Recent Advances in Electrical & Electronic Engineering - Volume 18, Issue 1, 2025

In recent years, the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid has increased exponentially. However, one significant challenge in integrating these renewable sources into the grid is intermittency.

To address this challenge, accurate PV power forecasting techniques are crucial for operations and maintenance and day-to-day operations monitoring in solar plants.

In the present work, a hybrid methods that combines Deep Learning (DL) and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) with electrical models for PV power forecasting is proposed.

The outcomes of the study involve evaluating the performance of the proposed model in comparison to a Physical model and a DL model for predicting solar PV power one day ahead and two days ahead. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy of PV power decreases and the error rates increase when forecasting two days ahead, as compared to one day ahead.

The obtained results demonstrate that DL models combined with NWP and electrical models can improve PV Power forecasting compared to a Physical model and a DL model.

The recent development of small-scale, decentralized generation from renewable sources and the fall in the price of the equipment needed for this operation have given a new role to the distribution networks, which is to collect the energy produced by the smallest generation plants and deliver it to the end customers. However, the national Grid Codes present technical requirements in terms of FRT and particularly LVRT and HVRT which are imposed on PV plants connected to medium voltage distribution networks, to ensure the energy needed by the loads connected to the network at the time of the failure and especially sensitive ones.

In this paper, an intelligent neural network approach is applied to the DVR control circuit to enable the requirements of the sensitive load connected near the PCC, and the system is tested in the presence of a non-linear load to demonstrate its efficiency for all situations. The proposed strategy is based on the implementation of an improved ANFIS and ANN control which are compared to a tuned PI controller, the approach intends to meet the technical requirement of the recently approved Grid Code in Morocco. The simulation is performed using MATLAB Simulink.

The proposed approach brings great improvement to the load side voltage waveforms, and numerical experiment findings demonstrate that it can successfully guarantee the technical requirements of the electrical grid code.

The results obtained show better behavior of the system using ANFIS and ANN control strategy in the presence of a nonlinear load and a significant improvement of the voltage THD.

The use of solar energy through photovoltaic arrays is continually expanding and has recently been regarded as one of the cleanest sources of energy. Increasing the amount of electricity provided to the load is one method for lowering the cost of solar systems. Contrarily, altering the load creates a divergence from the maximum power point (MPP) and changes the operating point of the solar conversion system.

Due to this, attention has been given to MPPT techniques that can be used with solar systems in numerous research investigations. In this paper, we implement an MPPT method based on an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). This method combined two controllers, ANN and fuzzy logic controller, under the name ANN-Fuzzy logic hybrid. In the first stage, ANN can determine Vmpp from irradiation and temperature, and both of them are variable. In the second stage, this Vmpp has been corrected by implementing Fuzzy logic in order to minimize the error of the voltage and VmPP.

ANN-fuzzy hybrid has been simulated in Matlab-Simulink and was found to be the best solution to follow the maximum power point when irradiation and temperature are varied. The energy extracted from PV is delivered to a battery in order to inject this power into the smart grid by using an inverter controlled by PID. Finally, a LC filter has been used to eliminate the harmonics and compensate for the reactive power.

For energy storage, we consider the utilization of lithium-ion batteries, which are recognized as an optimal solution for storing energy efficiently. To manage the charge and discharge of the battery, we employ a PID controller and a buck-boost converter. Through this research, we aim to explore the performance and effectiveness of the hybrid ANN-fuzzy simulation for the boost converter system. By combining the capabilities of ANN and fuzzy logic, we expect to achieve improved control and optimization of the power conversion processes in the system. Additionally, the integration of lithium-ion batteries and the use of the PID controller and buck-boost converter allow for efficient management of energy storage and retrieval. Overall, this study investigates the hybrid ANN-fuzzy simulation for the boost converter system, highlighting the integration of various components and control techniques to enhance the performance and efficiency of the system.

Machine Learning (ML) techniques have successfully replaced traditional control algorithms in recent years due to their ability to carry out complicated tasks with significant efficiency and accuracy.

The main objective of the current work is to investigate and compare the performances of different ML models in modeling Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control for a wind turbine system. The main advantage of the designed MPPT based on ML is that it does not require any detailed mathematical model or prior knowledge of the system, such as turbine parameters or aerodynamic properties, unlike traditional MPPT techniques.

The ML models included in this study were Support Vector Machines, Regression Trees, and Ensemble Trees. Their design was performed through a training process, and their performances were evaluated based on various metrics. During the training phase, the ML models were selected to understand the basic concept of the control strategy and extract essential hidden connections between the inputs and the output of the system.

The effectiveness of the control method was investigated using MATLAB/Simulink. The findings of this study revealed that ML models were effective in modeling the MPPT for the studied wind power system, which provides an interesting and sophisticated alternative to classical control methods for wind systems.

The ML models designed allow for optimal operation of the system with a simple structure that is independent of system parameters and wind speed measurement and is adaptable for any kind of system.

This paper presents a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of solar cells by employing a modified spin coating technique with a Zinc oxide (ZnO) solution. Spin coating, known for its ability to achieve uniform, thin coatings on flat to moderately curved surfaces, serves as the central method in this research. The study meticulously investigates various factors affecting the coating process, including the volume of the solution, spinning speed, and spinning duration. To optimize these factors effectively, the Taguchi approach is employed, aiming to achieve the desired ZnO layer thickness and uniformity. The experimental findings reveal that the most favorable results are obtained when implementing a 3-second spin cycle at a rapid spin speed of 2000 rpm while using a ZnO solution volume of 5 microliters. Furthermore, advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are harnessed to scrutinize the surface characteristics of the ZnO layer and its interaction with the solution. To gauge the quality of the coatings, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) main impact plot is thoughtfully utilized. Subsequent in-depth analysis, employing the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique, delves into the intricate relationship between the experimental parameters and the response parameter. The research outcomes are nothing short of remarkable, showcasing that the modified spin coating technique significantly elevates the efficiency of coated solar cells, ultimately achieving an impressive efficiency rate of 5.4%. In summation, this study introduces a pioneering spin coating technique tailored for solar cell applications with ZnO solution, leading to substantial enhancements in efficiency. The thorough optimization of process parameters through the Taguchi technique, coupled with the comprehensive analysis of experimental results via ANOVA, not only advances the comprehension of the coating process but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable solar cell applications in the future.

The research systematically explored critical factors affecting the coating process for solar cells, optimizing the ZnO layer's thickness and uniformity. The ideal parameters identified were a 3-second spin cycle at 2000 rpm with a ZnO solution volume of 5 microliters. Quality assessment was done using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) main impact plot, and further analysis via ANOVA revealed intricate parameter relationships. These findings offer a precise and efficient method for improving solar cell coatings, promising enhanced efficiency in renewable energy production.

The research achieved a minimum film thickness of 4.2 micrometers and revealed a correlation between spinning speed and film thickness. Solar cell efficiency reached an impressive 5.4% post-ZnO coating. The modified spin coating device outperformed conventional methods, enhancing efficiency by 5% to 10%. These results signify a significant breakthrough in improving solar cell performance and hold promise for more efficient solar energy production.

This research optimized the spin coating process to apply ZnO solution to solar cells, achieving the desired film thickness. Ideal parameters were found: 2000 rpm spinning speed, three seconds spinning duration, and four microliters of solution. This resulted in a minimum film thickness of 4.2 micrometers. Higher spinning speeds correlated with thinner films, as shown in a contour plot. Solar cell efficiency reached 5.4% after the ZnO coating. A redesigned spin coating device outperformed conventional methods, improving efficiency by 5% to 10%. This modified technique holds promise for more efficient solar panel production.