Energy harvesting communication networks: Optimization and demonstration (the E-CROPS project)

We describe the new European project E-CROPS which was ranked first in the 2012 CHIST-ERA competition. This project has begun its work in February 2013 to develop a system-wide approach to using energy harvesting and smart energy management technologies in communication and mobile devices. The project will examine energy-dependent fundamental limits of communications, together with the timely harvesting, storage and delivery of energy to the computing and communication units of these devices, to achieve an optimal balance between the quality of service, performance, and efficient usage of energy. E-CROPS will combine theoretical modelling and performance analysis with experimental demonstrations bringing together four collaborating teams from France (EURECOM), Spain (CTTC), Turkey (METU) and the UK (Imperial College London).