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AI based Optimization of Global Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Systems during Partial Shading Conditions
No full textThis paper aims to investigate the suitability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based algorithms for optimizing the Global Maximum Power Point Tracking (GMPPT) performance in Photovoltaic (PV) systems during partial shading conditions (PSC). The performance of AI based techniques such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), Partial swarm optimization (PSO), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) will be examined in this paper. A range of PV system configurations, such as 3 panel, 4 panel and 6 panel PV strings and various DC-DC converter topologies, including buck and boost converters, are utilized to test the scalability and variability of the designs. For evaluating the effectiveness of GMMP tracking during PSC a PV system is modelled and simulated using MATLAB SIMULINK. Fuzzy Logic Control and Artificial Neural Network, Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) based MPPT are implemented using Fuzzy Toolbox, Neural Network Toolbox and ANFIS toolbox in MATLAB. The outcome of the study shows that the GA algorithm exhibits instability and oscillations during partial shading conditions (PSC), failing to track the Global MPP (GMPP) under PSC reliably. The FLC algorithm struggles to track the GMPP during PSC accurately. On the other side, PSO demonstrates a good tracking performance, achieving a GMPP tracking efficiency of 90.23% on average, though it does not track under certain PSCs the average MPPT tracking efficiency of ANN is 77.71% for the six cases. However, ANN is unable to track GMPP and is unstable during PSC. Out of six partial shading tests conducted, ANFIS MPPT was able to track the GMPP in three specific PSC scenarios
Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging for Residential Parking Lots in the UAE: A Case Study
No full textThis paper presents a comprehensive study on the design and implementation of a Photovoltaic (PV) powered Electric vehicle (EV) charging station for residential parking lots in the UAE. The research focuses on three primary objectives: the design and modeling of the photovoltaic (PV) system, the development of an EV battery model and EV battery charging control system using MATLAB Simulink. This design includes the selection of appropriate PV panels, inverters, and other essential components. The EV charging control system is then designed to manage the charging process, optimizing the battery charging cycles and ensuring efficient energy usage. The control system is tested within the MATLAB Simulink environment to validate its effectiveness and reliability. The results indicate that the proposed PV powered EV charging station can efficiently meet the energy needs of residential EVs while minimizing reliance on the grid. The study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of integrating renewable energy sources with EV charging infrastructure, contributing to sustainable energy solutions in the UAE
Computer Simulation of Deformation characteristics of Hybrid Orthotropic Composite Sandwich Beams Under Bending and Axial Loading
No full textThis study focuses on the deformation characteristics of hybrid orthotropic composite sandwich beams under axial and bending loading. The homogeneous cores of the hybrid orthotropic sandwich beams affect different parameters on structures. We followed by analytically determining effective material properties to study response of the hybrid sandwich beam under axial and bending loading. Ensuing, we programmed all steps and procedures of solution algorithm into commercially available MATLABTM 2020 code to simulate practical scenarios. Subsequently, we collected and processed data in tabular and graphical forms to facilitate analyses. We compared simulation generated results to the data results available in the literature and found to be within the acceptable range of (±6%) deviations. We observed that the hybrid structure beams had undergone less deformation that confirmed that the hybrid structure beams have comprehensive mechanical advantages as well as has high strength and specific energy absorption capabilities. Based on comparison of the results, the hybrid beams are more damage resistant and tolerant than beams made of the other type of materials. Since hybrid sandwich beams are relatively light, economical, and perform better under axial and bending deformations. Therefore, this study could also be extended to investigate performance of the orthotropic sandwich beam structures under multiple loading directions as well as proposes that the usage of the hybrid sandwich beam components will be useful in global structures
An optimal load balancing framework for fog-assisted smart grid applications
No full textThe growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) causes a significant amount of data to come in from physical devices and sensors, which adds to the latency and processing delays in smart grid applications. The pay-per-model method of transmitting gathered data that cloud computing offers improves scalability and functionality for end devices, which increases smart grid efficiency. Milliseconds matter in the crucial realms of load balancing, resource usage, and distribution systems, where any latency or jitter is unacceptable. By strategically positioning processing, networking, storage, and communication capabilities at the network edge, fog computing, an outgrowth of cloud technology, successfully addresses current issues in service groups. Three different load balancing algorithms are proposed in this research, which presents a novel hybrid model on a highly virtualized platform: throttled, round-robin, and a novel equilibrium optimizer with simulated annealing (EO-SA). In order to optimize services inside smart grids, the paper thoroughly analyzes and compares these load balancing algorithms, highlighting their significance for cost minimization and effective resource distribution
