Energy Harvesting for Powering Wireless Sensor Networks

MOLINA, MARCELO GUSTAVO

Nancy, Francia

Workshop; Taller de Lanzamiento del Proyecto Internacional e-SISMOS (efficient - Seismic Identification System based on Multi-sensors ObservationS); 2015

In this work, it is investigated the application of thermoelectric generation based on solid state devices, such as thermoelectric generators (TEGs), as a new technological alternative of energy harvesting. The full detailed modelling of a TEG is studied as an energy harvesting system capable of supplying the energy consumed by sensor nodes of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In the same way, the electronic power conditioning system and its control system is proposed, which controls the operation of the TEG device so as to operate continuously in conditions of optimum efficiency. Furthermore, the assembly and experimental characterization of a first prototype is presented, which currently operates with great success. Moreover, the work includes the detailed modelling of the thermoelectric generators and the experimental results of the set-up implemented in laboratory.