Conformable Patch Antenna Array for Energy Harvesting

Abstract

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) has emerged as potential candidate for replacement of conventional metal patch in antenna application. The principal objective of our research is to develop nanostructured flexible patch antenna array for multi- frequency operation in industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. Patch antenna design using CNT on flexible cotton sheets has been simulated with cotton as a substrate and CNT as conductive patch and ground plane. Due to high conformability and conductivity of CNT all antenna parameters like VSWR, return loss, gain and radiation pattern obtained using FEKO EMSS software meet design criteria. Our simulated antenna design shows a return loss less than -10 dB and VSWR less than 2 at 2.06 GHz, 2.38 GHz and 2.49 GHz. We have also simulated a versatile and conformable antenna design where the whole geometry is rolled up like patch array on cylindrical surface. Conformability to curved surfaces and integration with the structure brings about a unique antenna design. An inset fed square patch array is also proposed for RF energy harvesting operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band that can harvest and store energy from the surrounding environment. Simulation result shows that dc voltage of 0.215 V can be achieved at -6 dbm received energy level at 2.45 GHz IEEE 802.11b band. This would correspond to potential working distance of 10m.