End of Studies Projects 2024-2025

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This collection contains the dissertations of students who completed their studies at the school in June 2025.

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Photovoltaic Systems

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    Damage Detection in PV Support Structures Using Smart Materials and Finite Element Analysis.
    (2025-06-15) SAHRAOUI Amina
    Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly in detecting damage in their support structures. This study presents a numerical approach based on piezoelectric smart materials (PZT) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to detect structural damage. Various shapes and types of PZT elements were tested by bonding them to aluminum samples, and the square-shaped PIC151 was selected for its superior performance. A full 3D ground-mounted PV support structure was modeled in SolidWorks, and the inclined support column, which was identified as a structurally sensitive component, was selected for detailed simulation in ANSYS with an integrated PZT sensor. Several damage scenarios were simulated, including cracks of varying depth, orientation, dimensions, and position; corrosion represented by gradual material degradation; and overloading modeled using compressive forces. The variations in electromechanical impedance (EMI) responses were analyzed to evaluate the sensor’s capability in damage detection. Results showed that PZT sensors effectively distinguished between damage types: cracks produced sharp, localized changes in EMI signals; corrosion caused smoother frequency shifts, reflecting its cumulative nature; and overloading led to noticeable impedance variations due to internal deformations, which could be either temporary or permanent. Furthermore, a comparative physical analysis was conducted to differentiate the impedance responses associated with cracks, corrosion, and overloading, highlighting the distinct mechanical and material behaviors underlying each damage mechanism. These findings confirm the potential of PZT-based SHM techniques for accurate and cost-effective monitoring of PV support structures. The results of this study pave the way for future experimental validation on real-world solar panel support structures to confirm the simulation outcomes. This work can also be extended to various mounting types. Additionally, it is recommended to integrate the EMI technique with real-time smart monitoring systems to enhance damage detection capabilities and improve structural health management.