The Wireless Sensor Node Harvesting Energy from Environment

The wireless sensor node which harvests energy from environment is fabricated. The photovoltaic and thermoelectric generators are adopted as energy converters, and the lithium-ion battery and ultracapaci-tor are used as reservoirs. The low power energy management strategy is adopted, so the energy can be utilized adequately. The charge characteristics of the ultracapacitor and the lithium-ion battery are researched in summer and winter, and the power curve of the wireless sensor node was obtained. The performance test experiment demonstrates that lithium-ion battery can be charged within four days in summer, and it can make the wireless sensor node work for seven days continuously.