Performance Analysis and Optimization of Wireless Powered Networks with Non Linear RF Energy Harvesting and UAV Relaying

Abstract

In the current era of wireless communication, the rapid growth in wireless connectivity and the proliferation of low-power devices necessitate energy-efficient solutions to sustain their operations, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Radio frequency energy harvesting (RF-EH) has emerged as a promising solution to extend the operational lifespan of these devices. RF-EH enables devices to harvest ambient RF signals for power by transforming RF waves into usable energy. Building on this, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) technology enables the concurrent transmission of data and power, significantly boosting the spectral efficiency of networks. However, achieving seamless communication while maintaining efficient energy harvesting poses considerable challenges, particularly when direct communication links are unreliable or inefficient. To overcome these challenges, integrating SWIPT with cooperative relaying provides a pathway to meet the rising demands of next-generation wireless systems by improving data rates, reducing latency, and ensuring energy efficient operation while supporting widespread connectivity for a vast number of devices. Therefore, this thesis aims to comprehensively evaluate and optimize the performance of wireless powered networks, focusing on integrating nonlinear RF energy harvesting and terrestrial and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relaying to pave the way for sustainable, high-performance communication systems.