Design, Modeling and Seasonal Power Yield Comparison of a Radio Frequency Energy Harvester for Wireless Sensor Nodes
Keywords:
RF energy harvesting, Wireless Sensor Networks, Ambient RF energy, Power management system, Tropical Climate
Abstract
A Radio-Frequency (RF) energy harvesting system for continuous operation in tropical environments is presented and evaluated. A detailed MATLAB/Simulink model was developed to analyze the performance of the RF energy harvester under seasonally varying ambient RF conditions. Monthly simulations were conducted to assess DC–DC output power, power management output, load power, conversion efficiency, and daily harvested energy. The results show a consistent power hierarchy in which the DC–DC converter output exceeds the regulated and load powers due to conversion and control losses. The system maintains a nearly constant efficiency of approximately 49.64% throughout the year, indicating stable power conditioning. Seasonal variations in harvested energy are primarily governed by changes in RF propagation conditions, with dry-season months achieving daily harvested energy above 3.4 mWh, while peak rainy-season conditions yield a minimum of approximately 2.99 mWh. Despite an 18-20% variation between best-case and worst-case months, the system consistently delivers usable power to the load. These results confirm the suitability of the proposed RF energy harvesting system for year-round deployment in tropical environments and for powering low-energy wireless sensor nodes.
References
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Yamazoe, N. (2005). Toward innovations of gas sensor technology. Sensors and Actuators B Chemical, 108(1), 2–14.
Zhou, P., Wang, C. & Yang, Y. (2019). Self-sustainable sensor networks with multi-source energy harvesting and wireless charging. Paper presented at the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Computer communications, Paris, France. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333849744_Self-sustainable_Sensor_Networks_with_Multi-source_Energy_Harvesting_and_Wireless_Charging.
Ahmad, I., Rehman, M. M. U., Khan, M., Abbas A., Ishfaq, S. & Malik, S. (2019). Flow-Based Electromagnetic-Type Energy Harvester using Microplanar Coil for IoT Sensors Application. International Journal of Energy Research, 43(10), 5384–5391.
Akhondi, M. R., Talevski, A., Carlsen, S. & Petersen, S. (2010). Applications of wireless sensor Networks in the Oil, Gas and Resources Industries. Paper presented at the 24th IEEE International conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications, Perth, Western Australia. Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5474813.
Alexander, J. W., Matheus, F. T., Ian, M. C., Ashraf, A. F. & Johann, S. (2021). Survey of Energy Harvesting Technologies for wireless sensor Networks. IEEE Access, 9, 77493-77510.
Annapureddy, V., Na, S. M., Hwang, G. T., Kang, M. G., Sriramdas, R., Palneedi, H., Yoon, W. H., Hahn, B. D., Kim, J. W., Ahn, C. W., Park, D. S., Choi, J. J., Jeong, D. Y., Flatau, A. B., Peddigari, M., Priya, S., Kim, K. H. & Ryu, J. (2018). Exceeding milli-watt powering magneto-mechano-electric generator for standalone-powered electronics. Energy and Environmental Science, 11(4), 818-829.
Apurva, S. (2022). A Review Paper on Wireless Sensor Network. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer Science & Technology, 10(2), 159-163.
Baronti, P., Pillai, P., Chook, V. W. C., Chessa, S., Gotta, A. & Hu, Y. F. (2007). Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey on the State of the Art and the 802.15.4 and Zigbee Standards. Computer Communications, 30(7), 1655-1695.
Bhuiyan, M. Z. A., Wang, G., Wu, J., Cao, J., Liu, X. & Wang, T. (2012). Dependable structural health monitoring using wireless sensor networks. IEEE Transactions on Dependable Secure Computing, 14, 363–376.
Choudhary, P., Bhargava, L., Singh, V., Choudhary, M. & Suhag, A. K. (2020). A survey – Energy harvesting sources and techniques for internet of things devices. Materials Today, 30(1), 52-56.
Divyanshu, S., Aditya, P. S., Seema, M. & Deepti, G. (2024). Advancements and Challenges in wireless sensor Networks: A Comprehensive review. International Journal of Research, Publication and Reviews, 5(6), 836-842.
