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Research on an Energy-Harvesting System Based on the Energy Field of the Environment Surrounding a Photovoltaic Power Plant

Author

Listed:
  • Bin Zhang

    (School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
    Preparation and Application of Aerospace High-Performance Composite Materials, Future Industry Laboratory of Higher Education Institutions in Shandong Province, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China)

  • Binbin Wang

    (School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China)

  • Hongxi Zhang

    (School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China)

  • Abdelkader Outzourhit

    (Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Prince Moulay Abdellah, Marrakech 40000, Morocco)

  • Fouad Belhora

    (Laboratory of Engineering Sciences for Energy (LabSIPE), National School of Applied Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco)

  • Zoubir El Felsoufi

    (L’Ecole Supérieure de Technologie Sidi Bennour (ESTSB), Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco)

  • Jia-Wei Zhang

    (School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China)

  • Jun Gao

    (School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China)

Abstract

With the large-scale global deployment of photovoltaics (PV), traditional monitoring technologies face challenges such as wiring difficulties, high energy consumption, and high maintenance costs in remote or complex terrains, which limit long-term environmental sensing. Therefore, energy-harvesting systems are crucial for the intelligent operation of photovoltaic systems; however, their deployment depends on the accurate mapping of wind energy fields and solar irradiance fields. This study proposes a multi-scale simulation method based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize the placement of energy-harvesting systems in photovoltaic power plants. By integrating wind and irradiance distribution analysis, the spatial characteristics of airflow and solar radiation are mapped to identify high-efficiency zones for energy harvesting. The results indicate that the top of the photovoltaic panel exhibits a higher wind speed and reflected irradiance, providing the optimal location for an energy-harvesting system. The proposed layout strategy improves overall energy capture efficiency, enhances sensor deployment effectiveness, and supports intelligent, maintenance-free monitoring systems. This research not only provides theoretical guidance for the design of energy-harvesting systems in PV stations but also offers a scalable method applicable to various geographic scenarios, contributing to the advancement of smart and self-powered energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Bin Zhang & Binbin Wang & Hongxi Zhang & Abdelkader Outzourhit & Fouad Belhora & Zoubir El Felsoufi & Jia-Wei Zhang & Jun Gao, 2025. "Research on an Energy-Harvesting System Based on the Energy Field of the Environment Surrounding a Photovoltaic Power Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3786-:d:1703421
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    References listed on IDEAS

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