Energy Efficient Routing Protocols and Introduction to Wireless Recharging of Sensor Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper gives a brief review of the concept of sensor networks which has become feasible due to large scale development in micro electro-mechanical systems technology and wireless communications. First of all, sensor node deployment and sensor networks applications are presented, and then various issues regarding sensor node lifetime are discussed. Then, to solve sensor node issues, various energy conservation techniques, their advantages and limitations are discussed. The energy conservation techniques are compared using MATLAB and best routing protocol is shown. Lastly, wireless power transfer to replenish sensor node battery is discussed. A review of wireless power transfer history and various development in this technology is also given to solve the energy issue of sensor node. Research issues for efficiency improvement of wireless sensor network are also discussed. Keywords— Wireless sensor network (WSN), energy conservation, wireless energy transfer, Routing, energy harvesting.