Geometry-Optimized Design and Experimental Validation of a Compact 2.4 GHz Microstrip Patch Antenna for RF Energy Harvesting
International Journal of Robotics and Control Systems, cilt.6, sa.3, ss.1957-1971, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 6 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.31763/ijrcs.v6i3.2884
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Robotics and Control Systems
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1957-1971
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Antenna Optimization, Microstrip Patch Antenna, RF Energy Harvesting, Robotic Applications, Single-Band Antenna, Wireless Power Transfer
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The rapid expansion of wireless infrastructures has intensified the demand for energy-autonomous electronic systems capable of operating without conventional power supplies. In this context, Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting has emerged as a viable solution for powering low-consumption devices by exploiting ambient electromagnetic radiation. In this study, two single-band microstrip patch antennas operating at 2.4 GHz are designed for RF energy harvesting applications. The initial dimensions are obtained using the transmission-line model, after which the radiating surfaces are refined through geometry-driven modifications involving unique slots and notches. These structural adaptations are introduced to reshape surface current paths, extend the effective electrical length, and enhance impedance bandwidth and radiation characteristics. Extensive full-wave simulations are conducted in CST Microwave Studio, and hundreds of parametric iterations are performed to identify optimal configurations. The antenna exhibiting the best electromagnetic performance is fabricated on an FR-4 substrate using standard printed circuit board technology. Experimental validation is carried out using a vector network analyzer, revealing close agreement between simulated and measured results. The fabricated antenna achieves a resonance at 2.4 GHz with a VSWR of 1.0, a reflection coefficient of −31.01 dB, a gain of 2.75 dBi, and a directivity of 5.08 dBi. When integrated with a commercial RF energy harvesting module, the antenna is experimentally demonstrated to deliver a DC voltage of 3.51 V under operating conditions. The results confirm that the proposed compact and low-cost antenna provides an effective balance between miniaturization, impedance matching, and radiation efficiency. By combining analytical formulation, geometry-driven refinement, and experimental verification, this work presents a practical and reproducible approach for high-performance antennas in RF energy harvesting and wireless power transfer systems.