60 GHz MIMO Solar Rectenna for Satellite-Routed Sensor System (SRSS)-Based IoT Services

Abstract—Today, drones need a reliable data network to perform operations such as command and control or autonomous flight. Combined with hybrid architecture of cellular and satellite networks, drones can fly quickly and safely in urban areas. A large number of connected objects can only develop if it is possible to make them entirely energy autonomous. In this article, we describe an optimal and environmentally friendly solution to these problems; it is renewable energy harvesting technology (solar, electromagnetic) that can extend the life of these sensors. This vision has given rise to a conversion system that we have called “Solar Rectenna.” Our contribution allows the energy autonomy of a drone, thus ensuring a combination of cellular and satellite networks allowing commercial drones to fly quickly and safely in urban areas. A 5G antenna at 60 GHz has been proposed and studied and the simulation results of this one is very advantageous with a gain of 6 dBi, a bandwidth of approximately 4 GHz and a reflection parameter S11 at –25 dB. An identical two-antenna MIMO system based on the 60 GHz antenna has been developed whose purpose of increasing the number of transmitting and receiving antennas to improve the communication quality and increase the channel capacity. Good results of S-parameter simulations |S11| and |S21| are obtained with an isolation method between the two antennas based on SRR metamaterials. Finally, the antenna array will be included on the back side of our solar cell to design our solar rectenna system which will be dedicated to the recovery of energy for the supply of drones and the transmission of their data via satellite in rural and urban areas, such as the detection of forest fires via drones equipped with thermal cameras.