The exploitation and development of photovoltaic (PV) modules faces several technical challenges, including those related to variability in electrical performance under real conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, irradiance variability, and dust accumulation. One solution for evaluating and controlling these performances is to conduct electrical characterization under natural conditions. Many characterization techniques have been developed and proposed in the literature, with the aim of verifying manufacturer performance guarantees and better understanding the behavior of PV modules in their installation environment, where the climatic parameters, such as solar irradiation and temperature, fluctuate constantly. These techniques are based on recognized standards, including those established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). They are also based on methods of transposing basic electrical parameters, allowing the prediction of the performance of modules under various environmental conditions. In this work, a classification and a critical analysis of the main methods of electrical characterization were undertaken, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. The experimental protocols used to evaluate the impact of environmental parameters on the performance of PV modules were examined in detail.

Higher education institutions in developing countries, especially in Africa, face numerous challenges related to the massification of classes due to rapid growth in student enrollment in public universities. This expansion has been encouraged by public authorities, with the support of organizations like the United Nations and UNESCO, to ensure that countries can train qualified professionals and meet their socio-economic needs. However, the increase in student numbers in large classes (with some courses having over 3,000 students) raises significant concerns regarding the quality of education and equity. Issues include resource availability, content reproducibility, study conditions, and access to digital solutions. Providing this type of education requires specialized training conditions and infrastructure, which is often lacking in developing countries. This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted at the University of Lomé, which included 1,800 students and 106 teachers, all of whom experience the challenges associated with large class sizes. The student demographic primarily consists of first-year bachelor’s program entrants. The main objective of the survey is to gather insights and opinions from participants on suitable solutions the University of Lomé can implement to address the challenges of massification when enrollment exceeds 3,000 or 4,000 students. Additionally, the study aims to consider the perspectives of stakeholders in higher education to propose an ICT-based solution for managing large groups effectively. The findings of this research can also be applied to other African universities facing similar challenges and may pave the way for solutions akin to intelligent classrooms for face-to-face courses.

This study examines the feasibility and optimization of hybrid hydro-solar-wind-hydrogen energy systems in Togo, focusing on seasonal variations and energy management. Data on solar radiation, wind speed, and hydropower were obtained from meteorological stations, satellite databases, and the Nangbéto station. The results of this study show that the energy management system at the Nangbéto dam could rely on hydrogen storage and a 2.75 MW fuel cell to balance seasonal fluctuations, while a ±3 MW battery would stabilize power output. During periods of high hydropower production, surplus energy could be converted into hydrogen to ensure a continuous supply during low-flow months. The flow fluctuates seasonally, ranging from 1.5–20 m³/s in dry months to over 120 m³/s in the wet season, affecting hydrogen production (5–25 kg/day). Electrolysis efficiency remains stable (65–85%) due to optimized management. The hydro-solar-wind hybrid system converts up to 20% of hydropower into hydrogen, with peak production in August (~1,700 kg/month). Selected sites over Togo, particularly Blitta and Alédjo, show potential for hydrogen infrastructure, with Blitta yielding the most hydrogen (532.15 kg annually) and Lomé the least (482.72 kg) due to differences in solar irradiance. The study highlights the role of energy storage, hybrid integration, and policy support to enhance Togo’s hydrogen production and long-term energy stability.

The rapid increase in demand for higher education in developing countries remains a constant concern for decision makers who must address many organizational and teaching quality issues related to managing large groups of students. A recent study at the University of Lome showed that managing large groups, while taking into account their socioeconomic background and learning environment, requires in-person courses on a campus with well-equipped classrooms similar to smart classrooms, providing better conditions for both teachers and students. According to various studies, smart classrooms are becoming the preferred solution for teachers and learners to address demographic changes. In this paper, we propose a smart classroom interconnection platform for teaching large groups of students. The platform combines videoconferencing, lecture recording, and audience management technologies. It can integrate artificial intelligence resources, which are increasingly discussed in teaching materials. This solution aims to extend a classroom’s capacity to other classrooms across a university campus, thereby maintaining teacher-learner and learner-learner interactions. It consists of a main classroom (MC) and several remote classrooms (RC) linked together by a communication medium, with technical staff and tutors operating in two modes (unicast mode and full broadcast mode). It provides educational tools and learning spaces to allow numerous learners to access high-quality higher education and helps teachers effectively use pre-recorded video materials and improve them.