Battery-Free IoT Communication Using RF Energy Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of Internet of Things (IoT) devices due to high energy consumption, costs, and deployment challenges, particularly in scenarios where integrating a power supply is unsafe or insufficient, and the need for efficient and reliable communication in energy-limited devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication method utilizing radio frequency energy collection and backscattering technology, where IoT devices can collect and store energy from radio frequency signals to power communication with a service node, enabling efficient and reliable communication without the need for a built-in battery, using a radio frequency energy source node and a service node connected to the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a built-in power supply is integrated in the device, then the device can operate continuously, but the device cost increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the device itself and relocates it to an external energy source. The device no longer contains a built-in battery but instead harvests energy from external radio frequency signals transmitted by the energy source node, thereby eliminating safety risks and reducing device cost while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The external energy source node serves multiple functions: it acts as both a communication node in the network and an energy source for multiple devices. By integrating energy transmission and communication functions, the system eliminates the need for separate power supplies in each device, reducing overall system cost and complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If a built-in power supply is integrated in the device, then the device has sufficient energy, but the device energy consumption increases and deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves itself by harvesting the energy it needs from external radio frequency signals. Instead of relying on a built-in battery that consumes energy, the device continuously scavenges energy from the environment through RF energy harvesting, converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy to power its operations, thereby eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses energy that would otherwise be wasted. The external energy source node transmits radio frequency signals that carry energy, and the device recovers this energy through RF harvesting. This converts what would be pure energy transmission into a dual-purpose signal that also provides power, significantly improving energy efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are widely distributed, then the Internet of Things coverage is expanded, but the maintenance and charging cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power supply component from the device, eliminating the need for maintenance activities such as battery replacement or charging. Devices are deployed in a battery-free configuration, harvesting energy from external RF sources, which allows for widespread distribution without the operational burden of power management
Solution Approach 2:
The devices automatically harvest energy from the environment without requiring human intervention for charging or power management. This self-sustaining capability enables massive deployment of devices in hard-to-reach locations, as each device independently manages its own energy needs through RF energy harvesting from available signals
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the applicability and communication efficiency of IoT devices by allowing them to operate without a built-in battery, reducing costs and energy consumption, and improving deployment flexibility through energy collection and storage, while ensuring reliable communication.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency energy is collected by receiving a radio frequency signal of a radio frequency energy source node
Implementation Method 2
information is transmitted to a service node based on the radio frequency energy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a communication method, a device, a service node, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method includes that radio frequency energy is harvested by receiving a radio frequency signal of a radio frequency energy source node and that information is transmitted to a service node based on the radio frequency energy.