Groundbreaking Power Delivery for IoT Sensors

Researchers in the United States have made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of wireless power transfer, specifically targeting the Internet of Things (IoT). The innovative technique developed at the Centre for Energy Systems Research, Tennessee Technological University involves sending energy through the soil to power wireless sensors, eliminating the need for individual batteries in each sensor module.

The wireless power transfer system, known as conduction currents “through the soil” (TTS), has been successfully simulated and prototyped to demonstrate its effectiveness. Unlike traditional methods, this system is not dependent on line of sight and offers robust power transfer capabilities. By distributing energy radially from a central location without the use of wires, the TTS system presents a cost-effective and efficient solution for powering IoT devices.

The unique geometry of the TTS system resembles a water well, providing a potential avenue for seamless integration into existing farming infrastructure at minimal cost. In a proof of concept scenario, a horizontal receiver geometry was utilized with four IoT devices spread across a 0.8-hectare field, showcasing the system's practical application in real-world settings.

For the TTS transmitter (Tx), a configuration involving two electrodes in direct contact with the soil was employed, with one electrode positioned at the surface and the other located at a vertical distance below the surface. The receiver (Rx) utilized a horizontal geometry with electrodes placed at the surface for ease of deployment and measurement, with future investigations exploring vertical topologies for enhanced performance.

By leveraging the TTS system, the potential for transforming agriculture through the integration of sensors, smart devices, and AI technologies becomes increasingly promising. The ability to wirelessly transfer power to IoT devices without the need for batteries or extensive electric storage elements opens up new possibilities for optimizing agricultural processes and enhancing efficiency.