Radio frequency waves power electronic devices

Lord Drayson launches energy harvesting device powered by radio waves

Lord Drayson has launched an energy harvesting device that turns ambient radio frequency (RF) waves into usable electricity to charge low-power electronic devices. 

The patented technology harvests ambient RF energy from existing wi-fi and mobile phone networks. When a device is fitted with the Freevolt harvesting technology, it collects unused energy from wireless networks to ‘trickle’ charge the batteries. Lord Drayson, chairman of Drayson Technologies, said: “Harvesting energy from wireless data networks is difficult as ambient RF waves only provide a small amount of energy. Achieving a high enough level of efficiency has been the issue.

“We’ve solved that problem for the first time. We hone in on the high power spectrum and lock into it, maximising the power we can harvest. It’s a bit like a dog that has picked up a strong scent, it just will not let go. We have developed Freevolt to provide perpetual power for many of the billions of low-energy internet of things-type devices that are expected to be deployed in the coming years.”

One of the first commercial applications for Freevolt is a personal air pollution system called Cleanspace which allows individuals to monitor the air quality around them and see their pollution exposure. The air quality sensor, called Tag, pairs with a smartphone app to keep track of carbon monoxide levels and the transport choices made by an individual. The data is then anonymised and merged with air pollution data from static sensors installed around the UK. 

Lord Drayson said his company’s vision was to build a world-class technology that tackles big problems in health and the environment. “Recent news reinforces what many of us have been saying for a long time – air pollution is a critical concern to every individual’s health. People want to understand the state of the air around them.” 

He added that Freevolt technology will be developed further to power larger devices.