flexible and wireless, designed from composite materials and smart textiles. This project aims to design, model and produce an innovative system capable of harvesting and converting energy from radiofrequency (RF) waves, which will power connected electronic devices while improving their energy performance and making them fully autonomous, integrate advanced energy harvesting and conversion technologies, develop and optimize smart and flexible composite materials with suitable dielectric, mechanical and thermal properties, and conduct simulations and optimizations of device performance using these materials, as well as validate a functional prototype in real - world conditions. This project proposes an innovative solution to address the energy challenges of connected devices and opens the way to various applications in the fields of wearable technologies, smart textiles and the Internet of Things (IoT).
2. Research Progress
Steps that are completed:
Design, simulation of flexible antennas based on the textiles and polymers composites materials for RF energy harvesting applications.
Design, simulation of flexible antennas integrated with Metamaterials structures based on the textiles materials for enhance performances.
Realization and Experimental validation of textile antenna by the Vector Network Analyzed (VNA).
Steps have need to completed:
Elaboration and characterization of a new textiles and composite materials in order to improve the all performances of antenna for a high energy conversion efficiency.
Design and fabrication of a novel miniaturized, flexible and low-cost antennas with new methods.
Test and characterization of the antennas performances (S11, VSWR, Gain, Radiation patterns, Efficiency) in anechoic chamber.
3. Cooperation Required
The collaborations needs are:
Laboratory’s experts in elaboration and characterization of new textiles materials.
Laboratory’s experts in elaboration and characterization of new composite polymers materials.
Laboratory’s experts in antenna fabrication with flexible smart materials.
Laboratory’s experts in antenna measurements (VNA with high frequency operation, anechoic chamber).
Laboratory’s experts in Radio-frequency energy harvesting.
4. Benefits and Outputs
Scientific impact:
1-Development of highly flexible and stable RF harvester systems for powering microelectronic devices.
2-Advancement of the field of smart materials for energy harvesting through the successful integration of radiofrequency technologies, offering a novel approach to powering wearable electronics.
Economic impact:
1- Create new manufacturing jobs and employment opportunities.
2-Contributing to energy security.
Environmental impact:
1-Reduction of electronic waste by minimizing reliance on disposable batteries in wearable devices, promoting a sustainable lifecycle for consumer electronics.
2-Support for renewable energy adoption, lowering the carbon footprint associated with conventional power sources.
Social impact:
1-Improved quality of life through more reliable and durable wearable health and fitness devices, enhancing personal health monitoring and management.
2-Increased energy accessibility in remote or underserved regions by offering self-sustaining power solutions for essential electronics.