The measurement results show that the multibeam solar grid antenna can cover the 24 GHz radar band and achieve beam deflection in four azimuth planes with a gain range of 15. 6 dBi at the center frequency of 24.
Which antenna arrays are integrated with a solar cell?
Different antenna arrays have been integrated with a solar cell 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. Amorphous silicon solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells have been integrated with a microstrip slot antenna array 21, 22, whereas an antenna array has been integrated with multi-crystalline solar cells for low-power sensor applications 23.
Can a solar cell be integrated with a CubeSats solar cell?
An aperture coupled patch antenna 27 and a CP transparent subarray antenna 28 were integrated with the solar cell for CubeSats applications. However, the aforementioned solar-cell-integrated antenna design is large and has a complex design. Moreover, the solar cell and antenna work independently as two separate devices.
Can a solar cell be integrated with a dipole antenna?
A solar cell has been integrated with a dipole antenna for energy harvesting and wireless communications 19, whereas a solar-cell-integrated antenna has been proposed for 2.4 GHz applications with a low profile structure 20. Different antenna arrays have been integrated with a solar cell 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.
Are solar-cell-integrated antennas suitable for CubeSats and satellite applications?
Different solar-cell-integrated antennas have been proposed for CubeSats and satellite applications 26, 27, 28. A circularly polarized (CP) meshed patch antenna was integrated with a solar cell for CubeSats and satellite applications 26.
Can a solar cell be used as an antenna?
The distance between the transmitter and receiver was 10 m. This work used a CIGS-based solar cell as an antenna, making a single dual-functional device. A small slot was cut in the solar cell, and lumped elements were used with the slot for resonance to obtain the antenna functionality from a solar cell.
The first type of antenna is of slot geometry so that the antennas can be integrated around solar cells, and the second type is optically transparent patches that can be placed on top of solar cells. Detailed design philosophy, prototypes, measurements, and assessment of interaction between the antennas and solar cells are presented.