Miniaturization of Yagi-Uda Rectenna by Impedance Loading

Abstract

By applying the principle of the Yagi-Uda antenna, it is possible to extend the wireless power feeding distance. However, the Yagi-Uda antenna has restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the elements. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes a novel rectenna array that downsizes the elements by loading impedance. Electromagnetic analysis shows the results of that the downsized rectenna array with load impedance is achieved higher the wireless power transmission efficiency than that without impedance. The prototypes of the loaded rectenna could light up an LED using leaky waves from a microwave oven nevertheless the without a load rectenna could not light the LED.