In this paper, a radial basis function network-based single maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control algorithm for a hybrid solar and wind energy system is designed and analyzed for standalone and grid connected applications. The extraction of maximum power from the intermittent and erratic nature renewable energy sources is the main target in the hybrid renewable energy system. In the literature, many researchers developed an individual MPPT control algorithm for solar and wind energy system, which in turn increases the number of control algorithms in a hybrid system. In this paper, a single MPPT controller is proposed to extract maximum power from both the sources simultaneously. The performance of the proposed MPPT control algorithm is analyzed in both standalone and grid connected modes, under different weather conditions. The hybrid renewable energy system is designed by considering 560-W photovoltaic system and 500-W wind system with the conventional boost converter, and it is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment to analyze the performance of the proposed MPPT controller.

Electricity theft is a common practice in developing countries which cannot be controlled by the governments due to lack of technology. Emerging trends such as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) eliminate the need of person visiting each house but this advancement further increases Non-Technical losses (NTL) because of no regular inspection at the residence. However traditional meter reading by human operator is inefficient to meet the future residential development needs. This paper proposes a new system based on ARM-Cortex M3 processor to protect the energy meter from phase line bypassing, neutral line disconnection, whole meter bypassing and meter tampering. A SMS automatically send to utility server through Global System for Mobile (GSM) network when these measures detected. In this paper a novel method is proposed to solve the problem with AMR systems without affecting its major advantage of remote monitoring. Integrating this new feature into smart meters provides a robust metering solution.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the moisture measurement techniques presently available, as accurate determination of the moisture content (MC) of grains or any food items at right time is very important for its processing, marketing and storing. Design/methodology/approach: There are basically two types of MC measurement techniques – destructive method and non-destructive method. In the time-consuming destructive method, cleaning of the food items is done and shells of food items like peanuts are removed for which man power is required and so the technique becomes costly. A literature review of the existing non-destructive methods has been done, and the methodology of each approach is explained with the figure. The less time-consuming non-destructive technique used to measure MC require less man power, as grains or food items can be directly used without any process like cleaning or crushing so that the technique become economic. Findings: Most of the techniques used magnetic or electric properties to measure the MC indirectly. The problem with existing non-destructive technique is that measurement of MC uses only few numbers or grams of grains or food items at a time. Research limitations/implications: The farmers’ produce large quantity of grains. The small quantity of grains cannot be the representative sample for whole grains produced by the farmers. Most of the techniques use only small quantity of grains or food items at a time to measure the MC which is not accurate and representative of the produce. Also, the techniques are not simple and easily available. The cost of the techniques or arrangement to measure the MC is not reasonable. Social implications: Most of the farmers in the developing countries are financially backward. To store the agricultural produce, MC of the commodities is a key factor influencing the quality of the storage. Measurement of the MC of the seeds is thus very important for the farmers. Originality/value: This paper is a review of the previous research that happened in this area, and it would help the researcher to know the techniques already been used. To the knowledge of the authors, the review of the existing moisture measurement of seeds/agricultural commodities is available in the literature.

The electricity demand is increasing day by day. On the other side, fossil fuels are depleting at a higher rate. The abundantly available renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and fuel cells are becoming popular sources of energy. But due to the intermittent availability of these renewable energy sources, two or more energy sources are integrated together. Power electronic converters are used for integrating different energy sources. Various power electronic converter (PEC) topologies have been proposed and analyzed in detail to control maximum power point, voltage, frequency, and harmonic distortions. Each of these configurations will differ in its topology and operating principle. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of various aspects of PEC configurations available for integration of renewable energy sources by systematization into three groups (AC shunt coupled, DC shunt coupled, and hybrid coupled systems). Emphasis is also given to coordination power control, maximum power point, and grid integration challenges related to the hybrid energy system. Furthermore, a general, system modeling of solar, wind, and grid integration is presented here to give an overall picture of a hybrid renewable energy system.