NFC-Based Wireless Power Transfer for Embedded Concrete Sensors
Overview
Monitoring sensors embedded within concrete structures presents a unique challenge, as both power delivery and data access become difficult once the sensors are permanently enclosed. This project explored a wireless power and communication approach based on NFC-compatible technology, enabling sensor operation without physical connections while remaining compatible with established 13.56 MHz systems.
A custom inductive power transfer architecture was developed, combining efficient wireless energy transmission with data communication over the same link. The system was experimentally validated using sensors embedded at realistic depths within concrete specimens, demonstrating reliable power delivery and communication through the material. In addition to supporting sensor operation, the measured transfer characteristics showed potential as an indirect indicator of the concrete curing process.
This project combined RF engineering, wireless power transfer, and embedded sensing concepts to address the practical challenges of monitoring inaccessible sensors in civil infrastructure applications.
Key Contributions:
- Development of a custom NFC-compatible wireless power and data transmission system operating at 13.56 MHz
- Design and implementation of an inductive energy transfer architecture for embedded sensing applications
- High-efficiency Class-E power amplifier design for wireless power transmission
- Experimental validation with sensors embedded in concrete at practical installation depths
- Reliable operation demonstrated through up to 11 cm of concrete
- Investigation of power transfer characteristics as a potential indicator for concrete curing-state monitoring