RF Power Scavenging for Wireless Sensors

The use of batteries to power wireless sensors remains a major maintenance impediment to their use in large numbers. To solve these problems the Navy desires innovative methods to scavenge power from broadcast RF signals to power sensors. Under Phase I of this SBIR, AEPTEC's Team will create a development plan for energy scavenging in two usage modes: (1) for ambient environments, a single small power unit capable of supplying energy for an low power wireless sensor such as a Mote or MEMS chip, and (2) for directed energy sources, a power unit capable of deriving larger quantities of energy from units such as a 802.11 Access Point. To do these technologies, (i) AEPTEC will employ methods for optimizing RF energy transmission to the target scavenging device utilizing a Smart Antenna design combined with (ii) methods for RF energy reclamation using receive antenna device and proprietary microelectromagnetic physical structures and related circuitry that boasts up to 96% conversion efficiency. The developed solution will not interfere with RF data transfer between sensors and wireless access points and will be compatible with industry standard wireless protocols such as the IEEE 802.11 family, IEEE 802.15 family (Bluetooth), and emerging IEEE 1451.5 standard. A report will be provided that details the concept, suggested metrics and estimated life-cycle costs