In a recent study published in Designs, researchers introduced a novel approach to wireless power transfer (WPT) specifically designed for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The study focused on improving energy efficiency in relay-based networks, addressing the growing need for reliable and sustainable power solutions for sensor nodes and relay devices as industries increasingly adopt IIoT technologies.
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The proposed hybrid wireless power transfer (H-WPT) technique aims to tackle the energy constraints commonly faced in relay-based networks. By allowing relay nodes to dynamically select their power sources based on real-time channel conditions, this approach optimizes energy consumption and extends the operational lifespan of IIoT systems.
Background
The integration of IIoT in industrial settings has transformed processes, boosting productivity and reducing operational costs. However, the widespread use of distributed sensor nodes and relay devices introduces significant challenges, especially concerning energy supply. Traditional power sources often fail to provide the longevity required for continuous operation.
Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) has emerged as a promising solution, enabling devices to harvest energy from the same radio frequency (RF) signals used for communication. While previous research has explored various SWIPT implementation techniques, practical challenges remain, particularly in optimizing real-time energy harvesting and information decoding. Building on this foundation, this study proposes a decentralized H-WPT scheme that improves energy harvesting efficiency while ensuring reliable communication performance.
The Study
The proposed hybrid wireless power transfer (H-WPT) scheme utilizes a decentralized architecture, enabling relay nodes to dynamically select their power sources based on real-time channel conditions. The approach begins by establishing a relay network model, where multiple relay nodes are strategically positioned to facilitate both energy harvesting and data transmission. Each relay node is equipped with energy harvesting capabilities, drawing power from radio frequency (RF) signals.
Operating under a decode-and-forward (DF) relaying protocol, the relay nodes decode received information before forwarding it to the destination. The H-WPT scheme also incorporates adaptive power splitting (APS) techniques, allowing relay nodes to allocate portions of the harvested energy for both information processing and transmission. This allocation is continuously adjusted based on the instantaneous channel gain, optimizing overall system performance.
Numerical simulations, conducted using Monte Carlo methods, assess key performance metrics such as outage probability and energy efficiency. The simulations consider various channel conditions and relay configurations, offering a thorough evaluation of the H-WPT scheme's effectiveness. Compared to traditional power transfer methods, the proposed approach demonstrates significant advantages in improving energy management within IIoT networks.
Results and Discussion
The numerical results highlight the effectiveness of the H-WPT scheme in boosting energy efficiency compared to traditional methods. The analysis shows a significant reduction in outage probabilities, leading to enhanced communication reliability in IIoT networks. The simulations further indicate that the decentralized operation of relay nodes enables optimal power management, allowing better adaptation to fluctuating channel conditions.
The findings demonstrate that the H-WPT technique outperforms both direct WPT (D-WPT) and simultaneous WPT (S-WPT) methods, delivering superior performance without incurring additional energy costs or increasing system complexity. These results underscore the potential of the H-WPT scheme to extend the operational lifespan of energy-constrained sensor networks, making it a practical solution for real-world IIoT applications. Additionally, the study emphasizes the critical role of optimal relay placement and continuous monitoring of channel conditions in maximizing the benefits of this approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study introduces a significant advancement in wireless power transfer for IIoT applications with the hybrid wireless power transfer (H-WPT) scheme. By allowing relay nodes to dynamically select power sources based on real-time conditions, the proposed method improves energy efficiency and extends the operational lifespan of sensor networks.
The results from numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of the H-WPT technique, demonstrating its superiority over traditional power transfer methods. This research not only advances the understanding of energy harvesting and information transfer but also provides practical solutions for deploying IIoT systems in various industrial environments.
The decentralized power management approach and emphasis on optimizing resource utilization position the H-WPT scheme as a promising solution to the energy challenges faced by networks in Industry 4.0. Future research may further refine this model and explore its application across a wider range of industrial scenarios, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient IIoT deployments.
Journal Reference
Singh V., Kumar R., et al. (2024). Energy-Efficient Hybrid Wireless Power Transfer Technique for Relay-Based IIoT Applications. Designs 8, 84. DOI: 10.3390/designs8050084, https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/8/5/84