Wireless Power Transfer
PI: Prof. Heinrich Foltz
This lab’s research focuses on electromagnetic applications, with a current focus on novel technologies for transferring electric power without wire. The research team is investigating new rectifying antenna (rectenna) topologies for converting microwave energy into DC electrical power. A primary goal is to optimize rectenna configurations that are orientation independent, allowing for more flexibility in antenna placement.
The teachers will learn the use of simulation tools for problems with both electromagnetic and nonlinear circuit aspects, then use these to optimize new rectenna designs, with performance comparisons to existing designs and fundamental theoretical limits. Teachers will also assist in the fabrication, testing, and evaluation of designed rectennas using existing laboratory facilities and instrumentation. The project would be appropriate for high-school physics or technology teachers, and would strengthen curriculum in electromagnetic concepts such as wave phenomenon, polarization, and environmental effects of electromagnetic fields.
