Selectively Powering Multiple Small-Size Devices Spaced at Diffraction Limited Distance With Point-Focused Electromagnetic Waves

The issue of accurately distinguishing and selectively powering multiple closely spaced devices is challenging but vital for wireless power transfer (WPT). In this article, a continuous-wave time-reversal selective radiative wireless power transfer (CWTR-SRWPT) method based on a multipoint focusing idea is proposed. With the proposed method, we realize a selective radiative WPT prototype system, which can arbitrarily select multiple devices spaced at a diffraction limited distance and power them simultaneously. The accurate positioning and high-precision spatial selection of the closely spaced energy-dissipated devices are achieved by the multipoint focusing field (MPFF) without any auxiliary positioning equipment. The MPFF is produced by a set of weight-optimized single-point focusing fields that are generated by the fundamental time-reversal technique. Theoretical analysis and full-wave simulations to the performances of the CWTR-SRWPT system are presented. The experimental demonstrations of selectively powering multiple LEDs are also conducted. The results indicate that the proposed method exhibits exciting performances of high-precision selectivity, accurate positioning, and satisfactory over-the-air efficiency. It demonstrates potential applications in selectively powering the wireless sensors distributed densely in future intelligent factories.

Automated summary

This article proposes a continuous-wave time-reversal selective radiative wireless power transfer method based on a multipoint focusing idea. It achieves accurate positioning and high-precision spatial selection of closely spaced devices through a multipoint focusing field. Theoretical analysis, full-wave simulations, and experimental demonstrations show the high-precision selectivity, accurate positioning, and satisfactory over-the-air efficiency of the proposed method.