Wireless Energy Transfer in Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Summary
Wireless energy transfer in rechargeable sensor networks enables sustained operation of spatially distributed sensing devices by replenishing their power without physical connectors. Such networks integrate wireless power transmitters, mobile chargers or static pads with sensor nodes that are equipped with energy harvesting circuits. Energy is conveyed typically via radio frequency or inductive coupling, permitting dynamic and on-demand recharging. This paradigm addresses critical challenges of limited battery life and inaccessible deployment environments, offering solutions for environmental monitoring, industrial automation and smart infrastructure. Recent advancements have focused on optimising charging schedules, reducing travel distances for mobile chargers, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and deploying auxiliary infrastructure such as drone-assisted charging pads. By blending energy transfer with data collection strategies, modern systems achieve extended network lifetime, balanced energy distribution and improved quality of service. Interdisciplinary efforts now refine path-planning algorithms, design adaptive charging thresholds and explore hybrid architectures combining fixed and mobile energy sources. These developments underscore the global significance of wireless energy transfer in ensuring resilient, maintenance-free sensor networks for diverse applications.
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Wireless Energy Transfer in Rechargeable Sensor Networks publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in wireless energy transfer in rechargeable sensor networks across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Wireless Energy Transfer: The transmission of electrical energy from a power source to electronic devices without physical connectors, typically via electromagnetic fields or radio frequency waves.
Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Network (WRSN): A network of spatially distributed sensor nodes equipped with circuitry to receive energy wirelessly, enabling autonomous battery replenishment and prolonged operation.
Mobile Charging Vehicle (MC): A movable platform, such as a robot or drone, designed to traverse a sensor network and deliver wireless power to nodes as needed.
Wireless Charging Pad: A stationary device that emits electromagnetic fields over a localised area, allowing compatible receivers to harvest energy without mechanical connections.
Energy Harvesting: The process by which ambient energy sources—such as electromagnetic radiation, thermal gradients or mechanical vibrations—are converted into electrical power for use by electronic devices.
References
- Wireless power transfer and energy harvesting in distributed sensor networks: Survey, opportunities, and challenges. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks (2022).
- CRCM: A New Combined Data Gathering and Energy Charging Model for WRSN. Symmetry (2018).
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