Fadoua, Y. & Adil, K. (2022). Energy Harvesting in wireless communication: A survey. Paper presented at the 2021 International Conference on Energy and Green Computing,
Mekness, Morocco. (2022). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202233600074.
Flowers, A. E. (1909). Crystal and solid contact rectifiers. Physical Review Journal, 29(1), 445–460.
Gupta, C. P. & Kumar, A. (2013). Wireless Sensor Networks: A review. International Journal of Sensors, Wireless Communication and Control, (3), 25-36.
Hussain, M. N., Halim, M. A., Ali-Khan, M. Y., Ibrahim, S. & Haque, A. (2024). A Comprehensive Review on Techniques and Challenges of Energy Harvesting from Distributed Renewable Energy Sources for Wireless Sensor Networks. Control Systems and Optimization Letters, 2(1), 15-22.
Iftikhar, A., Lim, M. H., Ahmad, M. A., Syed, A. I. & Leong, M. S. (2021). Scopes, challenges and approaches of energy harvesting for wireless sensor nodes in machine condition monitoring systems: A review. Measurements, 183, 1-13.
Jaigirdar, F. T., Islam, M. M. & Huq, S. R. (2011). An Efficient and Cost Effective Maximum Clique Analysis Based Approximation in Military Application of Wireless Sensor Network. Paper presented at the 14th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, Bangladesh, Dhaka. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261422170_An_Efficient_and_cost_effective_maximum_clique_analysis_based_approximation_in_military_application_of_Wireless_Sensor_Network.
Jaspreet, S., Ranjit, K. & Damanpreet, S. (2020). Energy Harvesting in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Taxonomic Survey. International Journal of Energy Research, 1-23.
Kandris, D., Nakas, C., Vomvas, D. & Koulouras, G. (2020). Applications of Wireless Sensor Networks: An Up-To-Date Survey. Applied System Innovation, 3(1), 1-24.
Katrina, C., Diana, S. N. M. & Nasir, B. R. H. (2021). Low power energy harvesting systems: State of the art and future challenges. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 147, 1- 20.
Keh, H. C., Wang, Y. H., Lin, K. Y. & Lin, C. C. (2011). Power saving mechanism with optimal sleep control in wireless sensor networks. Tamkang Journal of Science and Technology, 14(3), 235–243.
Kelly, S. D. T., Suryadevara, N. K. & Mukhopadhyay, S. C. (2013). Towards the implementation of IoT for environmental condition monitoring in homes. IEEE Sensor Journal, 13(10), 3846–3856.
Li, S. E., Li, G., Yu, J., Liu, C., Cheng, B., Wang, J. & Li, K. (2018). Kalman filter-based tracking of moving objects using linear ultrasonic sensor array for road vehicles. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 98, 173–189.
Marco, G. (2021). Energy Harvesting Strategies for Wireless Sensor Networks and Mobile Devices: A Review. Electronics, 10(6), 1-53.
Muhammad, U. M., Hein, V., Avinash, S. & Muhammad, O. (2025). Advances in Energy Harvesting for Sustainable Wireless Sensor Networks: Challenges and Opportunities. Hardware, 5(1), 1-26.
Obbo, A., Ariho, P. & Nabaasa, E. (2022). Towards Crowd Detection Using Wireless Sensor Networks. European Journal of Technology, 6(2), 32-48.
Onuekwusi, N., Achumba, I., Chukwuchekwa, N., Chukwudebe, G., & Ononiwu, G. (2015). Leveraging wireless sensor networks for improved infrastructure management in the energy sector. Paper presented at the 2015 Nigerian Society of Engineers Annual National Conference, Akure, Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334646341_Leveraging_Wireless_Sensor_Networks_for_Improved_Infrastructure_Management_in_the_Energy_Sector.
Panatik, K. Z., Kamardin, K., Shariff, S. A., Yuhaniz, S. S., Ahmad, N. A., Yusop, O. M. & Ismail, S. (2016). Energy harvesting in wireless sensor networks: A survey. Paper presented at IEEE 3rd International Symposium on Telecommunication Technologies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7918084.
