Ambient RF energy harvesting using voltage doubler rectifier for battery-free agricultural sensor networks: Design, statistical analysis, and machine learning validation

Md Atik Hasan Nishat, Prithwiraj Biswas Pallab, Nowrin Jannat, Saleha Nasrin Mishu, Md Fahad Ullah Utsho, Md Bipul Islam, Riaz Uddin Mondal, Md Firoz Ahmed and M Hasnat Kabir

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: The growing adoption of precision agriculture requires sustainable power sources for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) deployed in remote and resource-constrained environments. Conventional battery-powered systems are constrained by limited-service life, maintenance requirements, and environmental concerns. This study presents the design, experimental validation, statistical evaluation, and machine learning (ML)-based modeling of an ambient radio-frequency (RF) energy harvesting system for agricultural monitoring applications. The proposed system harvests RF energy from AM/FM broadcasting (558 kHz–108 MHz) and cellular communication bands (800–2100 MHz) using a frequency-selective broadband antenna, an integrated diplexer, switchable L-section impedance-matching networks, and a Villard voltage-doubler rectifier based on low forward-voltage OA79 germanium diodes. Experimental measurements from 30 independent repeated trials yielded a mean open-circuit output voltage of 4.07 ± 0.08 V (95% CI: 4.04–4.10 V) and a loaded output voltage of 2.11 ± 0.11 V, corresponding to a harvested power of approximately 44.5 μW across a 100 kΩ load. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant differences among diode types (F (2,87) = 687.4, p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0350236

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0350236

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