Sta.

Elena High School

W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

Generating Electricity Using Radio Frequency (RF) Harvesting Device

Sy, John Allen P.

Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena, Marikina City

Abstract

Electricity plays an important role in our society as it is used a lot in everyone’s

daily lives. With the recent technological development in the Philippines, the demand for

energy has increased. This has become a matter of concern for Filipino people who have

a high, energy consumption. The sources these energies come from are limited and

searching for new sources is a must. The researcher conducted a study that has the

potential to help this problem. The researcher developed a device that can convert

electricity from radio frequency energy which is almost everywhere. Radio frequency

energy is one of the electromagnetic wave that has the potential to be an electrical

resource. This research would help society to use radio frequency energy as a source of

electricity which reduces the dependency on the electricity that comes from the non-

renewable electrical resources. The materials utilized in this research are connecting

wires, 2 diodes (IN4148), 3 electrolytic capacitors (16V- 100 microfarads), LED bulb,

universal printed circuit board (PCB), .5 meters chrome-plated rod, magnet wire. The

major processes in this study are the assembling of the circuit, the collection of RF

energy, and the analysis of data. The device created could not produce an efficient

voltage as compared to the existing power sources. This research can help in the

1
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

advancement of modern technology. Moreover, this may serve basis for future researches

that also aim to lessen the dependency on conventional electrical resources.

Keywords: electricity, energy consumption, radio frequency, electromagnetic wave, non-

renewable electrical resources

Introduction

Radio Frequency is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and has a frequency

that lies in the range extending from 8 KHz to 300 GHz. Radio frequencies already play

an important role to the society because they can be utilized in multiple ways such as for

radar signals and various mediums of communication. RF energy can be converted to

small electrical signals through the antennas (as receivers and transmitters) and vice

versa, which allow messages and broadcasts to be sent and received from different parts

of the world. These small electrical signals are then amplified to become more efficient.

Radio frequency energy harvesting helps to change a wireless battery. The changing path

will allow the adoption of the wireless energy (Harrist, 2004).

With the recent technological development in the Philippines, the demand for

electricity has increased. This has become a matter of concern for Filipino people who

have a high, energy consumption. These electricity come from restricted resources which

is why finding new sources is an unquestionable requirement.

2
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

This study aims to lessen the consumption of electricity and dependency from

commercial electrical sources. It also aims to develop a new source of renewable energy

by capturing, converting, and utilizing RF energy, which can be used in various ways.

The ability to harvest RF energy from ambient or dedicated sources enables charging of

low-powered devices (Ostaffe, 2010).

Specifically, this study makes use of the radio frequency present in the

environment and devices that transmit/enhance RF energy were not directly utilized by

the researcher. The researcher collected these RF to produce electrical energy using the

self-made device. The conduction of this study is restricted to premises of Sta. Elena

High School

This study beholds environmental and economic advantages by providing a

source of clean and free energy. It also contributes to the development, advancement, and

sustainability of technology.

Materials and Methods

Gathering of Materials

The researcher purchased materials such as connecting wires, 2 diodes (IN4148),

3 electrolytic capacitors (16V- 100 microfarads), LED bulb, universal printed circuit

board (PCB), .5 meters chrome-plated rod, magnet wire, with a standard quality. The

researcher also used laboratory equipment such as AC-DC power source, multi-meter,

breadboard, and a soldering iron.

Assembling the circuit (Converter)

3
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

Figure 1: The picture below shows the schematic diagram of the converter

The proponent designed an AC to DC converter on a breadboard by patterning it

on previous designs. Modifications were made to try and improve the performance of the

circuit. The materials for the modified circuit are 3 pieces 16 V- 100 microfarad

capacitors, 2 pieces IN4148 diodes, and an LED bulb. The circuit was tested if it can

really convert AC to DC by using an AC power supply. After testing, the circuit was

transferred then soldered onto a 2x3 universal PCB.

