A Comprehensive Review on Hybrid Solar–Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems for Sustainable Power Generation in Smart Mechanical Structures

Abstract

The world has witnessed a blistering development of intelligent mechanical systems such as autonomous vehicles, smart highways, and aircrafts and walls and this has heightened the need to research on a sustainable and maintenance-free power supply. A promising line of solution has been created, which is known as hybrid solar-piezoelectric energy harvesting (HSPEH) systems where photovoltaic and vibration-based transduction mechanisms are combined in order to enable continuous power generation. This review will use an in-depth examination, design methods, material innovations, power management loops and areas of application of HSPEH systems. It looks at the interaction of solar irradiance and mechanical vibration to provide greater reliability of energy, conversion ability, and the life span of the system. The focus is put on modelling methods, structure optimization, and adaptability of energy management based on MPPT algorithms and super capacitor storage. Recent accomplishments in the fabrication of micro and Nano-scales, flexible materials, and embedded electronics have been emphasised along with some of the fundamental performance characteristics of the existing prototypes. Review summarises with discussions to the existing challenges, like scalability, environmental sustainability, and complexity of integration, and research potentials in the future to achieve energy-autonomous mechanical and structural systems in line with green engineering objectives.