In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), sensor nodes periodically sense, record, and transmit environmental information. WSNs require long lifetime and adequate field coverage, which can be problematic under certain conditions. Several studies have addressed these problems using energy harvesting, wireless charging, or mobile sensor nodes. In particular, mobile nodes are effective for adequate field coverage: however, appropriate node movement is critical. In addition, mobile nodes with wireless charging devices can charge the batteries of other nodes. We formulate the problem to extend lifetime and maintain field coverage by determining the positions of mobile nodes that can cover the field effectively and charge the batteries of other nodes simultaneously. We propose a coverage algorithm that can cover a field with a minimal number of nodes and a movement algorithm that determines an efficient mobile node movement schedule to charge static nodes. Simulation results, confirm that the energy charging system used by the proposed method can extend WSN lifetime up to 66%.
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