Dependence of dc output of a rectenna array on the method of interconnection of its array elements

Abstract

In 1994 and 1995, a ground-to-ground microwave power transmission (MPT) experiment was carried out by a group including participants from Kyoto University, Kobe University, and Kansai Electric Power Company. Among the MPT technologies, which are one of the most important key issues for the realization of the Solar Power Satellite, the “rectenna” (rectifying antenna) has been studied to achieve higher efficiency of conversion from microwave to dc We had developed a new rectenna panel which can effectively rectify a microwave power of 2.5 W at 2.45 GHz, prior to the ground-to-ground MPT field experiment. We examine the sum of the outputs of two or three rectenna panels which are connected either in parallel or in series or in a hybrid manner under the same microwave circumstances. The experiments lead us to conclude: (1) The sum of the dc outputs from two rectenna panels connected in parallel is larger than that from those connected in series. (2) The sum of the dc outputs of two rectenna panels is generally smaller than the sum of the dc output of the individual panels unless their outputs are equal. (3) Better total output dc power of a rectenna array is achieved when we take careful account of the array element balance. Based on the experiments, we propose an optimum method for connection of individual rectenna elements to form a high-efficiency rectenna array. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 125(1): 9–17, 1998