E-Thesis 15 views
Development of Smart Systems for Testing and Utilizing Indoor Photovoltaic Generators in Internet of Things (IoT) Energy Harvesting Applications / ZAID HAYMOOR
Swansea University Author: ZAID HAYMOOR
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.69251
Abstract
Indoor light energy harvesting presents a promising solution for powering low-energy devices, yet achieving consistent efficiency under variable lighting conditions remains a challenge. This thesis addresses the use of photovoltaic moduels for indoor environments, focusing on their testing, implemen...
| Published: |
Swansea University, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Carnie, M. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69251 |
| Abstract: |
Indoor light energy harvesting presents a promising solution for powering low-energy devices, yet achieving consistent efficiency under variable lighting conditions remains a challenge. This thesis addresses the use of photovoltaic moduels for indoor environments, focusing on their testing, implementation, and integration. This work provides a literature review covering various energy harvesting sources, with an emphasis on light energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells. A comparative analysis was made to find the best practical characterisation methods for indoor PV modules. Thestructure and communication technologies relevant to low-power IoT systems were evaluated. A portable IoT source measure unit was designed for testing indoor photovoltaic modules and cells with the hardware and software explained in detail. Chapter two focuses on the circuit, PCB design, system architecture, and performance testing, comparing the IoT portable source measure unit (SMU) against standard laboratory equipment and assessing its reliability in long-term applications.Chapters three and four examine indoor PV technologies to assess their viability for energy harvesting in IoT applications, necessitating an analysis of energy-harvesting microchips and their specifications. A photovoltaic energy harvesting circuit board was developed through iterative design, culminating in a market-ready version. Additionally, a low-power LoRa transmission board was designed to facilitate energy-efficient data communication, resulting in a self-powered air quality and soil humidity sensor system.Through on-site testing and data processing, the long-term practical performance of indoor PV modules was evaluated, and actual and theoretical energy yields for commercially available PV modules were compared. An energy allowance prediction algorithm, developed and tested in MATLAB, enhances the reliability of energy management in IoT applications. Another setup was created to measure and compare the energy yield reported by the portable SMU with the actual energy delivered to a storage device.The findings demonstrate the feasibility of designing a portable, internet-connected indoor PV characterisation device. They further confirm the potential of indoor IoT devices to operate solely on available indoor light, provided that electronic components are optimised and energy management strategies are effectively employed. Indoor PV modules perform more efficiently than single cells of the same area, with electronic efficiency maximised when the storage element’s voltage closely matches the maximum power point voltage. Future recommendations emphasise the optimisation of energy consumption and the expansion of IoT-powered systems for sustainable development. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Energy Harvesting, Ambient Light, Renewable Energy, Source Measure Unit (SMU),Internet of Things (IoT), Self powered device, CO2 sensing |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
EPSRC-DTP Scholarship |