Title: Co-simulating complex energy harvesting WSN applications: an in-tunnel wind powered monitoring example

Authors: Le Quang Vinh Tran; Amine Didioui; Carolynn Bernier; Grégory Vaumourin; Florian Broekaert; Agnès Fritsch

Addresses: ERCOM TELECOM, 9 Grand Rue, 13002 Marseille, France ' Groupe SEB, Rue du Champ de Courses, 38780 Pont-Evèque, France ' Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France, CEA, LETI, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France ' Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France, CEA, LETI, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France ' Thales Communications and Security, 4 avenue des Louvresses, 92622 Gennevilliers, France ' Thales Communications and Security, 4 avenue des Louvresses, 92622 Gennevilliers, France

Abstract: A complex wind-energy harvesting wireless sensor network (WSN) application for subway tunnels is pre-prototyped using the HarvWSNet co-simulation framework. Detailed models of every component, including energy harvester, tunnel propagation channel, train mobility, node power consumption, and physical layer (PHY), medium access control (MAC), routing and power aware protocols are described. Pre-prototyping simulations quickly identify the key parameters affecting the viability of the application (e.g., harvested energy, train-induced signal attenuation). Thanks to its native capacity to handle detailed charge flow models, HarvWSNet can address scenarios with complex and intermittent energy supplies. This work demonstrates how co-simulation platforms such as HarvWSNet can aid in the development and future success of energy harvesting WSN applications.

Keywords: WSNs; wireless sensor networks; cross-layer design; wind energy harvesting; tunnel modelling; HarvWSNet; simulation; co-simulation; wind power; subway tunnels; tunnel propagation channels; train mobility; node energy consumption; physical layers; medium access control; MAC; routing protocols; power aware protocols; signal attenuation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSNET.2017.081336

International Journal of Sensor Networks, 2017 Vol.23 No.2, pp.100 - 112

Accepted: 29 Jan 2016
Published online: 05 Jan 2017 *

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