A Study on the Performance of a Hybrid Solar-RF Energy Harvesting System Using a Transparent Antenna

Abstract

Energy harvesting technology has emerged as a significant area of research in light of the increasing demand for wireless devices. This field has garnered substantial scholarly attention on a global scale, largely due to its crucial role in providing convenient and cost-effective energy solutions for applications that are otherwise difficult to access. The core principle of energy harvesting involves the capture of energy from a wide variety of sources, including solar radiation, ambient light, thermal gradients, wind currents, and kinetic movements. Such technology plays a vital role in supporting applications that require compliance with specific quality-of-service standards. This paper aims to outline a multi-source energy system that proficiently harnesses both radio frequency and solar energy for computational uses. The methodology for radio frequency capture relies on the implementation of a transparent antenna, which can be easily integrated atop solar cells; this arrangement allows light to pass through the antenna, thus reaching the photovoltaic cell located underneath. The proposed energy harvesting framework is positioned to provide a dependable and sustainable source of electrical power, which can be utilized across various applications, thereby improving the feasibility and efficiency of contemporary energy systems.