“We have developed an algorithm which makes it possible to transfer power from device to device along with RF mobile signals. That is, when you make a call, the electromagnetic waves could transmit power from one smartphone to another and this power may be sufficient to recharge your device,” said Dr Nalin Jayakody.
The researchers are working on improving the efficiency of signal transmission, so that the difference between sent and received power will be as minimum as possible and on optimising the algorithm in compliance with the existing 5G technology, so that they can operate together.
“We are also working to enhance the frequency bandwidth, thus ensuring that the quality of connection is not reduced,” Jayakody explained.
Another area of interest are device-to-device connections to bypass a cellular base station.
“Due to cellular base stations a significant percentage of power is lost,” said TPU research fellow Dr Sanjay Biswash. During direct signal transmission, a device consumes less power.
“Now we are developing an algorithm for such device, which for the first time takes into account parameters including signal strength, channel bandwidth and the distance between two individual users. If the distance between the users is quite short, the algorithm switches the device to a direct connection channel.”