Current trends in power electronics for wind and solar energy conversion systems

This article examines the challenges and opportunities associated with effective policy decision-making for advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy system through a systematic scoping review. Secondary data were collected from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and other online sources, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and review studies spanning the period from 2000 to 2025. The search process utilized academic databases and search engines, including Google Scholar and RefSeek, among others. Retrieved data were subjected to content and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Nigeria possesses abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, with significant opportunities for legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. Several policy frameworks, such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP), the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP), and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, have been introduced to promote renewable energy utilization. However, these policies have largely failed to achieve their intended impact due to persistent challenges, including the absence of a comprehensive and coherent energy policy, regulatory burdens, legal inconsistencies, and institutional inefficiencies. To address these issues, the article recommends that the Nigerian government and policymakers establish a clear and robust regulatory framework that supports the sustainable development and utilization of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. Strengthening policy implementation mechanisms and ensuring institutional coordination are also critical to overcoming existing barriers and fostering a resilient renewable energy sector in Nigeria.

Introduction: To date, a variety of studies have been published on the topic of long term energy system transition. Most studies on future energy systems, however, have a shorter time frame or adopt a supranational focus (e.g. the Energy Roadmap, 2011 or the World Energy Outlook, 2015). It then constitutes a sincere challenge to perform a national energy system transition study with as time horizon 2050 and covering a far-reaching transformation of the energy system. VITO, together with the FPB (Federal Planning Bureau) and ICEDD, performed a study to scrutinise the transition of the Belgian national energy system towards a future mix entirely based on renewable energy sources. The focus on renewable energy sources and on building a national energy system completely running on renewable energy can be traced back to three main concerns: – Climate change: Renewable energy sources (RES) are a major instrument in the fight against climate change as RES do not release (net) greenhouse gas emissions. – Security...

12 - Solar–wind hybrid renewable energy system: current status of research on configurations, control, and sizing methodologies

The present paper highlights several concerns with solar-wind hybrid energy systems that are associated with microgrids as well as potential improvements. In recent years, there have been more renewable energy options available. Alternatives to the present energy sources, such as renewable energy, are very good. The utilization of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power as a consistent energy source is widespread. The focus of this study is on microgrid connected solar-wind hybrid energy system performance analysis and control. In this paper, the harmonics of the system are controlled by passive filters. Additionally, several control topologies based on power electronics control are needed for the micro grid’s integration of various energy sources. A power electronics application is used in microgrids that use a variety of renewable energy sources, however some power quality problems frequently arise. The whole microgrid system's voltage management and voltage stability must be maintained, therefore these power quality issues must be fixed or at the very least reduced. An example of a solar-wind hybrid power system simulation using MATLAB is provided in this study. For micro-grid parameter adjustments, PI-PWM control is included into the MATLAB microgrid simulation. The outcomes of the simulation show that the present THD levels in the grid are less than 5%. The energy storage system also serves as a backup power source in this simulation for power variations brought on by irregular solar and wind power generation in the microgrid.

It is only possible to achieve the aims of reversing the impacts of the resource constraint and attaining sustainable growth if there is a rise in tourism organizational efficacy and tourism and a decrease in political instability. This is because these factors can influence the demand for energy by causing changes in the amount of power consumed. These factors may affect energy demand via changes in energy transitions. In light of this, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact that critical measures of institutional efficiency, tourism, and policy instability have on the utilization of renewable energy sources in a dataset consisting of 32 countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development between the years 1997 and 2019. The article uses descriptive statistics and correlation models (cross-section dependency test and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model) using panel data from 32 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations from 1997 to 2019. Insight into the matter aids in our selection of appropriate econometric methods. The following methods are briefly explained. Evidence shows that as a society's average wealth and standard of life grow, so does its utilization of renewable energy sources. In addition, the economic globalization process and the danger it entails are adversely associated with a long-term reliance on renewable energy sources. Policymakers in countries that are members of the OECD should investigate the role that institutional effectiveness and policy instability play in the demand function for renewable energy to ensure a cleaner natural environment over the long term.

