Energy Harvesting Opportunities and Applicability in Two Tier Heterogeneous Networks

Along with conventional macrocellular wireless networks the move to two tier heterogeneous networks, comprising an additional small cell layer, will provide extra 'free' harvestable RF. Through RF measurements we provide insights into available energy in such networks. We show that there is likely to be considerably more in the small cell layer. We then consider using the small cell base station's antenna, configured appropriately, to harvest from the potentially RF rich small cell layer. By analysis of appropriate recent energy harvesting research we present the extent and applicability of harvested energy to mitigate energy inefficiency in the small cell and discuss the possibility of using harvested energy to power the small cell's DSP device in standby mode.