Characterizing Energy Sources in Outdoor Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

A reliable energy supply is the foundation of many Wireless Sensor Networks that can not be powered from mains power permanently. Therefore, batteries have been widely used since many years. However, due to their environmental impact and limited lifetime, costs are high and they should be used most efficiently. Further, predictability is challenging and overprovisioning is common practice, which once again increases costs. Hence, energy harvesting has become very popular and can increase lifetime, reduce cost, but comes with additional challenges. Outdoor Wireless Sensor Networks operate in varying temperature ranges which has a noticeable impact on the energy sources. In this paper, we characterize different types of energy sources regarding their behavior under usage patterns and temperature changes,