What is Rectenna ?

Rectenna is a device which converts One form of Energy to Other form of Energy.
Rectenna is used to converts Electromagnetic waves to Direct current(DC) .



Rectenna The word itself combine definition and  parts by which we can make this device.

Rectenna combine two words 
1. Antenna
2. Rectifier

Rectenna just works like a receiving Antenna . It receives Electromagnetic energy and convert that into Alternative Current(AC). 

And with the second component of this device rectifier by using that we can Rectify Alternative current  (filter that) because there are many frequencies in the waves . Then by using that it will give us DC current (Direct current).

In Rectenna we use Diode to Rectify the Alternative Current.

We usually use Dipole antennas Schottky diodes (RF antenna) in Rectenna  so that  there will be less voltage drop and we can get high power with a very high speed.

The Rectenna was invented in the year of 1964 and patented in the year of 1969 by an USA electrical engineer William C Brown.
 
He developed this by demonstrating the model to power the helicopter by using microwaves transmitted using ground which was received by an attached Rectenna.

The most important part here is to design Antenna .

Design of Rectenna:-

Firstly, when it was deigned(mostly) to power the loads there were requirements of some useful components.

It was designed by using  Dipole antenna and RF diodes ( Schottky diodes) between them .

we are going to explain the most common structure of Rectenna which was designed by the various people to power small devices .

There were  12 dipole antennas and a Schottky antenna was used between a antenna . 

One  pair of 6 antennas were connected in parallel  and Other was also .

Now you have two Pairs ( 6 + 6antennas connected in parallel).

After that two pairs were connected in series and connected to the circuitry( load) to derive Power from the Electromagnetic waves.

Uses of Rectenna:-

As i have told you about the Rectenna that it is used as a Device to get DC (Direct current) from Electromagnetic waves(Microwaves) .

Rectenna is used to power small devices that you use in you homes.

Rectenna is used to derive solar power from sunlight to power the load.

It used in the military Applications to power drone and Aircraft.

Rectenna is used to drive solar energy like solar cell  get the power from sunlight and beam down to the earth as microwaves and then we can use Rectenna.

Now in the upcoming Era , There is one thing which is growing rapidly that to power wireless electronic Devices using Rectenna.

In Rectenna we use IK (Integrated circuit) connected to it.
A large use of Rectenna is RFID tags .

when we brought device near an Electronic Raeder  , Rectenna receives the Radio waves and and by converting this Energy,   Rectenna power its Integrated circuit and send Data back to the Electronic reader .