New Trends in Energy Harvesting from Earth Long-Wave Infrared Emission

A review, even if not exhaustive, on the current technologies able to harvest energy from Earth’s thermal infrared emission is reported. In particular, we discuss the role of the rectenna system on transforming the thermal energy, provided by the Sun and reemitted from the Earth, in electricity. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luciano Mescia, Alessandro Massaro
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2014-01-01
Series:Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/252879
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Summary:A review, even if not exhaustive, on the current technologies able to harvest energy from Earth’s thermal infrared emission is reported. In particular, we discuss the role of the rectenna system on transforming the thermal energy, provided by the Sun and reemitted from the Earth, in electricity. The operating principles, efficiency limits, system design considerations, and possible technological implementations are illustrated. Peculiar features of THz and IR antennas, such as physical properties and antenna parameters, are provided. Moreover, some design guidelines for isolated antenna, rectifying diode, and antenna coupled to rectifying diode are exploited.
ISSN:1687-8434
1687-8442