I am trying to create a sensor network with 64 nodes, 12 routers and a coordinator. I am using Zigbee protocol with the help of Xbee modules. However I can't power the end devices (64 nos) using a power supply. I have to use a battery for each module. I need each module to work at least 15 days without recharging. I have a power consumption of 100mA from each Xbee. Sampling interval for xbee is 5 seconds. I need to know about batteries which could handle this. Also are there any other solution than batteries?
For a node, is the XBee module used as standalone or is it connected to a microcontroller ? What is the sampling about ? What does the node measure ? One solution is to use Tadiran Baterries but they are not cheap. If you can give more details about the sensor network I can give some other solutions.
Consumption of one node for declared experiment is about 100*24*15=36000mAh. There are specific batteries (an example: BP-LFPP-40 http://liionbms.com/pdf/bestgo/BP-HZPP-list.pdf) that can handle this task. However, I would recommend to analyze the usage of the selected module with the aim to optimize the duty cycle. If the sampling rate should be 0.2 Hz (once per 5 seconds), may be there is a possibility for power-down window.
Thank you every one
@valentin : XBee is not connected to a micro controller. It is a stand alone module. Xbee is coupled with a strain gauge and a n amplifier circuit for the strain gauge. This setup has to be powered using a battery.
@artis : there is power down window, during the 4s when its not sampling, Xbee draws 15-20mA and amplifier draws 25-30mA
@Ranjith: according data sheet (https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Zigbee/XBee-Datasheet.pdf) Xbee consumes only 10 or 50uA during power-down mode (see chapter Sleep Mode in the datasheet). It is not excluded that amplifier could be managed in similar way.
As I posted in my previous answer you could use Tadiran baterries but they are quite expensive. I would suggest using a micrcontroller and a transistor to control the power consumption of the XBee module and your amplifier. I used such a sollution for a wireless thermometer network with an Atmel ATMEGA8 as host microcontroller. A node could survive for 2-3 months with 2 cheap AA baterries cutting power to the radio and putting the ATMEGA8 in sleep. I used the transistor to cut down the power of the radio module. You could also cut down the power for your amplifier when not sampling. Or you could cut the power of the amplifier when not sampling and put the Xbee module in its power down mode without cutting its power to avoid network association.
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