Powering the future of farming: RF energy harvesting for environmental sustainability

Abstract Modern agriculture faces several challenges, including meeting the needs of an expanding population, mitigating the consequences of climate change, depleting natural resources, and reducing the industry’s environmental impact. This paper explores the possibilities of microwave and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting technologies as alternative and innovative means of advancing sustainable agriculture towards providing solutions for battery replacement. RF energy harvesting has the potential to power precision agriculture equipment, reduce power outages in distant areas, and facilitate the transition to more resource-efficient practices, according to a review of the industry’s current and future issues. RF energy harvesting involves capturing ambient radio frequency signals and converting them into usable electrical energy. This technology harnesses energy from RF sources like cellular towers, Wi-Fi signals, and broadcast transmitters. The process includes capturing RF energy using antennas, converting it to DC power using rectifiers, and storing or using it to power devices. Despite the promise, RF energy harvesting faces challenges such as low energy density, limited efficiency of conversion, and fluctuations in signal strength. However, ongoing advancements in rectifiers, antennas, and integration with IoT devices could significantly enhance its viability. Moreover, as smart farming increasingly relies on IoT devices, RF energy harvesting could become a crucial power source for these low-power sensors and devices, promoting more sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on conventional batteries. The future of RF energy harvesting looks promising with potential advancements in technology, new materials, and supportive policy and regulatory frameworks.