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Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "L: Energy Sources".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 9156

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Paweł Ligęza

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Flow Metrology, Strata Mechanics Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
Interests: metrology; electronics; energetics; mechanics; mechatronics; robotics; computer sciences; modelling and control; mining sciences; measurement systems; flow metrology
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Dear Colleagues,

The search for new sources of usable energy is one of the greatest challenges of the modern world. The development of a smart technology for the use of fusion energy for utilitarian purposes would undoubtedly be a Copernican breakthrough. In anticipation of this event, it is important to tackle research challenges that may be less crucial, but are still extremely important. One such challenge is the development of energy harvesting technology, including the search for new sources and methods. That is why I invite scientists and research teams to publish their achievements in this Special Issue. The topics covered include the development of energy harvesting systems and methods from uncommon sources, in particular issues such as:

energy harvesting from uncommon sources;
unconventional methods and systems for energy harvesting;
distributed energy harvesting systems;
smart methods in energy harvesting;
artificial intelligence for energy harvesting and vice versa;
utilize of garbage, rubbish and waste for energy harvesting;
energy harvesting from post-mining infrastructure;
post-industrial energy harvesting sources;
energy harvesting systems in agriculture and breeding;
biological energy systems;
essential metrological problems in energy harvesting;
energy harvesting for personal devices;
energy harvesting for control and monitoring;
energy harvesting for micro- and nano systems;
storage systems for energy harvesting.

I look forward to familiarizing myself with the results of your latest research and popularizing them in the scientific community, both in this field and related issues.

Prof. Dr. Paweł Ligęza
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

energy harvesting
energy sources
unconventional sources and methods
smart methods
artificial intelligence methods
distributed systems
waste utilizing
post-mining energy
post-industry energy
biological energy systems
metrological problems
personal devices
micro and nano devices
energy storage systems

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Smart Platform for Monitoring and Managing Energy Harvesting in Household Systems

by Teodora Sanislav, George D. Mois, Sherali Zeadally, Silviu Folea and Horia Hedesiu

Energies 2024, 17(23), 5977; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235977 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 903

Abstract

To address global warming challenges, industry, transportation, residential, and other sectors must adapt to reduce the greenhouse effect. One promising solution is the use of renewable energy and energy-saving mechanisms. This paper analyzes several renewable energy sources and storage systems, taking into consideration the possibility of integrating them with smart homes. The integration process requires the development of smart home energy management systems coupled with renewable energy and energy storage elements. Furthermore, a real-life solar energy power plant composed of programmable components was designed and mounted on the roof of a single-family residential building. Based on a long-term analysis of its operation, the main advantages and disadvantages of the proposed implementation solution are highlighted, exemplifying the concepts presented in the paper. Being composed of programmable components, which allow the implementation of custom algorithms and monitoring applications to optimize its operation, the system will be used as a prototyping platform in future research. The evaluation of the developed system over a period of one year showed that, even when using a basic implementation such as the one in this paper, significant savings regarding a household’s energy consumption can be achieved (36% of the energy bought from the supplier, meaning EUR 545 from a total of EUR 1497). Finally, based on the analysis of the developed prototype system, the main technical challenges that must be addressed in the future to efficiently manage renewable energy storage and use in today’s smart homes were identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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27 pages, 4788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Profitability of a Photovoltaic Installation Cooperating with Energy Storage Using an Example of a Medium-Sized Production Company

by Jerzy Mikulik and Mariusz Niekurzak

Energies 2024, 17(18), 4740; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184740 - 23 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

This work aims to comprehensively analyze the cooperation of an electricity storage facility with an operating photovoltaic installation in a manufacturing company regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the device and the economic profitability of the investment. This work aims to check the benefits that can be brought by expanding the PV system with an electricity storage facility. Based on the real energy balance and the characteristics of electricity distribution in the company, profitability calculations were carried out reflecting the expected savings generated by using individual solutions. These methods allowed the authors to calculate the market value of the investment with the assumed boundary criteria and to determine the economic effectiveness of the investment. Additionally, the practical process of selecting an electricity storage facility was presented and key moments in the company’s energy report were analyzed, in which the use of a battery could bring results. Calculations showed that supplementing the described PV installation with an energy storage facility will increase the current level of self-consumption of PV energy by over 14%. The benefits translate into the final effect of energy storage operation, which brings additional annual savings for the company of approximately EUR 23,000 in the case of a weaker device and roughly EUR 40,000 in the case of a more powerful energy storage device. The proposed research could improve the planning of new industrial plants for photovoltaic installations, as well as the redesign of existing ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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16 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid-Energy Storage Optimization Based on Successive Variational Mode Decomposition and Wind Power Frequency Modulation Power Fluctuation

by Changqing Chen, Weihua Tang, Yunqing Xia and Chang Chen

Energies 2024, 17(17), 4391; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174391 - 2 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1115

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of frequency modulation power deviation caused by the randomness and fluctuation of wind power outputs, a method of auxiliary wind power frequency modulation capacity allocation based on the data decomposition of a “flywheel + lithium battery” hybrid-energy storage system was proposed. Firstly, the frequency modulation power deviation caused by the uncertainty of wind power is decomposed by the successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD) method, and the mode function is segmented and reconstructed by high and low frequencies. Secondly, a mathematical model is established to maximize the economic benefit of energy storage considering the frequency modulation mileage, and quantum particle swarm optimization is used to solve the target model considering the charging and discharging power of energy storage and the charging state constraints to obtain the optimal hybrid-energy storage configuration. Finally, the simulation results show that, in the step disturbance, the Δf_max of the hybrid-energy storage mode is reduced by 37.9% and 15.3%, respectively, compared with single-energy storage. Under continuous disturbance conditions, compared with the single-energy storage mode, the Δf_{p_v} is reduced by 52.73%, 43.72%, 60.71%, and 47.62%, respectively. The frequency fluctuation range is obviously reduced, and the frequency stability is greatly improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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18 pages, 1807 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Assessment of Municipal Waste Forecasting Methods in Poland Considering Socioeconomic Aspects

by Krzysztof Nęcka, Tomasz Szul, Joanna Piotrowska-Woroniak and Krzysztof Pancerz

