Solar Energy Harvesting for Wireless Sensor Network Nodes

D. Baghyalakshmi; Deepika Vinod; Jemimah Ebenezer; R Jehadeesan

Abstract

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) consists of numerous sensor nodes that senses, processes and transmits sensor data from periphery of the network to BaseStation (BS) located at central location. A number of router nodes are deployed to transmit the sensed data to the BS. Generally, WSN nodes are battery powered. The lifetime of nodes is decided by the lifetime of the battery. To increase the lifetime of the batteries Energy Harvesting Techniques (EHT) can be adapted. To charge the batteries, a variety of EHT are available. EHT support the energy needs and increases the lifetime of the WSN node in the field. We have concentrated our efforts on developing the EHT that can be deployed outside. Solar Energy Harvesting Technique (SEHT) extracts maximum harvested power. Solar-powered WSN nodes have been created and produced in this research. It is designed with an auto power path switching mechanism and optimal battery charging module with inbuilt maximum solar power harvesting feature. The smart auto switching technique makes the node to work with solar power for longer duration which extends the battery life by avoiding the unwanted battery charging