Recognition and desire for life in multiple epidemics: COVID-19 and violence against the LGBTI+ community in Favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No full textLGBTI+ people living in favelas in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) have been submitted to several challenges. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brutally has hit favelas with disproportional number of deaths. This health emergency adds to the long-term ongoing epidemic of violence, particularly police violence, in favelas. We acknowledge that this problem is at least partially a product of unconscious racism with historical roots in colonialism. The LGBTI+ community members from favelas are particularly affected by because they are both special targets of violence and ignored or even excluded from public services and policies. Civil society organizations, such as Grupo Conexão G, responded to COVID-19 with food banks and other welfare actions for LGBTI+ people in favelas—which were nevertheless impacted by police violence. Conexão G then created the Observatório de Violência LGBTI+ em Favelas (Monitoring Centre of LGBTI+ Violence in Favelas), in which both authors of this article worked in different capacities. We analyze a report produced by Observatório that shows the reality of violence against LGBTI+ people in favelas. Although we notice unconscious motifs of racism and hatred against the LGBTI+ community, we also identify resistance to violence as an expression of unconscious desires—now for life, rather than destruction. We highlight the ambivalent position of recognition, which frames the possibility for identification while also justifying protection against destruction. As we see it, though, shelter against precarity (such as exposure to harm from COVID-19 and police violence) is necessary to keep one alive, thus producing life lines or desire for life. We conclude that recognition and desire are keys to respond to the harmful effects of racism, colonialism, and hatred against LGBTI+ people; nevertheless, we also advocate for keeping alert to both established and new forms of destruction that threat the LGBTI+ community
Torrens imperatives for SADC fast-track land reform programmes
No full textThe most successful economies are underpinned and characterised by very clear governance of acquisition, disposal, and transferability of land or, as it is properly called in law – real property. This article examines the evolving post-apartheid land governance practices under the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) fast-track land reform programmes for their potential to enhance land’s utility in framing economic development in concerned states. It shows a worrying potential diminution of land’s utility as real property as a direct consequence of insufficient consideration to ensure that agricultural land contributes optimally to the national treasury. The article recommends the integration into the SADC’s fast-track land reform programmes of the Torrens system for protecting land’s utility as the foundation and cornerstone of powerful and successful economies. The benefits for SADC states would be endless. They include the nurturing of an in-built resilience of SADC economies to withstand the ruthless vagaries of World Trade Organization- (WTO) sponsored trade liberalisation practices in the increasingly deeply integrated world economy. Failure to adopt and implement the Torrens principles on the recognition and protection of land titles would be suicidal for the agrarian economies of the SADC because it would either lower significantly or, in some cases, wipe out altogether land’s potential to make a meaningful and consistent contribution to the national treasury. Consequently, land’s potential to contribute optimally to the nurturing and development of national economies of affected SADC states would be severely curtailed and, in some cases, hindered from generation to generation
Experimental study on the energy assessment of CombiSave device for hot water control
No full textEvery household uses an average of around 360 litres of water each day. About 21% of a typical gas consumption is attributed to heating the water for showers, baths, and hot water from the tap. An environmentally friendly, low-cost device called the CombiSave valve can be used to manage gas and water consumption and should be fitted to most combination boilers to automatically control the flow of water every time a hot tap is turned on. This allows the boiler to heat the water faster and only return the flow to normal once a usable temperature is reached. An experimental test was conducted in the exemplar modern house of Liverpool John Moores University in order to assess the amount of water, energy, and CO2 reduction for varying temperatures and flow rates. The test was carried out for a duration of 9 hours during the daytime between June and October. Although the test was conducted over relatively warm months when ambient water temperatures were higher compared to winter months, results showed that good savings could be achieved through this product. The best savings for gas consumption and hence CO2 reduction were achieved at high water pressure and low temperature setting (40℃) of 36% compared with the case without combiSave. While water consumption was reduced by 56% at full flow rate and 45℃. Further research is needed encompassing multiple occupied dwellings with different family sizes and testing these in extreme weather conditions to see if similar results would be reflected
Informing Policy: Leveraging Insights from the United Kingdom Lottery System for the Sustainable Funding of Social Enterprises in Ghana
No full textThis study investigates the feasibility of establishing a grant system to provide financial support to social enterprises in Ghana, drawing inspiration from the British National Lottery system. The study is grounded in the Theory of Demand for Gambles and the Expected Utility theory to understand the decision-making processes of lottery participants. The authors organised focus group discussions in the UK and Ghana and analysed relevant policies and guidelines. The research proposes the introduction of a Social Enterprises Support Lottery in Ghana. This lottery system is modelled after the British National Lottery, with modifications in the number of pools and prize tiers to enhance its attractiveness and revenue potential. The administration of funding processes involves a comprehensive allocation strategy, designating a significant portion of lottery proceeds to support social enterprises. To ensure the sustainability of the proposed model, the authors suggest a multifaceted approach, including collaboration with government agencies, rigorous regulatory frameworks, expert panels for funding allocation, and transparent operational mechanisms. The study envisions the proposed lottery system contributing to the achievement of various SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) in Ghana, such as poverty reduction, decent work and economic growth, and improved health and well-being, as well as environmental preservation