Purpose: This study seeks to enhance voltage multipliers for Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting, with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency of harvested energy. This improvement is vital for sustainable energy applications and reducing environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels.
Theoretical reference: RF energy harvesting technology is gaining recognition as a viable sustainable method for capturing ambient energy, with earlier research primarily focused on antenna and circuit design. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of energy harvesting is still constrained by inadequate power output. This study expands on prior research by directly comparing two commonly utilized voltage multipliers, the Cockcroft Walton and Dickson multipliers, in the context of RF energy harvesting.
Method: The Cockcroft Walton and Dickson voltage multipliers were optimally designed using Multisim and their performance was analysed using MATLAB. The comparison was conducted at an input voltage of 1V within two frequency ranges: 85 MHz – 110 MHz (FM band) and 1.8 GHz – 3.0 GHz (4G band). Output voltages for both multipliers were recorded and compared across these frequency bands.
Results and Conclusion: At an input voltage of 1V within the FM band (85 MHz – 110 MHz), the Dickson voltage multiplier outperformed the Cockcroft Walton multiplier, delivering an output voltage of 11.1V compared to 6.6V. However, in the 4G band (1.8 GHz – 3.0 GHz), the Cockcroft Walton multiplier was more effective, providing a maximum output voltage of 5.2V against Dickson's 4.1V. The study concludes that the Dickson multiplier is more suitable for harvesting RF energy from the FM band, while the Cockcroft Walton multiplier is better for 4G band energy harvesting.
Implications of research: The findings suggest that different RF energy harvesting applications may benefit from distinct voltage multipliers, depending on the frequency band in question. This could guide the design of more efficient RF energy harvesting circuits in future technologies aimed at sustainable energy solutions.
Originality/value: This study offers a direct comparison of two voltage multipliers under different RF frequency conditions, providing valuable insights into optimizing energy harvesting technologies for green energy applications. The results help advance the understanding of efficient circuit design for specific RF frequency bands, contributing to the development of more effective energy harvesting systems.
