A Fuzzy Logic-Based Directional Charging Scheme for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) has become a key technology to extend network lifetime in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs). The traditional omnidirectional recharging method has a wider range of energy radiation, but it inevitably results in more energy waste. By contrast, the directional recharging mode enables most of the energy to be focused in a predetermined direction that achieves higher recharging efficiency. However, the MC (Mobile Charger) in this mode can only supply energy to a few nodes in each direction. Thus, how to set the location of staying points of the MC, its service sequence and its charging orientation are all important issues related to the benefit of energy replenishment. To address these problems, we propose a Fuzzy Logic-based Directional Charging (FLDC) scheme for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks. Firstly, the network is divided into adjacent regular hexagonal grids which are exactly the charging regions for the MC. Then, with the help of a double-layer fuzzy logic system, a priority of nodes and grids is obtained that dynamically determines the trajectory of the MC during each round of service, i.e., the charging sequence. Next, the location of the MC's staying points is optimized to minimize the sum of charging distances between MC and nodes in the same grid. Finally, the discretized charging directions of the MC at each staying point are adjusted to further improve the charging efficiency. Simulation results show that FLDC performs well in both the charging benefit of nodes and the energy efficiency of the MC.