The design and measurement of renewable systems for installation in various regions require extensive research across multiple fields, including design, optimization, energy mapping, climate, and meteorology. As renewable systems can be costly, it is crucial to measure a region’s potential for renewable energy production as the first step. Analyzing the available types of renewable energy and identifying the potential for production in each region is a prerequisite for establishing a renewable energy system. To create an economically viable renewable energy system, the production and cost of the system should be calculated by utilizing new energy production technologies and renewable energy sources. With clean energy sources and efficient system designs, it is possible to meet energy demands for electricity production, heating, cooling, freshwater, and clean hydrogen fuel production. This study highlights the potential of high-capacity renewable systems and presents its results to improve the direction of renewable research. Currently, renewable energy systems are primarily used for electricity production; however, exploring the potential of renewable energy for other applications, such as cooling, heating, and hydrogen production, could lead to valuable advancements in the field.

A novel VIKOR approach based on entropy and divergence measures of Pythagorean fuzzy sets to evaluate renewable energy technologies in India

Thermodynamic Analysis on Hydrogen Storage System

Renewable energy (RE) has been identified as an appropriate response to climate change and fossil fuel depletion by many governmental bodies. It has shifted the energy industry towards renewable and sustainable energy systems over the last few decades. This expansion has also increased the demand of specialists for design, installation and maintenance of different RE systems. Most people working in this sector are not well trained or educated enough whereas some of them are not even aware of sustainability. This has shifted towards formulation, model, develop and incorporation of new courses and programmes that would provide sufficient knowledge and skill in the sustainable RE sector. Moreover, the implementation of these new RE courses shouldn’t be limited to engineering level but also focuses on providing basic knowledge to everyone working in this field. Hence, in the present study, two-course structures have been suggested, i.e. general course which would offer basic knowledge and awareness of different RE systems in school level (including primary, elementary, intermediate and secondary) and in the professional programmes (Industrial Training Institute (ITI), diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and research). Moreover, adequate knowledge would be provided not only in the theoretical field but also in the practical field depending upon the level of programme. Furthermore, undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels students would be provided with a broad knowledge of science, engineering design, planning and implementation of RE systems, while ITI and diploma level would acquire skill development and training in the RE systems.

Recently, because of major concerns regarding fossil fuels, research in modern societies has focused on the utilization of alternative renewable energy sources in order to meet future energy demands. Solar energy is recognized as the primary source of renewable energy due to its year-round availability and its applications in various fields, such as heating, water splitting, and electricity generation using photocatalysts. The major drawbacks of solar energy conversion systems are their lower conversion efficiency, higher manufacturing and replacement costs, and health and environmental impacts of the materials employed. In order to eliminate such obstacles, many studies have focused on the energy and cost efficiency of solar cells (particularly dye-sensitized solar cells and thin-film solar cells), water-splitting devices, and CO2-capturing systems using various photocatalytic green nanomaterials, such as binary and ternary metal oxides, microorganisms (bacteria, algae, and viruses), and other catalysts and cocatalysts. These materials have been extensively studied because of their many advantages: chemical stability, tunable band gap structures, and abundance on Earth. In this book, we discuss the fundamentals of solar energy conversion, green synthesis approaches using these photocatalysts, the natural photosynthetic system, water splitting, CO2 capture, and organic and inorganic contaminant removal processes using photo-active green nanomaterials, as well as the theory behind these processes and standard measurements for comparisons. We also provide an update of recent developments in the field for the benefit of readers

