Abstract

Wireless power transmission (WPT) offers a promising solution for powering devices in locations where traditional electrical outlets are inaccessible, such as ceilings or outdoor environments. By utilizing electromagnetic waves, such as light, WPT enables power delivery without the need for physical connections. With line-of-sight (LoS) as its primary limitation, this technology offers significant flexibility and potential for a wide range of applications, making it a compelling focus for research and innovation. Despite the advancements in WPT technologies, their practical application for powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices in real-world scenarios remains underexplored. Many IoT devices are installed in locations where traditional power sources are inaccessible, and while batteries can provide a temporary solution, frequent replacements or recharging can be costly, inconvenient, and unsustainable. Existing WPT methods, such as inductive and resonant coupling, often require precise alignment or close proximity, limiting their use in scenarios that demand flexibility and long-range. On the other hand, light-based WPT, specifically infrared (IR) transmission, provides a promising alternative by enabling power delivery over longer distances with minimal physical constraints. However, challenges such as optimizing energy conversion efficiency, maintaining reliable data communication, and ensuring adequate power output for sustained device operation persist. Addressing these challenges is critical to realizing the potential of WPT for IoT devices, particularly in residential settings where energy efficiency, scalability, and ease of deployment are essential. This study employs a pair of ESP32 microcontrollers to manage wireless power transmission and optimize energy usage. The first microcontroller, designated as the Power Transmitter (PTX), controls the IR light source and monitors light detection data from the second microcontroller, the Power Receiver (PRX). The PRX is connected to solar cells that convert IR light into electrical energy, which is then used to charge LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries powering the system. By communicating wirelessly, the PTX and PRX work together to detect the intensity of transmitted light and assess whether the solar cells are receiving sufficient power. Based on this information, the PTX adjusts the IR light source's output, while both devices determine whether to transition into low-power modes to conserve energy. This collaborative system ensures efficient power transmission and device operation, even under fluctuating conditions. Results demonstrated that the solar cells generated sufficient voltage under IR illumination to charge the batteries while the microcontrollers were in low power mode. The system uses IR light for its invisibility to the naked eye, and weaker power output for safer exposure, but this limits the transmitted power. BLE was identified as the most energy-efficient communication protocol, achieving reliable data transmission with minimal power consumption. This research demonstrates the viability of WPT for powering IoT devices in residential settings, providing a foundation for future advancements in energy efficient wireless communication systems.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-06-13

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13713

Keywords

wireless power transmission (WPT), line-of-sight (LoS), infrared (IR), internet-of-things (IoT), ESP-NOW, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Language

english

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