RF energy harvesting for M2M communication
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Ericsson AB - Ericsson AB, Torshamnsgatan 23 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2015 - January 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strategic innovation program SIO Grafen |
Purpose and goal
The goal has been to evaluate graphene as a potential material for energy harvesting, more specifically the idea of using graphene as invisible RF-DC energy converter on hard and flexible surfaces. The study has covered e.g. antenna performance, power budget calculations based on e.g. ambient RF energy harvesting capabilities. Chalmers has gained insights on e.g. the industry´s need, and 5G challenges, which is Ericsson´s contribution besides antenna expertise. Chalmers has contributed with expertise on both microwave applications of graphene and energy harvesting.
Results and expected effects
The project has contributed to outline a more sustainable energy solution for furure M2M communication. By exploiting a carbon based technology like graphene it is possible to avoid the rare earth metals that are scarce resources. In this project we take one step closer towards a maturity of the graphene technology by tying together the needs from industry and society to research.
Approach and implementation
The project has evaluated the idea of using graphene as transparent RF-DC energy converter on hard and flexible surfaces for M2M communication. The antenna performance of a transparent graphene based antenna has been evaluated in an EM tool. Based on this, also power budget calculations have been performed, taking into account the ambient RF power available for energy harvesting. Via regular meetings, workshops and interactions between researchers at Ericsson Research and Chalmers, bilateral knowledge transfer has been accomplished.