An energy harvesting scheme for underwater sensor applications

We present our work regarding an energy harvesting scheme for underwater wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The scheme uses principles of galvanic cells, with zinc and brass electrodes, and river water as the electrolyte. Our preliminary work shows that one can harvest a few microwatts per cm². While modest, this could augment a sensor´s primary power supply thus increasing the longevity of the WSN. In some instances the energy may fully power a WSN node.