Advanced Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT) systems for future generation IoT systems

About the Project

In the upcoming era of sixth-generation (6G) networks, it is predicted that a wide range of low-power devices will have the capability to efficiently sense their surroundings and transmit data on a large scale. A wireless power, sensing, and communication network (WPSCN) serves as the essential infrastructure that allows devices to wirelessly communicate with each other, exchange data, and receive wireless power to ensure uninterrupted operation. With wireless power technology in place, the need for physical connectors and cables to charge devices is eliminated, offering users enhanced convenience and flexibility in device placement and usage, especially in environments where wired connections are impractical or hazardous.

The implementation of sensing technology within the network empowers devices to gather data from their environment and share this information with other devices within the network. This real-time data sharing enables monitoring, control, and decision-making in diverse applications such as smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare. Additionally, communication capabilities within the network facilitate the exchange of data, commands, and information among devices, thereby fostering collaboration and coordination. This collaborative approach can lead to increased efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and improved productivity across various industries.

By integrating sensing, communication, and power transfer functionalities into a unified solution for next-generation wireless networks, a seamless and comprehensive solution is created that enhances connectivity, efficiency, and overall user experience. While traditional approaches to deploying large-scale sensor networks often involve extensive cabling for power supply and data collection, or the use of battery-operated wireless sensors that pose environmental challenges due to the disposal of billions of batteries annually, these methods are not always ideal. Although necessary in certain situations where manual monitoring is not feasible due to real-time data requirements or harsh environmental conditions, the high cost, installation complexity, and maintenance demands associated with these traditional methods often do not justify their use over manual inspections and monitoring. To address these challenges, the concept of energy harvesting was introduced as a sustainable solution to alleviate the environmental impacts of traditional sensor network deployments.

The project’s aim is to develop an autonomous wireless sensor network system with energy transfer and harvesting, communication and sensing capability. This work will focus on the development of RF energy harvesting systems for battery-less wireless sensor network. This research work will require to design, develop and implement a generic low-cost smart sensing environment and communication protocol for monitoring the nation's ageing infrastructure and harsh environment. Due to the complexity of the monitoring system requires the following published literatures to be explored: sensor systems, energy harvesting/transfer/storage technologies, antennas, wireless communications, autonomous systems, information management, programming and design tools, trust security and privacy, systems theory, human factors and social issues. It is also important that the system allows communication between different infrastructure owners. Hence there is a need to take a holistic approach rather than an infrastructure specific approach to tackle this problem.

This project is suitable for applicants with interests and good background in electromagnetics, battery/power management theory, cyber security and microwave engineering particularly in electromagnetic wave propagation, antennas, rectennas and antenna arrays for communication systems. Indicatively, applicants should have good performance in the following subjects: Electromagnetic Theory and Fields, Microwave and mm-Wave Transmission Systems.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2:1) ideally in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Wireless Communications or Computer Science

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Experience of fundamental antenna design and modelling
• Competent in Electromagnetics Theory and Fields
• Programming skills
• Knowledge of renewable energies, wireless sensor network, Microwave/millimeter wave transmission systems and devices, cyber security, power analysis and wireless communication theory/principles
• Good written and oral communication skills

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact c.see@napier.ac.uk

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?ElOlarlItFiG37xnH5PRRBvv3d563wLdwX4JfhYskMa3bJWTuc