An overview of RF energy harvesting and information transmission in cooperative communication networks

Abstract

Wireless energy harvesting and information transfer (WEHIT) is a new paradigm in cooperative communication networks. WEHIT enables energy constrained cooperative communication nodes to harvest the energy needed for information transmission from electromagnetic radiation sources. Energy harvesting via radio frequency (RF) signals reduces the reliance on the supply of power grid, which makes it suitable for deployment in cooperative networks given that RF signals can concurrently carry wireless energy and information. This paper presents a review on RF energy harvesting in cooperative communication networks and the various techniques to simultaneously achieve wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). Moreover, application advantages and disadvantages are specified. The major challenges of the SWIPT approach are enumerated. Solutions to these challenges are highlighted for future research.