Metasurface Rectenna Array for Wireless Energy Harvesting from 5G Communications
10.14416/j.ind.tech.2025.08.010
Keywords:
Energy harvesting, Metasurface antenna, Rectifying circuit and 5G communicationsAbstract
This article introduces a novel approach to wireless energy harvesting using a metasurface antenna array and rectifier circuits, designed in a 4×4 array configuration consisting of 16 antennas and 32 rectifier circuits. The system is aimed at harvesting wireless energy from 5G base stations operating at a frequency of 2.6 GHz. The antennas are designed with a suspended structure and circular radiating plate, featuring dual-linear polarization to enhance signal reception and ensure compatibility with 5G systems. For the superstate layer, unit cells are arranged in a 3×3 hexagonal ring pattern, enabling unidirectional radiation and achieving a gain exceeding 9 dBi for both polarizations at the 2.6 GHz. The rectifier circuits utilize SMS736 Schottky diodes, offering a conversion efficiency of 26.7% and generating a maximum DC voltage of 1.53 V under an input power of 4 dBm with a load resistance of 3 kΩ. Experimental evaluation of the 4×4 metasurface antenna array revealed that series and parallel connections of the rectifier circuits produced maximum DC voltages of 9.78 V and 0.42 V, respectively, at a distance of 3.5 meters from the rear of the 5G antenna. This work demonstrates the potential of metasurface-based rectenna arrays for efficient wireless energy harvesting in 5G applications, highlighting their high gain performance and effective energy conversion capabilities.
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