Abstract

Nearly 20 years have passed since a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology began attracting attention in the world. At first, a near field WPT was started to be commercialized for a wireless charger for mobiles and for an electric vehicle. Recently, a far field WPT via microwaves is paid attention to expand the WPT applications from short distance wireless charger to unconscious wireless power. There are a lot of expected start-up companies promoting the far field WPT in the world. In International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends some frequencies suitable for the far field WPT in September, 2022. The advance of the far field WPT is based on the advance of beam forming antenna technology and novel circuit technology with semiconductors. In this talk, recent advance of the far field WPT technology is explained and current status of WPT business and standardization are also introduced.

Abstract

In this keynote presentation, Prof Huang will explore the fascinating realm of wireless energy harvesting (WEH) and wireless power transfer (WPT). WEH focuses on efficiently obtaining energy from the wireless environment, while WPT involves the wireless transmission of energy. The key device connecting these two technologies is the rectifying antenna, also known as the rectenna.

While WEH aims to harvest energy across a broad range of frequencies, WPT is designed for efficient energy transfer within specific frequency bands. This talk will begin with an overview of rectenna systems developed thus far, highlighting the challenges in maximizing power conversion efficiency — the crucial performance metric for rectennas. Most current research in this field is focused on RF and microwave frequencies which is also the most important part of this talk. Prof Huang will report the latest developments in this area.

In addition, he will present some research conducted at the University of Liverpool, showcasing innovative work in WEH and WPT, and delve into diverse areas of exploration, including the integration of communication and wireless power transfer, which holds promising prospects for the future.

WEH and WPT technologies have the potential to revolutionize our energy landscape. By improving rectenna systems and venturing into higher frequencies, we can unlock new possibilities for wireless energy generation. The talk will be completed by going through some applications for consumer electronics, medical, electrical vehicles and IoT. 

Abstract

 This presentation introduces millimeter-wave band transceivers using wireless power transmission. Millimeter-wave band, newly introduced in 5G, can realize higher-speed communication, but has the problem that it is difficult to extend the coverage area. Wireless power transmission technology can eliminate the need for a power supply for millimeter-wave transceivers, greatly expanding flexibility in the location of base stations and repeaters and reducing costs. So far, our research group has created many wirelessly-powered millimeter-wave band transceivers and repeaters. We will introduce transceivers with custom-designed ICs using TSMC's CMOS process, 256-element phased-array transceivers with commercial discrete devices and so on. The presentation will also include future prospects of the technology of wireless power transfer for millimeter-wave communication.

Abstract

The growing demand for untethered mobility has fueled advancements in wireless energy harvesting and wireless power transfer technologies. They are paving the way to eliminate the last remaining physical connections in electronic and electrical systems, mirroring the revolutionary shift in wireless communications. In this keynote, I will explore a selection of interesting, innovative developments in the design of wireless power transfer systems spanning short, intermediate, and long distances. Additionally, I will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and potential future directions as the WPT may reshape the landscape of energy delivery.