Dimensioning Self-sufficient Networks of Energy Harvesting Embedded Devices

Abstract

Energy efficiency and self sustainability are among the primary objectives for networks of embedded devices, such as those of sensor networks and Internet of Things. In this paper we present a reference framework to obtain the optimal configuration parameters of networked devices with energy scavenging capabilities. Specifically, we derive an optimization method that links a simple and yet effective energy consumption model to network topology configurations and to the average energy that is harvested from the environment. This model is efficiently solved using interior point algorithms, making it possible to obtain optimal communication parameters and their feasibility regions, so as to ensure the perpetual operation of embedded communicating devices. Moreover, our framework allows for a dynamic system configuration as a function of the harvested energy income rate, thus making the considered networks flexible and self-adaptable.