Hybrid Microwave/Solar Energy Harvesting System Using 3D-Printed Metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Conventional energy harvesting often relies on single sources, limiting efficiency in diverse environments.
• Metasurfaces offer unique electromagnetic properties for energy manipulation.
• Hybrid systems can enhance reliability and broaden operational conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a hybrid energy harvesting system integrating a solar cell with 3D-printed metasurface units.
• To evaluate the performance of metasurface units in the microwave regime.
• To assess the hybrid system's functionality under varying light conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of millimeter-scale metasurface units using stereolithography and silver coating.
• Characterization of single and dual-unit metasurface harvesters for microwave energy harvesting.
• Integration of metasurface units with a commercial photovoltaic panel.
• Testing the hybrid system's performance under different light intensities (light, dark, shadow).

Main Results:

• Metasurface units demonstrated voltage output peaking at their resonance frequency in the microwave regime.
• The hybrid system produced a significant voltage output, maintaining functionality even when one energy source was absent.
• The hybrid harvester showed adequate performance, though circuit optimization is needed for higher efficiency.

Conclusions:

• A promising hybrid energy harvesting system utilizing both light and microwave energy sources has been realized.
• The 3D-printed metasurface technology offers a viable approach for enhancing energy harvesting capabilities.
• Further optimization of the harvesting circuit is recommended to maximize the system's overall efficiency.