360 Degree Beamsteering into Ground for Wirelessly Charging Underground Sensors
Disciplines
Electromagnetics and Photonics | Power and Energy
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In this research project, we propose a new method for wirelessly charging sensors underground using a centralized transmitter station. Currently the issue is if sensors are placed in the ground, then there is not a straightforward way of recharging the batteries powering these sensors once they run out of power. The FCC regulations allow for a maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 52 dBm at 2.4 GHz, which translates to 158 watts of power. With 158 watts of power, it is feasible to charge the lithium-ion batteries that power these sensors underground. One of the goals of this research was to design a system that can remotely charge sensors in all directions. To achieve this, six 8x8 patch array panels have been configured in a hexagonal pattern to allow the system to transmit power in a full 360 degrees around the station. With this hexagonal pattern and the use of beam steering antennas, there is no need for a mechanical system to rotate the station. The panels have been angled downward by 45 degrees, to point the beams toward the ground and to improve the operation of the transmitter by reducing the unreachable areas in its operating zone. Each panel will have the ability to steer the beam in all directions. This will allow us to individually charge sensors in the ground in various locations. Electromagnetic simulation of the full assembly of the system has been conducted using antenna simulation software, and results verify its ability to steer the beams 360 degrees. This technology can be used to monitor soil conditions using underground sensors for agricultural applications as well as movement monitoring for homeland security and for monitoring seismic activity.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Electrical and Computer Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Hoseon Lee
360 Degree Beamsteering into Ground for Wirelessly Charging Underground Sensors
In this research project, we propose a new method for wirelessly charging sensors underground using a centralized transmitter station. Currently the issue is if sensors are placed in the ground, then there is not a straightforward way of recharging the batteries powering these sensors once they run out of power. The FCC regulations allow for a maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 52 dBm at 2.4 GHz, which translates to 158 watts of power. With 158 watts of power, it is feasible to charge the lithium-ion batteries that power these sensors underground. One of the goals of this research was to design a system that can remotely charge sensors in all directions. To achieve this, six 8x8 patch array panels have been configured in a hexagonal pattern to allow the system to transmit power in a full 360 degrees around the station. With this hexagonal pattern and the use of beam steering antennas, there is no need for a mechanical system to rotate the station. The panels have been angled downward by 45 degrees, to point the beams toward the ground and to improve the operation of the transmitter by reducing the unreachable areas in its operating zone. Each panel will have the ability to steer the beam in all directions. This will allow us to individually charge sensors in the ground in various locations. Electromagnetic simulation of the full assembly of the system has been conducted using antenna simulation software, and results verify its ability to steer the beams 360 degrees. This technology can be used to monitor soil conditions using underground sensors for agricultural applications as well as movement monitoring for homeland security and for monitoring seismic activity.