Performance Characterisation of Microstrip Antenna when Utilised for RF Power Harvesting in Manufacturing Environments

This paper investigates the impact of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) on the power output that can be harvested in a typical man-ufacturing environment where equipment capable of generating EMI and RFI is utilized [1]. This study has significant implications for the development of RF energy harvesting systems in manufacturing environments where EMI and RFI are commonly present [1]. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using RF energy harvesting to generate power for sensors and other low-power devices in such environments [2]. The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential sources and impact of EMI and RFI on power harvesting in manufacturing environments [3]. Specifically, a rectifying microstrip antenna designed for Radio Frequency (RF) power harvesting at 2.4 GHz with 4% bandwidth is characterised according to EN 300 328 standards [2]. Although this frequency band may not be the most energy-rich, it is widely available in most manufacturing environments. To support this study, relevant literature is reviewed, including studies on RF energy harvesting, EMI, and RFI in manufacturing environments [1–5]. Additionally, the study draws on relevant standards and guidelines, such as the EN 300 328 standard for RF power harvesting [2], and the CE mark requirement for electromagnetic compatibility [5]. To assess the performance and efficiency of the antenna, simulated and actual test results are compared [2]. The obtained results show that the effects of EMI and RFI on the antenna's usable bandwidth are minimal, with a loss of approximately 0.7%. The findings conclude that the negative impact of EMI and RFI on power harvesting in a non-Conformité Européene (CE) manufacturing environment is negligible. The potential power that is harvestable still makes energy harvesting in a manufacturing environment a viable option for alternative power source generation. The consensus is that more work will need to be done to identify a more energy-rich frequency or other means that will allow more energy to be captured.