Cutting Last Wires for Mobile Communications by Microwave Power Transfer

Abstract

The advancements in microwave power transfer (MPT) over past decades have enabled wireless power transfer over long distances. The latest breakthroughs in wireless communication, namely massive MIMO, small cells and millimeter-wave communication, make wireless networks suitable platforms for implementing MPT. This can lead to the elimination of the "last wires" connecting mobile devices to the grid for recharging, thereby tackling a long-standing ICT grand challenge. Furthermore, the seamless integration between MPT and wireless communication opens a new area called wirelessly powered communications (WPC) where many new research directions arise e.g., simultaneous information-and-power transfer, WPC network architectures, and techniques for safe and efficient WPC. This article provides an introduction to WPC by describing the key features of WPC, shedding light on a set of frequently asked questions, and identifying the key design issues and discussing possible solutions.

arXiv comment11 pages, 5 figures. This paper will appear in the April special issue of IEEE Communications Magazine on Energy Harvesting Communications

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• Massive MIMO with Radio Stripes for Indoor Wireless Energy Transfer
• Resource Allocation for Secure Communications in Cooperative Cognitive Wireless Powered Communication Networks
• Wireless Powering Internet of Things with UAVs: Challenges and Opportunities
• DTER: Schedule Optimal RF Energy Request and Harvest for Internet of Things