An efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method plays an important role to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) generation system. This study provides an extensive review of the current status of MPPT methods for PV systems which are classified into eight categories. The categorisation is based on the tracking characteristics of the discussed methods. The novelty of this study is that it focuses on the key characteristics and eleven selection parameters of the methods to make a comprehensive analysis, which is not considered together in any review works so far. Again, the pros and cons, classification and immense comparison among them described in this study can be used as a reference to address the gaps for further research in this field. A comparative review in tabular form is also presented at the end of the discussion of each category to evaluate the performance of these methods, which will help in selecting the appropriate technique for any specific application.

Choice of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in transportation systems is becoming more prominent for optimized energy consumption. HEVs are attaining tremendous appreciation due to their eco-friendly performance and assistance in smart grid notion. The variation of energy storage systems in HEV (such as batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, fuel cells, and so on) with numerous control strategies create variation in HEV types. Therefore, choosing an appropriate control strategy for HEV applications becomes complicated. This paper reflects a comprehensive review of the imperative information of energy storage systems related to HEVs and procurable optimization topologies based on various control strategies and vehicle technologies. The research work classifies different control strategies considering four configurations: fuel cell-battery, battery-ultracapacitor, fuel cell-ultracapacitor, and battery-fuel cell- ultracapacitor. Relative analysis among different control techniques is carried out based on the control aspects and operating conditions to illustrate these techniques’ pros and cons. A parametric comparison and a cross-comparison are provided for different hybrid configurations to present a comparative study based on dynamic performance, battery lifetime, energy efficiency, fuel consumption, emission, robustness, and so on. The study also analyzes the experimental platform, the amelioration of driving cycles, mathematical models of each control technique to demonstrate the reliability in practical applications. The presented recapitulation is believed to be a reliable base for the researchers, policymakers, and influencers who continuously develop HEVs with energy-efficient control strategies.

By replacing conventional generation units with renewable energy sources (RESs), the power system gains an alternate source of future power demand and a better environmental platform. RESs, on the other hand, are unable to provide the required power demand due to poor inertia responses and low-frequency stability. As a result, multiple inertia augmentation control strategies were developed to increase frequency stability and maximize power usage in the grid-integrated renewable energy systems. Accordingly, this study thoroughly reviews existing virtual inertia control (VIC) strategies for improving inertia response and frequency stability. This study investigates 51 VIC approaches regarding required parameters, configurations, key contributions, sources, controllers, and simulation platforms. Furthermore, to emphasize the most promising ones, the VIC approaches are classified as intelligent, adaptive, derivative, coordinated control, and other VIC techniques. The classification approach is followed by the system configuration and the mode of operation of each control scheme. Integrating intelligent methods, such as fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm, non-convex optimization, and heuristic optimization, signify intelligent control methods. In contrast, adaptive control schemes emphasize the adaptation of control operations. These studies include both the standalone and grid-connected RESs frequency and power control approaches with necessary mathematical modelling and equations, which are rarely available in the recent existing works. The current state of research on improving frequency stability and inertia response in the grid-integrated RESs is discussed. The scenario is presented based on the inertia and frequency regulation of various topologies under different circumstances. Finally, this literature review reflects the present status of VIC technique research paths, and the categorization and analysis of these approaches demonstrate an extensive insight into the research field.

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing day by day in the modern world. The charging of EVs from grid-connected charging stations causes a considerable power crisis in the grid. Integrating renewable energy resources (RESs) with conventional energy sources in the power grid is now considered feasible to reduce peak power demand and the inevitable emission effect. Hence, this paper presents an energy solution for EV charging with two RESs, namely, solar photovoltaic (PV) and biogas. HOMER software is utilized to analyze the potency and functionality of solar PV and biogas-based EV charging stations. The proposed system consists of a solar PV system, two biogas engine generators, and a bidirectional converter with battery storage. The variation of different costs, such as net present cost (NPC), initial cost, and cost of energy (COE) for different solar PV systems (3 kW, 4.5 kW, 6 kW, and 9 kW), are analyzed in HOMER software. The 4.5 kW solar PV system is finally selected as the NPC, initial cost, and COE are $93,530, $19,735, and $0.181, respectively, which is efficient. The system’s lifetime is 25 years, where an initial 12 years is required to overcome the system cost, and the remaining 13 years will provide financial benefits. The study also illustrates the effect of solar irradiance, biomass, and the change in the load of the energy management system. The techno–economic analysis shows that the proposed scheme can be an effective energy solution. The emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as CO₂, CO, SO₂, and NO_X, is reduced considerably compared to other existing techniques. The study is expected to be beneficial in renewables-based EV charging systems with techno–economic and environmental feasibility.

Due to the rapid growth in power consumption of domestic and industrial appliances, distributed energy generation units face difficulties in supplying power efficiently. The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) provides a solution to these problems using appropriate management schemes to achieve optimal operation. Furthermore, to lessen the uncertainties of distributed energy management systems, a decentralized energy management system named virtual power plant (VPP) plays a significant role. This paper presents a comprehensive review of 65 existing different VPP optimization models, techniques, and algorithms based on their system configuration, parameters, and control schemes. Moreover, the paper categorizes the discussed optimization techniques into seven different types, namely conventional technique, offering model, intelligent technique, price-based unit commitment (PBUC) model, optimal bidding, stochastic technique, and linear programming, to underline the commercial and technical efficacy of VPP at day-ahead scheduling at the electricity market. The uncertainties of market prices, load demand, and power distribution in the VPP system are mentioned and analyzed to maximize the system profits with minimum cost. The outcome of the systematic categorization is believed to be a base for future endeavors in the field of VPP development.

This paper presents an implementation of a human machine interface (HMI) for a programmable logic controller (PLC) based automated packaging process that can be remotely controlled and monitored using mobile application. A conveyor belt does the moving of products to a destined place for packaging, is controlled by Siemens LOGO! 230 RCE PLC. Microcontroller (arduino uno) operates the relays according to the output of IR sensors, which are used to sense the products. States of relays are taken as the input of the PLC. An HMI is designed with an android application and the microcontroller (as the processor) that establish a communication path between the operators and PLC based plant. The interface provides remote controlling and monitoring feature. The proposed design minimized the overall cost by replacing the widely used supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system with normal sensors and mobile application based control. The performance of the implemented prototype is evaluated through several real-time operations, which shows satisfactory results.