Setting up the Antennas

4 meters of magnetic wire was coiled onto a chrome-plated rod

Connecting the antenna to the converter

The end of the magnet wire was soldered to the end wires of the AC to DC

converter.

Collection of RF energy

The set-up was placed in different locations; indoor (Classroom), ground level

(Sta. Elena High School quadrangle), and rooftop level (Open Space on top of the

4
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

PAGCOR Building in Sta. Elena High School). The collected RF was stored in the

capacitors and the rest of the circuit.

Testing of the electricity

The voltage was measured every 5 minutes for 1 hour and a small LED bulb

served as a visible basis to see if the circuit can produce significant amount of energy.

Gathering of Data

The researcher will gather the needed data for their investigation using a multi-

meter.

Data Analysis

The initial data gathered was analyzed through One-Way ANOVA. Another set of

data was produced from the initial data gathered by subtracting the following value to the

base value to get the numerical difference. Tables and graphs were used to summarize

and analyze data.

Results

The data collated by the researcher are summarized in terms of successive tables.

After some detailed methodological processes conducted by the researcher, the following

data are gathered, collected and arranged which can be seen with more depth in the

successive tables below.

The generated electricity is measured in volts. For every five minutes in one hour,

a multi-meter was used to measure the output voltage of the device. A total of 12 voltage

values were gathered for each location; indoor, ground level, rooftop level.

5
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

Table 1 - Output Voltages Gathered

Indoor Ground Level Rooftop Level

Time (minutes) (Volts) (Volts) (Volts)
5 1.22 1.37 1.8
10 1.08 1.46 1.56
15 1.32 1.12 1.52
20 1.62 1.46 1.7
25 1.02 1.64 1.62
30 1.28 1.42 1.48
35 1.27 1.84 1.62
40 1.28 1.74 1.56
45 1.3 1.38 1.54
50 1.42 1.56 1.5
55 1.3 1.28 1.9
60 1.28 1.52 1.78
The table shows the output voltages for every location for every 5 minutes within

an hour. The data gathered were placed in graph to show the variation in the different

locations. The voltages are not proportional to the time. The time variable does not affect

the voltage.

Graph 1: Variation of Output Voltages in Different Locations

2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
Voltage

1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Time (mins)

Indoor Ground Level Rooftop level

6
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

The graph above shows the visual presentation of the varied output voltages. The

lowest point on the graph is from the indoor location. (1.02 V) and the highest point is

from the rooftop level (1.9V). The rooftop level has the least peaks and downfall and the

most peaks and downfalls is the ground level location.

Table 2: One- way ANOVA set of values

Summary            
Groups Sample size Sum Mean Variance    
Indoor 12 15.39 1.2825 0.02262
Ground Level 12 17.79 1.4825 0.0388
Rooftop Level 12 19.58 1.63167 0.01807    
ANOVA            
Source of Variation SS df MS F p-value F crit
Between Groups 0.73667 2 0.36834 13.9008 0.00004 3.28492
Within Groups 0.87442 33 0.0265
Total 1.61109 35        

Table no. 2 shows the mean, F-Value, df, and other values, which are computed
from the voltages from the different locations, used in evaluating ANOVA. The level of
significance used was 0.05.

Table 3.1: The Absolute Value of the Difference of the Consecutive Value

Time Indoor Ground Level Rooftop Level

(minutes) (Volts) (Volts) (Volts)
5-10 0.14 0.09 0.24
10-15 0.24 0.34 0.04
15-20 0.3 0.34 0.18
20-25 0.6 0.18 0.08
25-30 0.26 0.22 0.14

7
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

30-35 0.01 0.42 0.14

35-40 0.01 0.1 0.06
40-45 0.02 0.36 0.02
45-50 0.12 0.18 0.04
50-55 0.12 0.28 0.4
55-60 0.02 0.24 0.12

The table above shows the difference of the base value and the following values

found in table 1. This will be use in determining which of the three locations produces the

most constant voltages.

