PEARSH: A power efficient algorithm for raising sensor half-life with wireless battery recharge module

This paper presents a two-pronged approach to the perennial power constraint challenge faced by wireless sensor networks. The first is a power efficient algorithm for reducing sensor half-life (PEARSH), an algorithm that increases the lifespan of sensors through the efficient use of sensor battery power. The second is the insertion of a charging circuit connected to a proposed modified mica mote antenna to regularly charge the battery. This charger is based on a rectenna that harvests energy from the RF signals transmitted in the network. The sequential steps for the PEARSH process and the guiding rationale for each step are discussed. A proposed modified mica mote (m²-Mote) is also presented that incorporates the rectenna and dc-battery charger. Finally, energy analysis and simulation are carried out to highlight the gains of our technique. Our analysis show an increase in the lifespan of wireless sensor networks by a factor of up to 42% when compared with the best case of LEACH and 4.8 times better than when direct communication is used. Also, this increase can be even more substantial with the m²-mote and wireless battery charger option.