6G Communications to Become More Viable with Adoption of Zero Energy Devices
Friday 8 March, 2024 – The future of 6G communications is set to become more viable through the implementation of zero energy devices (ZED) in its infrastructure. This move is expected to enable a wide range of 6G business cases, particularly those involving client devices at the edge of networks.
According to a new report from Zhar Research titled “6G Communications Zero Energy Devices ZED: Markets, Technology, Materials Opportunities 2024-2044,” ZED refers to energy autonomous devices that have a longer life span and greener credentials, typically without the use of batteries. These devices are powered by a small amount of electricity from a signal beam when in use.
The report’s primary author, Dr. Peter Harrop, explains the significance of ZED in the success of 6G communications, stating that “with its higher frequencies and shorter-range emissions, 6G will fail without empowering devices in the transmission path, mostly intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS) and reprogrammable intelligent surfaces (RIS) in difficult-to-access places.”
The potential of 6G to enable the Internet of Things (IoT) market is also dependent on the adoption of ZED, as the large numbers and locations of IoT nodes pose a challenge that can only be overcome by energy autonomous devices.
The report delves into the various technologies and materials involved in making ZED a reality for 6G communications. It highlights the importance of metamaterials in the development of IRS and RIS, which can increase the power from on-board photovoltaics. The report also covers the latest research and developments in the field, including the use of ambient backscatter communications (AmBC) and crowd-detectable zero energy devices (CD-ZED).
The 365-page report provides a comprehensive analysis of the 6G ZED enabling technologies, including on-board multi-mode energy harvesting, ultra-low power electronics, structural supercapacitors, and lithium-ion capacitors. It also explores new systems approaches such as AmBC and how these can be combined to create energy autonomous devices.
The report features a 35-page Executive Summary and Conclusions for those in a hurry, with 23 forecast lines as tables and graphs. It also includes a 20-year roadmap, key conclusions, and infograms of the key trends, impediments, and opportunities.
The Introduction section of the report provides an overview of 6G communications, its promises and challenges, and a SWOT appraisal of the industry. It also presents a 6G general roadmap for 2024-2044 and focuses on ZED needs and opportunities in 6G Phase 1 and 2.
The remaining chapters of the report examine the technologies involved in making 6G ZED a reality, starting with a detailed explanation of metamaterials and their impact on 6G infrastructure and client devices. It also explores various systems approaches to reducing power requirements for client devices, as well as the different forms of energy harvesting that can be combined to create energy autonomous devices.
The report concludes with a look at the best battery-free energy storage options for 6G, including supercapacitors and lithium-ion capacitors, and the potential of structural formats to be used as energy storage.
With detailed analysis, forecasts, and infographics, the report provides valuable insights for companies looking to tap into the billion-dollar opportunity presented by 6G Communications Zero Energy Devices.
For more information on the report, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.