Multisource Energy Harvesting System for a Wireless Sensor Network Node in the Field Environment

Abstract

This paper presents the design, implementation, and characterization of a hardware platform applicable to a self-powered wireless sensor network (WSN) node. Its primary design objective is to devise a hybrid energy harvesting system to extend the operational lifetime of WSN node after they are deployed in the field environment. Besides the implementation of optimal components (microcontroller, sensor, radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and others) to achieve the lowest power consumption, it is also necessary to consider the sources of energy instead of the frequent recharging or replacement of batteries. Therefore, the platform incorporates a multisource energy harvesting module to collect energy from the surrounding environment, including wind, solar radiation, and thermal energy. The platform also includes an energy storage module through a super-capacitor, RF transceiver module, and the primary microcontroller module. Experimental results showed that the WSN node system with appropriate integration will reserve sufficient energy and meet the long-term power supply requirements of the WSN node without batteries in the field environment. The experimental results and empirical measurements taken over nine days demonstrated that the average daily generating capacity was 7805.09 J, which is far more than the energy consumption of the WSN node (about 2972.88 J).