8
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

Table 3.2: The Sum and the Mean of the Values in Table 3.1

Ground
Indoor Level Rooftop Level
SUM 1.84 2.75 1.46
MEAN 0.167272727 0.25 0.132727273

Discussion

For the first question, One-Way ANOVA was used to be able to find out if

difference between the data for each group is statistically significant. Results of the

statistical test show that there is a significant difference between the voltages produced

on the three locations.

With the second question, the researcher subtracted the following voltage to the

base voltage to be able to get the difference of the two values, and so on and so forth. The

difference was then converted to the absolute value (if negative) to be able to see how far

apart each consecutive voltage is. This can only be observed properly if all signs are the

same, either positive or negative. The mean of the new values per group were also

computed to be able to interpret which location can produce the most constant amount of

voltage.

The rooftop level location showed the lowest sum, which corresponds to the

lowest mean out of the three locations. This means that the rooftop level location allows

the production of most constant amount of voltage.

The values which showed a low amount of voltage may be the result of

obstructions in the environment such as buildings, other solid structures, and other

9
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

devices that use RF, which interfere with the transmission of radio frequencies. “Power

transmission via radio waves can be made more directional, allowing longer distance

power beaming, with shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation” ( Singh, 2012)

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the rooftop level location is the most efficient location for

the harvesting device because it produced the highest mean for the amount of voltage

gathered and the harvesting device produces the most constant amount of voltage when

placed in this location. The RF harvesting device was able to generate a small amount of

voltage from the device and the researcher achieved the goal to observe the voltages

produced by the device. It can also be concluded that the Radio Frequency Energy

Harvesting Device is not as efficient as the conventional power supply, although, this

research may serve as a starting point for future researches.

Recommendations

Based on findings and conclusions on this study, the following recommendations

below are given:

● The future researcher may use other model or type of antenna to improve the

harvesting rate of the model.

● The next researcher may alter the capacitor’s value to increase the device’s ability

to store some excess voltage gathered.

● The researcher who wanted to continue this study can change the schematic

diagram for better performance.

10
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

● The researcher may use other loads such as DC Motor, Fans, and LED Monitors

to prove if the voltage produced is enough.

● The future researcher can add other electronic parts such as Transformers,

Regulators, Resistors, and Fuse to increase the device’s quality and durability.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

● Harrist D. (2001). Wireless Battery Charging System Using Radio Frequency

energy Harvesting
Retrieved from: Harrist_Thesis_072804.pdf
● Samadi S. (2013). Application and Opportunities for Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) Technology in Intelligent in Transportations System: A
Case Study
Retrieved from: International Journal of Information and Electronics Engineering,
Vol. 3, No. 3, May 2013
● Singh S.K et.al (2012). Wireless Transmission of Electrical Power Overview of
Recent Research & Development
Retrieved from: International Journal of Computer and Engineering, Vol. 4, No.
2, April 2012
● Ostaffe, H. (2010). RF- Based Wireless Charging and Energy Harvesting Enables
New Applications and Improve Product Design.
Retrieved from: http://www.mouser.com/applications/rf_energy_harvesting

11
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

Project Documentation:

a.) Gathering of Materials

PCB Solid wire Breadboard Diode LED bulb

b.) Setting up of the converter c.) Coiling of magnet wire

d.) Soldering of the PCB e.) Testing the converter to the AC-
DC power source

f.) Connecting the magnet wire to pcb g.) Collection of RF energy

(Ground Level)

12
 Sta. Elena High School
W.C. Paz St., Sta. Elena
Science, Technology, and Engineering Program

h.) Gathering of data (Ground level) i.) Collection of RF Energy

(Indoor level)

j.) Gathering of data (Indoor level) k.) Collection of RF Energy

. (Rooftop level)

l.) Gathering of data (Rooftop level)

13