This work represents an effective design of a temperature regulated PV module by integrating phase change materials for Malaysian weather condition. Through the numerical analysis and experimental investigation it has been shown that if a PCM layer of width 0.02 m of RT 35 is used as a cooling arrangement with a PV module, the surface temperature of the module is reduced by 10°C, which remains constant for a period of 4–6 hours. This reduction of temperature implies the increase in conversion efficiency of the module. Experiment as well as investigation has been carried out considering typical Malaysian weather. Obtained result has been validated by using experimental prototype and comparative analysis.

In this work, the evaluation of the design and optimization of proposed offgrid hybrid microgrid systems for different load dispatch strategies is presented by assessing the component sizes, system responses and different cost analyses of the proposed system. This study optimizes the sizing of the Barishal and Chattogram (two popular divisions in Bangladesh) hybrid microgrid systems consisting of wind turbine, storage unit, solar PV, diesel generator and a load profile of 27.31 kW for five dispatch techniques: (i) generator order, (ii) cycle charging, (iii) load following, (iv) HOMER predictive dispatch and (v) combined dispatch strategy. The considered microgrids are optimized for the least CO ₂ gas emission, Net Present Cost, and Levelized Cost of Energy. The two microgrids are analyzed for the five dispatch techniques using HOMER software, and subsequently, the power system performance and feasibility study of the microgrids are performed in MATLAB Simulink. The results in this research provide a guideline to estimate different component sizes and probable costing for the optimal operation of the proposed microgrids under various load dispatch conditions. The simulation results suggest that ‘Load Following’ is the best dispatch strategy for the proposed microgrids having a stable power system response with the lowest net present cost, levelized cost of energy, operating cost, and CO ₂ emission rate. Additionally, the combined dispatch strategy is determined to be the worst dispatch technique for the proposed off-grid hybrid microgrid design having the maximum levelized cost of energy, net present cost, operating cost and CO ₂ emission.

Energy consumption is increasing rapidly; hence, the energy demand cannot be fulfilled using traditional power resources only. Power systems based on renewable energy, including solar and wind, are effective and friendly for the environment. Islanded hybrid microgrid systems (IHMS) are relatively new in this industry and combine two or more sustainable sources, such as wind turbines, solar photovoltaic (PV), and other renewable alternatives, ocean, wave, and geothermal energy, etc. While sustainable, long-lasting power sources are the best choice to satisfy the growing energy demands, they are still not yet ready to be used on a large scale due to their stochastic characteristics. Furthermore, integrating these sources into the existing energy system can cause high technical difficulties, due to the stochastic nature of solar and wind in the conventional grid system and common stand-alone framework. A review of research and applications of the effective hybridization of renewable energy sources is therefore essential to address those technical and economic issues and ensure system stability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This article discusses the challenges that might arise when a PV plant and a wind power station are combined to produce power for the conventional main grid or in a stand-alone system. In addition, this analysis provides light on optimization approaches for improving power quality and cost-effectiveness in a solar and wind integrated IHMS. Voltage fluctuation, frequency deviation, and the uncertain nature of solar irradiation and wind sources are significant challenges for both grid-connected and standalone hybrid systems. This study then provides an overview of the control strategies which might help enhance the integration of the IHMS in producing electricity for distribution to the grid-connected load and the islanded load. In this study, the possible issues that can hinder the smooth integration of these renewable sources have been discussed. Finally, this study discusses the recent platforms being used in IHMS as well as the potential of dispatch strategies on solar and wind-integrated IHMS.