Design of a compact dual-band antenna for RF power transfer in an aircraft fuel tank

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed the design of a dual band printed inverted F antenna for energy harvesting inside a fuel tank at 900 MHz ISM. The second operational frequency is so chosen that it shifts to the 900 MHz ISM when the antenna is immersed in fuel. An `U' shaped slot is made in the ground plane to achieve higher bandwidth in the immersed condition. The bandwidth (-6dB) achieved is 38 MHz in air and 54 MHz when immersed in fuel. The antenna has omni-directional radiation pattern in air. The antenna has been fabricated and tested in air.