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Journal of Vibration Testing and System Dynamics 10(4) (2026) 325--337 | DOI:10.5890/JVTSD.2026.12.002

Nizar el ouni$^{1,2}$, Mokhless Boukhriss$^{2,3,4}$, riadh chaari$^{1}$, Mohamed Haddar$^{1}$

$^{1}$ Laboratory of Mechanics, Modeling and Production (LA2MP), National School of Engineering of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia

$^2$ Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Kairouan, University Campus 3,19 Raccada -- Kairouan, Tunisia

$^3$ Laboratory LASEM, National School of Engineering of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia

$^4$ Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, France

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Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) structures are increasingly deployed in environments where they are exposed to dynamic loads, particularly wind-induced vibrations. These vibrations can negatively affect the mechanical stability, performance, and energy efficiency of the system. This paper presents a numerical study focused on the implementation of active vibration control (AVC) using piezoelectric materials integrated into PV structures as both sensors and actuators. A simplified lumped-parameter dynamic model is developed to simulate the structural response of PV panels subjected to variable wind loads. The control strategy is based on a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), which is designed to minimize displacement and improve system stability in real time. MATLAB simulations are conducted to investigate the influence of several parameters, including structural stiffness, panel inclination angle, thickness, and aerodynamic load. The results show a significant reduction in vibration amplitudes when active control is applied, even in the presence of sinusoidal disturbances. This work provides a foundational framework for integrating smart materials and adaptive control algorithms into future PV panel designs, improving their durability and efficiency under fluctuating environmental conditions.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Laboratory of Mechanics, Modeling, and Production (LA2MP) at the National School of Engineering of Sfax, Tunisia, for providing technical support and computational resources. Special thanks are extended to the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Kairouan for its contribution to the development of the simulation models. The authors also acknowledge the valuable feedback from peer reviewers, which helped improve the quality and clarity of this work.

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