A Complete Feasible and Nodes-Grouped Scheduling Algorithm for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks in Tunnels

Area of Science:

• Wireless Sensor Networks
• Energy Harvesting and Management

Background:

• Limited node energy is a critical constraint in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), particularly for perpetual operation in challenging environments like mine tunnels.
• Wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs) offer a solution to extend network lifetime by enabling nodes to recharge.
• Effective charging strategies are fundamental to achieving perpetual functionality in WRSNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a Complete Feasible Charging Strategy (CFCS) for ensuring perpetual operation of WRSNs in mine tunnel scenarios.
• To address the challenge of energy limitations in WSN nodes within specific environmental constraints.
• To develop a robust charging scheme that guarantees continuous network functionality.

Main Methods:

• The proposed Complete Feasible Charging Strategy (CFCS) divides the WRSN into subnetworks.
• Multiple mobile chargers (MCs) are employed to periodically and orderly charge each subnetwork.
• The charging time distribution problem for subnetworks is formulated, with theorems derived to constrain charging configurations.
• A nodes-grouped mechanism is introduced to enhance the scalability of WRSNs.

Main Results:

• Extensive simulations validate the effectiveness of the CFCS.
• The study confirms the correctness of specific CFCS boundary theorems.
• The proposed CFCS successfully ensures the perpetual operation of WRSNs.
• The Nodes-Grouped mechanism demonstrates superior scalability compared to existing baseline methods.

Conclusions:

• The Complete Feasible Charging Strategy (CFCS) effectively guarantees perpetual operation for wireless rechargeable sensor networks in mine tunnel environments.
• The developed charging scheme and nodes-grouped mechanism provide a scalable and reliable solution for energy management in WRSNs.
• This research contributes a practical approach to overcoming energy constraints in WSNs for long-term deployment.