Optimizing the energy supply of autonomous wireless sensor nodes

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are typically used as interface between the real and digital world. Autonomous sensor nodes of WSNs are placed directly on location to measure physical quantities. Such locations are often characterized by a poor accessibility and no wired infrastructure. These facts cause the need of a dedicated energy supply and some kind of wireless communication. To enable a long operational time, the energy supply should be as energy efficient as possible. So called energy harvesting systems (EHSs) can be used to extend the operational time significantly. The selection of the best configuration of an energy supply is often difficult, because it depends on various influencing factors. This paper presents a methodology to optimize the energy supply using a simulation environment and real world measurements to get realistic results.