RF Energy Harvesting Techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Mrs. Jyoti AmitKumar Dhamecha,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sardar Patel College of Administration and Management, SPEC Campus, Bakrol, India

Abstract

In contemporary applications like environmental monitoring, healthcare systems, industrial automation, agriculture, military surveillance, and smart cities, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are crucial. However, the limited battery life of sensor nodes remains a major challenge because many sensor devices are deployed in remote or difficult-to-access locations. Frequent battery replacement or recharging increases maintenance cost, reduces network reliability, and limits long-term operation. In contemporary applications like environmental monitoring, healthcare systems, industrial automation, agriculture, military surveillance, and smart cities, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are crucial. It discusses the working principle, architecture, and major components of RF energy harvesting systems, including antennas, matching circuits, rectifiers, and energy storage devices. The paper also explains various rectenna designs, energy management techniques, and communication strategies used to improve power efficiency and network lifetime. In addition, the advantages, challenges, and practical applications of RF energy harvesting in low-power wireless systems are examined. Recent advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and low-power electronics have further increased the potential of RF- powered WSNs. Finally, the paper highlights future research directions aimed at improving energy conversion efficiency, transmission range, and sustainable operation of next-generation wireless sensor networks. Supporting wireless sensor infrastructures that are dependable, low maintenance, scalable, economical, and ecologically friendly.

Keywords: RF Energy Harvesting, Wireless Sensor Networks, Rectenna, Energy Efficiency, Internet of Things, Ambient RF Energy

How to cite this article:
Mrs. Jyoti AmitKumar Dhamecha. RF Energy Harvesting Techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks. Recent Trends in Sensor Research & Technology. 2026; 13(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Mrs. Jyoti AmitKumar Dhamecha. RF Energy Harvesting Techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks. Recent Trends in Sensor Research & Technology. 2026; 13(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtsrt/article=2026/view=246077


References

  1. Kim S, Vyas R, Bito J, Niotaki K, Collado A, Georgiadis A, Tentzeris MM. Ambient RF energy-harvesting technologies for self-sustainable standalone wireless sensor platforms. Proceedings of the IEEE. 2014 Oct 14;102(11):1649-66.
  2. Lu X, Wang P, Niyato D, Kim DI, Han Z. Wireless networks with RF energy harvesting: A contemporary survey. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials. 2014 Nov 10;17(2):757-89.
  3. Shinohara N. Power without wires. IEEE Microwave magazine. 2011 Nov 21;12(7):S64-73.
  4. Kuhn V, Lahuec C, Seguin F, Person C. A multi-band stacked RF energy harvester with RF- to-DC efficiency up to 84%. IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques. 2015 Apr 6;63(5):1768-78.
  5. Olgun U, Chen CC, Volakis JL. Design of an efficient ambient WiFi energy harvesting system. IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation. 2012 Aug 21;6(11):1200-6.
  6. Collado A, Georgiadis A. Conformal hybrid solar and electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting rectenna. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers. 2013 Jan 29;60(8):2225-34.
  7. Le T, Mayaram K, Fiez T. Efficient far-field radio frequency energy harvesting for passively powered sensor networks. IEEE Journal of solid-state circuits. 2008 Apr 22;43(5):1287-302.
  8. Hemour S, Wu K. Radio-frequency rectifier for electromagnetic energy harvesting: Development path and future outlook. Proceedings of the IEEE. 2014 Oct 14;102(11):1667-91.
  9. Jabbar H, Song YS, Jeong TT. RF energy harvesting system and circuits for charging of mobile devices. IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics. 2010 Mar 29;56(1):247-53.
  10. Niyato D, Kim DI, Maso M, Han Z. Wireless powered communication networks: Research directions and technological approaches. IEEE Wireless Communications. 2017 Jul 19;24(6):88- 97.
  11. Sample A, Smith JR. Experimental results with two wireless power transfer systems. In2009 IEEE radio and wireless symposium 2009 Jan 18 (pp. 16-18). IEEE.
  12. Clerckx B, Bayguzina E. Waveform design for wireless power transfer. IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing. 2016 Aug 18;64(23):6313-28.
  13. Mikeka C, Arai H. Design issues in radio frequency energy harvesting system. Sustainable Energy Harvesting Technologies-Past, Present and Future. 2011 Dec 22:235-56.
  14. Roundy S, Wright PK, Rabaey JM. Energy scavenging for wireless sensor networks. InNorwell 2003 (pp. 45-47).
  15. Popović Z, Falkenstein EA, Costinett D, Zane R. Low-power far-field wireless powering for wireless sensors. Proceedings of the IEEE. 2013 Apr 2;101(6):1397-409.
Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
02
Received 23/05/2026
Accepted 04/06/2026
Published 05/06/2026
Publication Time 13 Days
1

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics