A High Efficiency Solar PV Micro-Power Supply Integrated with Wireless Sensor Nodes

Abstract

In the wireless sensor nodes integrated with the solar PV micro-power supply, the solar energy conversion efficiency and utilization efficiency directly determine working life and stability of the wireless sensor nodes. Thus, a novel solar PV micro-power supply is designed which four solar cell arrays with same open voltage are designed and they are placed in top and three sides of the wireless sensor nodes. Simultaneous, the optimal voltage control technology is used to control work voltage of four solar cell arrays in the design. In addition, the prototype of wireless sensor node integrated with the solar PV micro-power supply is done. Moreover, the working characteristics of the prototype are tested in natural condition. The working voltages of four solar cell arrays are controlled in range of optimal voltage, and the solar cell arrays have high conversion efficiency. The output energy of system is increased about 50% by adding side solar cell arrays.