Solar Energy Harvesting for Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)

Wireless Sensor Networks are successfully used in the current times to many
applications and systems. Generally, this WSN are powered by batteries which
constrains the extensive use of WSN due to its finite resource structure. Therefore, the
idea of energy harvesting technique is considered to ensure a longer lifespan of
operation time for the WSN. Solar energy harvesting is being the most effective method
for WSN placed outdoor under presence of sunlight due to its highest power density. In
this project, solar harvesting using low-powered Maximum Power Point Tracker
(MPPT) is designed to ensure better efficiency from solar panel. MPPT used is based on
integrated circuit (LTC3105). Besides, usage of rechargeable batteries is included to
ensure constant power to WSN at all times. This is because; power through solar
harvesting is limited to only the day time under the presence of sun. DC-DC converter is
used to ensure sufficient power to the WSN from the battery. WSN used in this project is
IRIS mote. This is a prototype based project, thus the design of component used for
power management is expected to demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency of solar
harvesting to extend the battery life. The result of charging the battery through solar
panel and discharging of battery to WSN will be studied and plotted in graph for
discussion