Over 70% of South Australia's demand today is supplied from renewable energy sources and is forecast to reach 100% by 2025, 7 years ahead of schedule. Large industries such as oil and gas have also transformed their vision to ensure utilization of renewable energy sources to provide a cost effective, clean and reliable day to day operations. This paper will therefore present a case study where renewable energy became the enabler for clean oil extraction and economic growth more broadly. Renewable energy technologies have been at the forefront amongst South Australia's commercial and residential consumers. Large industries such as oil and gas have committed to green, clean methodologies to support their operations when extracting crude oil from wells. The use of solar and battery storage has presented an obvious solution given the proof and reliability of the technology to enable a reduction in carbon emissions and cost while extracting resources from deep wells. A pilot renewable energy off-grid project was successfully completed in South Australia and has proven successful which has now resulted in significant funding being allocated to convert an additional 56 sites. The successful trial conducted in the State of South Australia allowed for oil pumps to be powered 100% using renewable energy which resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions and operational costs incurred from the supply and transfer of fuel to the pumps. It is estimated that the adoption of renewable energy for oil extraction will result in an approximate saving of 140 barrels of oil per day which is currently used to fuel pumps and generators at these remote sites. Assuming an average price market of $50 (US) per barrel, this equates to $2.25m (US) per day with consideration to approximately 10% unavailability due to maintenance. The forecast saving of $2.25m (US) is intentionally calculated using market value to reinforce the potential additional revenue to be had from savings on oil consumption during the crude oil extraction process. In addition to the above forecast savings, a further $70,000 (US) per annum could be saved purely from the use of diesel generators currently being used to supply pumps, this assumes the cost per generator is $190 (US) per day for operations excluding maintenance costs and associated overheads. With the above in mind and the successful trials under way in Australia, there are a further 208 pumps which are currently in scope across the continent to be converted in an effort to reduce production costs, emissions and ensure a low maintenance operational strategy is in place as well as a low carbon strategy. (Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), 2019). The financial savings above are forecast to increase with decreased requirements for high cost operational maintenance when compared to conventional sources being used to date in the oil industry. When considering the financial viability of renewable energy solutions, in addition to the environmental and social benefits, it has been determined that for a single oil pump, the forecast payback period on investments made does not exceed 4 years. Considering solar systems have a lifespan of 25 years, this means that the remaining operating of solar panels, that is in excess of 20 years will be solely revenue generating years. Taking also into account the 25 years of running for both systems, conventional vs. renewable energy, the forecast levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is $1.3 (US)/kWh vs. 14c (US)/kWh respectively. This means over a 25-year period, with renewable energy it is forecast that the cost to maintain supply to oil pumps would be 10% of what it could be if conventional sources were used, notwithstanding the lack of electrical redundancy on site, associated maintenance costs and also the forecast reduction of carbon emissions per site. By applying some of the analyses and key findings, it is necessary to see the oil and gas industries adopt renewable energy strategies to ensure low cost and reliable technologies for oil and gas productions and enable new opportunities for economic growth while ensuring continued commitment to address environmental and social challenges of tomorrow.

The intensification of the use of different renewable energy sources is essential for the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement or for achieving the goals of sustainable development. The environmental impacts of various renewable energy sources have been engaging environmental professionals since their inception. The aim of this work is to collect the most important sizing variables and environmental impacts of hydropower, wind energy, geothermal energy, solar energy and biomass, which have been discussed in the literature.By using the tools of network science, it is possible to jointly manage the environmental impacts and the sizing variables of renewable energy power plants, so the impact mitigation can be performed efficiently already in the design phase. From the sizing variables and the environmental impacts, a multi-layered network is formed, based on which the relationships between the impacts can be explored and more efficient mitigation solutions can be implemented.The results show that the impacts of wind turbines on flying animals are outstanding, hydropower plants can be mostly described by changing the flow conditions, the noise and hydrothermal disturbance of geothermal power plants are outstanding, the visual and soil effects of solar power plants are most significant, while the biomass plants impacts related the harvest are most pronounced.This work helps to understand the environmental impacts of the increased utilization of renewable energy sources better and provides a framework for practitioners to enforce environmental considerations in design processes more easily.

