Study on microwave power via rectenna for airship applications

Abstract

Flexible dipole rectenna devices offer an attractive source for the delivery of power to high altitude airships, MAVs (Micro-Aero Vehicles), and smart robots. The power converted by the rectenna can vary due to the distance and receiving angle of the source. Regulating the voltage and current delivered to the system will be critical to the proper operation of the remote device. There are various choices for the regulation of the power received and their applicability was explored. Several available regulators were explored in this research. Zener diodes, series pass regulators, three terminal and switching mode regulators were tested to determine which produced the best performance for the application of powering a remote controlled airship. The present research sought to provide stable voltage and current delivered by an array of rectenna.