Sensor dispatching methods for gathering data in rechargeable wireless mobile sensor networks

This paper proposes two methods for dispatching sensors to gather data in the rechargeable wireless mobile sensor networks. Several anchoring locations are planned for sensors to collect data. A recharging dock is installed in the region of interest to restore the energy of sensors. After sensors are deployed randomly, they move to anchoring locations and collect data. In the first method, multiple sensors are disposed to each anchoring location. One of these sensors will be the active sensor to collect data, and the others will be the backup ones. A backup sensor will replace the active one when its energy exhausts. In the second method, the mobility is utilized. All backup sensors are marshaled in the recharging docks. When any active sensor runs out of energy, one of the backup sensors will be dispatched to corresponding anchoring location to replace active sensor. The simulation results show the sensors in the proposed methods can use their energy well. Furthermore, utilizing the mobility can effectively prolong the network operation time.