Geoscientific research plays a crucial role in shaping renewable energy policies and promoting ecological balance. This review explores the impact of geoscientific research on renewable energy policies and its role in ecological balancing. Geoscientific research provides valuable insights into the geological and environmental factors that influence the feasibility and sustainability of renewable energy projects. By studying the earth's processes, geoscientists can identify suitable locations for renewable energy installations, assess potential risks, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. One of the key ways in which geoscientific research influences renewable energy policies is through its contribution to resource assessment. Geoscientists use various techniques, such as geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and remote sensing, to identify and quantify renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. This information is essential for policymakers to develop effective policies that promote the development and utilization of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, geoscientific research plays a crucial role in ecological balancing by providing insights into the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects. By studying the interactions between renewable energy installations and the surrounding environment, geoscientists can identify potential ecological risks and develop strategies to minimize them. This information is essential for policymakers to develop policies that ensure the sustainable development of renewable energy projects while protecting the environment. In conclusion, geoscientific research plays a crucial role in shaping renewable energy policies and promoting ecological balance. By providing valuable insights into renewable energy resources and their environmental impacts, geoscientists help policymakers develop effective policies that promote the sustainable development of renewable energy projects.

The utilization of renewable energy sources for energy transition is gaining significant popularity due to pollution control and other environmental benefits. To move toward green energy generation, the integration of renewable energy sources with the existing conventional grid plays a key role. The performance of a modern interconnected power system, particularly with a high penetration of renewable energy sources, is significantly impacted by power system oscillations. Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices are recommended to improve control framework performance, and the power system stabilizer is the customary controller for damping such oscillations. FACTS offer a powerful strategy as they can control transport voltage, transmission line impedance, and power flows. This paper presents an efficient control scheme that combines four FACTS controllers: the static VAR compensator for controlling reactive power in control frameworks, the unified power flow controller for managing active and reactive power flows on transmission lines, the static synchronous compensator for maintaining system voltage stability, and the static synchronous series compensator for controlling transmission line impedance. To address the challenges posed by the variability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, the ant colony optimization algorithm is employed to optimally tune the controllers’ parameters. By generating controlled voltage and interfacing with the transmission line, these controllers enhance system stability, even under fluctuating renewable energy inputs. The IEEE 30-Bus system was used for simulation and control design, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in damping inter-area oscillations and improving the stability and resilience of a renewable-energy-integrated power system.

This dissertation proposes an elite converter for the optimal utilization of hybrid renewable energy sources in the microgrid-associated systems using hybrid technique. Microgrid (MG)-associated systems are photovoltaic, wind turbine and battery. The proposed elite converter is the high conversion ratio (HCR) DC–DC converter with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. The main advantage of the converter is to eliminate the problem of high switch voltage stress. The proposed hybrid technique is the joint execution of both the adaptive whale optimization algorithm (AWOA) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS), and hence, it is named as AWO-ANFIS technique. Here, AWOA technique is utilized to establish the exact control signals based on the power variation between the source side (renewable energy sources and battery) and load side. ANFIS technique is utilized for error minimization by using the achieved dataset from AWOA technique. Here, the reference currents of the controller are managed in view of the MPPT for solar and wind energy. In the proposed technique, the objective function is defined by the system data subject to equality and inequality constraints. Finally, the proposed technique is executed in the MATLAB/Simulink working platform and the execution is compared with the existing techniques. To test the performance of the proposed method, different case studies are conducted such as variation of irradiance under constant wind speed, variation of PV power under constant irradiance and load variation under constant irradiance and wind speed. For all the cases, the response of current, voltage and power of all the sources is analyzed and compared with that of the existing techniques such as GA, PSO and WOA. The statistical analysis of the proposed technique is also analyzed. Likewise, the computation time using various trails such as 100, 250, 500 and 1000 is also analyzed. The comparison results affirm that the proposed technique has less computational time than the exiting techniques. Moreover, the proposed method is cost-effective power production of MG and effective utilization of renewable energy source without wasting the available energy.