Penella, M. T., Albesa, J., & Gasulla, M. (2009). Powering Wireless Sensor Nodes: Primary Batteries versus Energy Harvesting. Paper presented at the 2009 IEEE instrumentation and measurement technology conference, Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41821038_Powering_wireless_sensor_nodes_Primary_batteries_versus_energy_harvesting.
Prauzek, M., Konecny, J., Borova, M., Janosova, K., Hlavica, J. & Musilek, P. (2018). Energy harvesting sources, storage devices and system topologies for environmental wireless sensor networks: A review. Sensors, 18(8), 1-22.
Raquib, M. F., Ahmed, W.R. & Muhammad, F. S. (2016). Renewable energy harvesting for wireless sensors using passive RFID tag technology: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 58, 1114-1128.
Ramakrishnan, M., Rajan, G., Semenova, Y. & Farrell, G. (2016). Overview of fiber optic sensor technologies for strain/temperature sensing applications in composite materials. Sensors, 16(1), 1-27.
Serdijn, W. A., Mansano, A. L. R., & Stoopman, M. (2014). Introduction to RF energy harvesting. In Wearable Sensors. San Diego, CA, USA: Academic Press (Elsevier).
Servent, A., Daskalakis, S., Collado, A. and Georgiadis, A. (2017). A proximity wireless sensor based on backscatter communication. Paper presented at the 2017 International Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society Symposium, Firenze, Italy Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7916349.
Shaikh, F. K., Zeadally, S. & Exposito, E. (2015). Enabling technologies for green internet of things. IEEE System Journal, 11(2), 983–994.
Shaikh, F. K., Zeadally, S. & Siddiqui, F. (2013). Energy efficient routing in wireless sensor networks. In: Chilamkurti N., Zeadally S., & Chaouchi H. (Eds.), Next- generation wireless technologies: 4G and beyond, computer communications and networks, London, UK: Springer.
Sichitiu, M. L. & Dutta, R. (2005). Benefits of multiple battery levels for the lifetime of large wireless sensor networks. Paper presented at the 4th International IFIP-TC6 Conference on Research in Networking, Waterloo, Canada. Retrieved from https://dl.ifip.org/db/conf/networking/networking2005/SichitiuD05.pdf.
Song, Y. G., Shim, Y. S., Kim, S., Han, S. D., Moon, H. G., Noh, M. S., Lee, K., Lee, H. R., Kim, J. S., Ju, B. K. & Kang, C. Y. (2017). Downsizing gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxide: Effects of electrodes on gas sensing properties. Sensors & Actuators B. Chemical, 248, 949–956.
Souad, E. and Awatef, S. (2022). Towards Improved Lifespan for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review of Energy Harvesting Technologies and Strategies. European Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 6(1), 32-38.
Tiliute, D. E. (2007). Battery management in wireless sensor networks. Elektronika Ir Elektrotechnika, 76(4), 9–12.
Wang, J., Gao, Y., Liu, W., Sangaiah, A.K. & Kim, H. J. (2019). Energy efficient routing algorithm with mobile sink support for wireless sensor networks. Sensors, 19(7), 1-19.
Yamazoe, N. (2005). Toward innovations of gas sensor technology. Sensors and Actuators B Chemical, 108(1), 2–14.
Zhou, P., Wang, C. & Yang, Y. (2019). Self-sustainable sensor networks with multi-source energy harvesting and wireless charging. Paper presented at the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Computer communications, Paris, France. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333849744_Self-sustainable_Sensor_Networks_with_Multi-source_Energy_Harvesting_and_Wireless_Charging.
Published
2026-04-20
How to Cite
Igbinoba, C. K., & Okhaifoh, J. E. (2026). Design, Modeling and Seasonal Power Yield Comparison of a Radio Frequency Energy Harvester for Wireless Sensor Nodes. European Journal of Science, Innovation and Technology, 6(2), 18-29. Retrieved from https://ejsit-journal.com/index.php/ejsit/article/view/755
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