Energies 2024, 17(14), 3524; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143524 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 932

Abstract

As a public service, municipal waste management at the local and regional levels should be carried out in an environmentally friendly and economically justified manner. Information on the quantity and composition of generated municipal waste is essential for planning activities related to the implementation and optimization of the process. There is a need for reliable forecasts regarding the amount of waste generated in each area. Due to the variability in the waste accumulation rate, this task is difficult to accomplish, especially at the local level. The literature contains many reports on this issue, but there is a lack of studies indicating the preferred method depending on the independent variables, the complexity of the algorithm, the time of implementation, and the quality of the forecast. The results concerning the quality of forecasting methods are difficult to compare due to the use of different sets of independent variables, forecast horizons, and quality assessment indicators. This paper compares the effectiveness of selected forecasting models in predicting the amount of municipal waste collection generated in Polish municipalities. The authors compared nine methods, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), support regression trees (SRTs), rough set theory (RST), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and random regression forests (RRFs). The analysis was based on 31 socioeconomic indicators for 2451 municipalities in Poland. The Boruta algorithm was used to select significant variables and eliminate those with little impact on forecasting. The quality of the forecasts was evaluated using eight indicators, such as the absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R²). A comprehensive evaluation of the forecasting models was carried out using the APEKS method. An analysis of the results showed that the best forecasting methods depended on the set of independent variables and the evaluation criteria adopted. Waste management expenditures, the levels of sanitation and housing infrastructure, and the cost-effectiveness of waste management services were key factors influencing the amount of municipal waste. Additionally, this research indicated that adding more variables does not always improve the quality of forecasts, highlighting the importance of proper selection. The use of a variable selection algorithm, combined with the consideration of the impact of various socioeconomic factors on municipal waste generation, can significantly improve the quality of forecasts. The SRT, CHAID, and MARS methods can become valuable tools for predicting municipal waste volumes, which, in turn, will help to improve waste management system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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14 pages, 5493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency Regulation Adaptive Control Strategy of Wind Energy Storage System for Wind Speed Uncertainty

by Changqing Chen and Lixiong Li

Energies 2024, 17(11), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112523 - 23 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1129

Abstract

In order to reduce the negative influence of wind speed randomness and prediction error on frequency modulation, the reliability of the wind storage system was assessed effectively. In the wind storage frequency modulation system, a state of charge (SOC) adaptive adjustment method for wind speed randomness is proposed. Firstly, through the correlation analysis between the standby capacity of frequency modulation and the output power of wind turbine, the uncertainty of its frequency modulation capacity is revealed. Secondly, in view of the uncertainty of wind turbine frequency modulation, the output power of energy storage frequency modulation is optimized with the goal of minimizing the frequency modulation power deviation of the wind storage front under the framework of model predictive control, and the improved whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is used to solve the problem. Finally, the simulation results show that, under the given 5 min continuous disturbance, the root mean square of frequency regulation of the proposed restoration method is reduced by 56.65% compared to the SOC recovery base point set to 0.5. Under continuous large perturbations, the maximum frequency deviation is reduced by 0.0455 Hz. This effectively shows that this method can not only improve the frequency modulation reliability of wind power system but also improve the continuous frequency modulation capability of energy storage system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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Review

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25 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overview of Technologies for Solar Systems and Heat Storage: The Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Performance Analysis and Optimization

by Jakub Janus, Monika Filipowska, Hubert Jabłoński, Mateusz Wieliński and Krzysztof Sornek

Energies 2024, 17(23), 6001; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236001 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902

Abstract

This article reviews selected solar energy systems that utilize solar energy for heat generation and storage. Particular attention is given to research on individual components of these systems, aimed at improving their efficiency and performance. It focuses on an analysis of the literature concerning the design of thermal storage units, with an emphasis on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a research tool. Conclusions from scientists’ research regarding the impact of tank shape, thermal insulation, flow parameters, and the use of stratification partitions on heat storage efficiency have been presented. The literature review indicates that thermal storage units play a key role in the efficiency of solar systems, and thermal stratification within them can significantly improve their performance. The methodology was based on an analysis of journals, primarily from after 2008, focusing on articles related to the application of CFD methodology in the study of solar systems and heat storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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19 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessReview

On Search for Unconventional Energy Sources for Harvesting

by Paweł Ligęza

Energies 2024, 17(5), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051091 - 24 Feb 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Energy transformation requires replacing power plants based on fossil raw materials with renewable energy. Energy harvesting plays an important, although not fully appreciated, role here. Distributed, local power supply systems for small receivers, based on various sources which previously dissipated energy, may contribute to changing the current energy paradigm. This article presents an overview of energy harvesting technologies and various energy sources used in this process. Particular attention was paid to sources of a less conventional nature. The aim of this article is to encourage and direct scientists with the potential to explore this topic to look for new, previously unexploited energy sources and innovative and effective methods of obtaining useful energy in the harvesting process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods from Uncommon Sources)

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