Decentralized Energy Swapping for Sustainable Wireless Sensor Networks Using Blockchain Technology

Wireless sensor networks deployed in energy-constrained environments face critical challenges relating to sustainability and protection. This paper introduces an innovative blockchain-powered safe energy-swapping protocol that enables sensor nodes to voluntarily and securely trade excess energy, optimizing usage and prolonging lifespan. Unlike traditional centralized management schemes, the proposed approach leverages blockchain technology to generate an open, immutable ledger for transactions, guaranteeing integrity, visibility, and resistance to manipulation. Employing smart contracts and a lightweight Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, computational and power costs are minimized, making it suitable for WSNs with limited assets. The system is built using NS-3 to simulate node behavior, energy usage, and network dynamics, while Python manages the blockchain architecture, cryptographic security, and trading algorithms. Sensor nodes checked their power levels and broadcast requests when energy fell under a predefined threshold. Neighboring nodes with surplus power responded with offers, and intelligent contracts facilitated secure exchanges recorded on the blockchain. The Proof-of-Stake-based consensus process ensured efficient and secure validation of transactions without the energy-intensive need for Proof-of-Work schemes. The simulation results indicated that the proposed approach reduces wastage and significantly boosts network resilience by allowing nodes to remain operational longer. A 20% increase in lifespan is observed compared to traditional methods while maintaining low communication overhead and ensuring secure, tamper-proof trading of energy. This solution provides a scalable, safe, and energy-efficient answer for next-generation WSNs, especially in applications like smart cities, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring, where autonomy of energy is paramount.