In this paper, a meta-heuristics algorithm Artificial Immune System (AIS) is used for solar PV parameter estimation. Solar PV Double diode model parameter estimation is carried out by applying the new method. Estimated parameter values are substituted in developed MATLAB model and characteristics are obtained. For performance analysis, the results obtained using AIS are compared with Genetic algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). For further validation of the proposed method, error graphs are plotted for two panels using AIS, GA and PSO. The results confirm that the proposed method employing AIS outperforms GA and PSO in terms of convergence characteristics and absolute error

Increase in global energy demand and constraints from fossil fuels have encouraged a growing share of renewable energy resources in the utility grid. Accordingly, an increased penetration of direct current (DC) power sources and loads (e.g., solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles) as well as the necessity for active power flow control has been witnessed in the power distribution networks. Passive transformers are susceptible to DC offset and possess no controllability when employed in smart grids. Solid state transformers (SSTs) are identified as a potential solution to modernize and harmonize alternating current (AC) and DC electrical networks and as suitable solutions in applications such as traction, electric ships, and aerospace industry. This paper provides a complete overview on SST: concepts, topologies, classification, power converters, material selection, and key aspects for design criteria and control schemes proposed in the literature. It also proposes a simple terminology to identify and homogenize the large number of definitions and structures currently reported in the literature.

This paper proposes a near accurate Solar PV Emulator using DC-DC Buck converter. A mathematical model serving as a reference is built using MATLAB/SIMULINK for emulating Solar PV characteristics. In the proposed Emulator by changing model parameter values it is possible to emulate any Solar PV characteristics. Hardware implementation is done using dSPACE ds1104 controller board and a closed loop control system is built using PI controller. The proposed Emulator has the following characteristics: 1. Fast and accurate Solar PV Emulator with easy interfacing and real-time control 2. Features to extend the system for other Solar PV panels 3. DC-DC Buck converter having high bandwidth. 4. Faster dynamic response and highly stable output with lower response time. 5. Lower output voltage and current ripple. Experimentations are done under different operating conditions and the results obtained are compared with the existing Emulators

Recent times have witnessed a significant positive trend in adoption of renewable energy sources and DC-based loads, which questions the efficiency and reliability of existing structure of electrical power system. DC microgrids are identified as potential solutions for addressing India's and other developing nations' rural electrification. This paper presents an energy management technique for isolated DC microgrids for academic readers, as well as provides an introduction to not-familiarized readers for understanding the common design challenges for implementing off-grid power systems. The principle of the proposed technique is based on law of energy conservation defined by the energy balance equation and is implemented by synthesizing the instantaneous current reference and hysteresis control with source priority, which was validated by rigors simulation studies in Matlab/Simulink. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the modularity and scalability of the algorithm, it was tested on a prototype hardware test setup at the Solar Energy Research Centre, VIT University.

Solar PV cells usually operate at efficiency less than 20%, never generates maximum power due to change in environmental conditions such as irradiation, temperature, partial shading etc. Maximum power can be generated from PV cell with suitable tracking techniques. A modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) technique is proposed in this paper for tracking maximum power. This proposed evolutionary computation technique assures nearly zero steady state oscillation and faster convergence while tracking maximum power. The proposed PSO algorithm is tested on a CUK converter due to its higher efficiency and ripple free output. Simulations are carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the computed results are validated in an experimental setup

A nearly accurate solar photovoltaic emulator using DC-DC buck converter is proposed. A mathematical model developed using MATLAB/SIMULINK (The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) serving as reference is built for emulating solar photovoltaic characteristics. Hardware implementation is done using a dSPACE ds1104 controller board (dSPACE GmbH, Paderborn, Germany), and a closed-loop control system is constructed using proportional integral (PI) controller. The proposed emulator has the following characteristics:(1) faster dynamic response with easy interfacing, (2) the advantage of real-time control, (3) a DC-DC buck converter with higher bandwidth, (4) highly stable output with lower response time, and (5) lower output voltage and current ripple. Experimentations are done under different operating conditions, and the results obtained are presented. Further, to demonstrate the capability of the proposed emulator, maximum power point tracking using the hill-climbing method is tested on a DC-DC boost converter interfaced to the solar photovoltaic emulator.