An Automatic Cascaded Movement Approach to Solve the Energy Replenishment Problem in WPT-Based Mobile WRSNs

In Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs), prolonging the sensors’ lifetime is a crucial issue that requires attention. Most studies in the field have focused on path planning for mobile chargers to replenish energy supply for static sensors. Different from the most existing studies, this paper explores the energy replenishment problem in WRSNs with mobile sensors. The paper addresses two issues to extend the network’s lifetime: $1$ ) how to balance energy consumption between mobile sensors using their mobility capabilities; and $2$ ) how to dispatch redundant mobile sensors, charged and calibrated, to replace low-energy sensors. For the first issue, an energy balancing algorithm is proposed that uses cascaded movement to better the cascading schedule. For the second issue, a redundant mobile sensor dispatch algorithm is proposed that prioritizes mobile sensors most in need of energy replenishment for replacement by a charged and calibrated redundant mobile sensor. The proposed algorithms are extensively evaluated through simulation and have demonstrated their effectiveness in achieving energy balance and prolonging the network lifetime. Note to Practitioners —Industrial automation applications often involve harsh and hazardous environments with high temperatures, dirt, dust, corrosive materials, and chemical risks. To ensure the longevity of sensors in such conditions, in addition to considering charging, sensors must also be regularly maintained and calibrated for accurate data sensing. However, maintaining and calibrating sensors requires the use of precise instruments that cannot be handled by mobile chargers. To address this issue, we propose studying how mobile sensors can cooperate with each other to complete monitoring tasks and return to the base station for charging, maintenance, and calibration before they run out of energy. The proposed algorithms are applicable to real-life precision monitoring applications in harsh or hazardous environments. This paper provides pseudo code, mathematical expressions, performance evaluation, and results, which can serve as a practical implementation guide for practitioners.