Design of a multi-zone dielectric fresnel lens for microwave wireless power transfer in concrete structures

Abstract

Wireless power transfer (WPT) can be used for a number of applications in civil engineering such as powering of embedded sensors in concrete. In this paper, a multi-zone dielectric lens is designed and used to enhance the performance of WPT in concrete structures. Analytical equations are used to calculate the design parameters of the dielectric lens andperformance pertaining to the transmission coefficient, S21, and electric field distribution of the WPT with and without the dielectric lens is investigated using computational models. It is shown that by using a dielectric lens, the performance of WPT in concrete structures can be significantly enhanced. It is also shown that by using the dielectric lens, the external power source can be placed at a distance of 1200 mm from the concrete structure and achieve an S21 that is similar to that achieved by the WPT without the dielectric lens when the external power source is placed at a distance of 200 mm.