A Novel Algorithm for Maximizing the Lifetime of Sensor Networks and the Use of an m²-Mote to Refresh Battery Power On-the-Fly

In this paper we present a novel algorithm that significantly improves the efficiency of wireless sensor networks, while providing a low and stable energy consumption profile irrespective of the number of nodes. We also present a modified- mica Mote (m²-Mote) that uses a rectenna to produce DC-power from scavenged RF-energy for charging the node batteries. From our analysis and simulation of a 500 node network with one sink node, we found that our approach results in 99% reduction in the amount of energy consumed with the addition of each new node to the sensor network when compared with LEACH. Similarly, it doubles the average lifespan of LEACH based networks and gives more than five times the average lifetime of networks based on direct communication.