Hexagonal clustering with mobile energy replenishment in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks, grid-based clustering and routing schemes have attracted considerable attention due to their simplicity and feasibility. In this paper, we adopt a hexagonal tessellation approach and propose a Fast Hexagonal Clustering (FHC) algorithm for efficient data collection. The traffic load is intentionally concentrated at a small portion of Cluster Heads (CHs) and Convergence Points (CPs). In order to provide a steady and efficient energy supply for the nodes under our clustering scheme, a mobile energy replenishment approach is designed by using the Mobile Elements (MEs) to conduct wireless energy replenishment for the CPs. We construct an optimal route of the MEs for a better energy replenishment efficiency. Through extensive simulations, our scheme is demonstrated to outperform the best known clustering algorithms, in terms of both energy dissipation of data collection and energy replenishment.