Nezha Chater

Recent research has focused on energy recovery and storage technologies. One of the materials allowing the recovery of dissipated energy is the piezoelectric material (PE). These functional materials perform reversible energy conversion, transforming electrical energy into mechanical and vice versa. In this study, we investigate the recovery of vibratory energy in vehicle suspension systems—energy traditionally dissipated by conventional shock absorbers—using piezoelectric materials to capture this wasted energy and redirect it to the vehicle’s auxiliary power supply network. We propose an integrated electromechanical model incorporating piezoelectric actuators in parallel with the suspension mechanism. The collected energy is processed and stored for later use in powering accessories such as windows and mirrors. The idea is to integrate renewable energy sources to optimize the performance of the vehicle. We proposed a Multiphysics model of the system under a software used to this type of modeling (Simcenter AMESim v1610_student). The simulation results of the system and its various sub-systems are presented for studying the piezo-actuator response to reduce consumption and increase energy performance in a vehicle. These findings will undergo experimental validation in the project’s subsequent phase.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems play a pivotal role in sustainable energy generation, yet their efficiency declines with elevated operating temperatures caused by solar irradiance and environmental factors. To address this, hybrid, active, and passive cooling technologies have emerged as effective solutions, offering the dual benefit of temperature regulation and waste heat recovery for secondary applications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in PV cooling methods, analyzing their working principles, thermal performance, advantages, and limitations. Special emphasis is placed on hybrid cooling systems, which integrate multiple techniques to maximize efficiency, alongside active and passive approaches. Furthermore, the study explores the integration of heat recovery systems , such as heat pumps and thermal storage tanks , to repurpose waste heat for domestic, industrial, or space-heating applications, thereby enhancing overall energy utilization. The review concludes by identifying critical research gaps and future directions for optimizing PV cooling and heat recovery systems.