In this paper, we consider the multiple sinks placement problem in energy constrained large-scale Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). First, some fundamental design parameters in WSNs are investigated such as nodes deployment, the network architecture, sink velocity and transmission range. Each of these parameters is analysed and discussed according to its influence on the energy consumption in a WSN. Second, a simple and efficient approach for the placement of multiple sinks within large-scale WSNs is proposed. The objective is to determine optimal sinks positions that maximize the network lifetime by reducing energy consumption related to data transmissions from sensor nodes to different sinks. Balanced graph partitioning techniques are used to split the entire WSN into connected sub-networks. Smaller sub-networks are created, having similar characteristics and where energy consumption can be optimized independently but in the same way. Therefore, different approaches and mechanisms that enhance the network lifetime in small-size WSN can be deployed inside each sub-network. Performance results show that the proposed technique significantly enhances the network lifetime