Electricity production from photovoltaic (PV) systems has accelerated in the last few decades. Numerous environmental factors, particularly the buildup of dust on PV panels have resulted in a significant loss in PV energy output. To detect the dust and thus reduce power loss, several techniques are being researched, including thermal imaging, image processing, sensors, cameras with IoT, machine learning, and deep learning. In this study, a new dataset of images of dusty and clean panels is introduced and applied to the current state-of-the-art (SOTA) classification algorithms. Afterward, a new convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, SolNet, is proposed that deals specifically with the detection of solar panel dust accumulation. The performance and results of the proposed SolNet and other SOTA algorithms are compared to validate its efficiency and outcomes where SolNet shows a higher accuracy level of 98.2%. Hence, both the dataset and SolNet can be used as benchmarks for future research endeavors. Furthermore, the classes of the dataset can also be expanded for multiclass classification. At the same time, the SolNet model can be fine-tuned by tweaking the hyperparameters for further improvements.

In this paper, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is implemented as a grid-connected electrical generator that uses hydrogen gas as fuel and air as an oxidant to produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. Analysis demonstrated that the performance of the PEMFC greatly depends on the rate of fuel supply and air supply pressure. Critical fuel and air supply pressures of the PEMFC are analysed to test its feasibility for the grid connection. Air and fuel supply pressures are varied to observe the effects on the PEMFC characteristics, efficiency, fuel supply, and air consumption over time. The PEMFC model is then implemented into an electrical power system with the aid of power electronics applications. Detailed mathematical modelling of the PEMFC is discussed with justification. The PEMFC functions as an electrical generator that is connected to the local grid through a power converter and a transformer. Modulation of the converter is controlled by means of a proportional-integral controller. The two-axis control methodology is applied to the current control of the system. The output voltage waveform and control actions of the controller on the current and frequency of the proposed system are plotted as well. Simulation results show that the PEMFC performs efficiently under certain air and fuel pressures, and it can effectively supply electrical power to the grid.

Leaf diseases may harm plants in different ways, often causing reduced productivity and, at times, lethal consequences. Detecting such diseases in a timely manner can help plant owners take effective remedial measures. Deficiencies of vital elements such as nitrogen, microbial infections and other similar disorders can often have visible effects, such as the yellowing of leaves in Catharanthus roseus (bright eyes) and scorched leaves in Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) plants. In this work, we explore approaches to use computer vision techniques to help plant owners identify such leaf disorders in their plants automatically and conveniently. This research designs three machine learning systems, namely a vanilla CNN model, a CNN-SVM hybrid model, and a MobileNetV2-based transfer learning model that detect yellowed and scorched leaves in Catharanthus roseus and strawberry plants, respectively, using images captured by mobile phones. In our experiments, the models yield a very promising accuracy on a dataset having around 4000 images. Of the three models, the transfer learning-based one demonstrates the highest accuracy (97.35% on test set) in our experiments. Furthermore, an Android application is developed that uses this model to allow end-users to conveniently monitor the condition of their plants in real time.

This article introduces a comprehensive dataset developed in collaboration with the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) and the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), featuring high-resolution images of 38 local rice varieties. Captured using advanced microscopic cameras, the dataset comprises 19,000 original images, enhanced through data augmentation techniques to include an additional 57,000 images, totaling 76,000 images. These techniques, which include transformations such as scaling, rotation, and lighting adjustments, enrich the dataset by simulating various environmental conditions, providing a broader perspective on each variety. The diverse array of rice strains such as BD33, BD30, BD39, among others, are meticulously detailed through their unique characteristics—color, size, and utility in agriculture—providing a rich resource for research. This augmented dataset not only enhances the understanding of rice diversity but also supports the development of innovative agricultural practices and breeding programs, offering a critical tool for researchers aiming to analyze and leverage rice genetic diversity effectively.