Maximum power point tracking and photovoltaic energy harvesting for Internet of Things: A comprehensive review

Internet of Things (IoT) is a powerful platform for connecting the physical world to the digital one. The recent development in IoT-based technologies has increased human-technology interaction and consequently improves the quality of life. Low-cost deployment, remote access, and the auto-mechanized operation of IoT nodes/sensors are attractive attributes that compel the wide adaption and mushrooming growth of IoT in environmental, health, and industrial applications. To confront the issue of energy scarcity, environmental energy harvesters (EHs) are imperative for self-powered and self-sustained IoT nodes. Indoor or outdoor light energy scavenging by PV panels is widely adopted for EH-IoT, as it is a source of higher energy density. Significant research efforts are required to deeply investigate the pros and cons of solar PV energy harvesters (PV-EH) towards self-sustainability goals. This study presents a comprehensive review of recent developments, comparative analysis of solar PV-EH, and algorithms for self-powered, self-sustained IoT nodes. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques for PV-EH-IoT are briefly elaborated and a concise summary of employed MPPT algorithm, converter type, input/output parameters, storage devices, as well as fabrication technology and power efficiency are presented in tabular form. Furthermore, the commercially available devices and integrated circuits (ICs) for ultra-low power solar PV-EH-IoT are introduced. Finally, the research issues and challenges in the development of PV-EH-IoT are presented. The outcome of this article includes a better understanding of current trends and progress in PV-EH-IoT focusing on MPPT techniques, challenges, and issues in the development.

Automated summary

Internet of Things (IoT) serves as a powerful platform connecting the physical and digital worlds, with recent developments focusing on enhancing human-technology interaction and quality of life. To achieve self-sustainability, solar PV energy harvesters (PV-EH) are extensively researched and adopted for IoT applications, necessitating further in-depth studies and solutions for various challenges.