Harvesting wireless signals from two-way talk-radios to power smart meters and displays

A power-harvesting prototype made of a compact antenna and an optimized RF-DC converter circuit is designed to convert the wireless signal given by a 2-way radio into usable DC power at which many low power electronics and displays used in sensors and smart meters can operate. Measurements show electronics up to 13V can be easily powered by holding the harvester 5 inches away from the radio. A capacitive display is successfully powered on wirelessly using the radio signals without batteries.