Threatening environmental effects have forced the community to utilize green and clean alternative options for the generation of electric power. As a matter of fact, solar energy is a critical source of energy; so the demand for creative research is its peak. However, performing real time experiments on solar PV systems is limited by cost, manufacturing, weather constraints and requirement of large space. Thus an equivalent solar energy photo voltaic (PV) system is required for experimental verification and analysis based on precise simulations. In this research work a PV emulator system based on a buck converter is realized. The main objective of PV Emulator is to replicate the characteristic curves (I-V, P-V) of the real solar panel. In order to compensate the variations in both the load and the parameters of power stage, a robust control system is required. A fractional order sliding mode control scheme (FOSMC) has been designed and investigated in this research work. Results have proved the superior performance of the FOSMC as compared to other classical sliding mode control method. The FOSMC controller and PV emulator are implemented using rapid prototyping technique. INDEX TERMS Renewable energy, photo voltaic emulator, control system, fractional order control.

This paper presents three new and improved non-isolated topologies of quadratic boost converters (QBC). Reduced voltage stress across switching devices and high voltage gain with single switch operation are the main advantages of the proposed topologies. These topologies utilize voltage multiplier cells (VMC) made of switched capacitors and switched inductors to increase the converter’s voltage gain. The analysis in continuous conduction mode is discussed in detail. The proposed converter’s voltage gain is higher than the conventional quadratic boost converter, and other recently introduced boost converters. The proposed topologies utilize only a single switch and have continuous input current and low voltage stress across switch, capacitors, and diodes, which leads to the selection of low voltage rating components. The converter’s non-ideal voltage gain is also determined by considering the parasitic capacitance and ON state resistances of switch and diodes. The efficiency analysis incorporating switching and conduction losses of the switching and passive elements is done using PLECS software (Plexim, Zurich, Switzerland). The hardware prototype of the proposed converters is developed and tested for verification.

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Construction is a resource-intensive industry where a circular economy (CE) is essential to minimize global impacts and conserve natural resources. A CE achieves long-term sustainability by enabling materials to circulate along the critical supply chains. Accordingly, recent research has proposed a paradigm shift towards CE-based sustainability. However, uncertainties caused by fluctuating raw material prices, scarce materials, increasing demand, consumers’ expectations, lack of proper waste infrastructure, and the use of wrong recycling technologies all lead to complexities in the construction industry (CI). This research paper aims to determine the enablers of a CE for sustainable development in the CI. The system dynamics (SD) approach is utilized for modeling and simulation purposes to address the associated process complexity. First, using content analysis of pertinent literature, ten enablers of a CE for sustainable development in CI were identified. Then, causality among these enablers was identified via interviews and questionnaire surveys, leading to the development of the causal loop diagram (CLD) using systems thinking. The CLD for the 10 shortlisted enablers shows five reinforcing loops and one balancing loop. Furthermore, the CLD was used to develop an SD model with two stocks: “Organizational Incentive Schemes” and “Policy Support.” An additional stock (“Sustainable Development”) was created to determine the combined effect of all stocks. The model was simulated for five years. The findings show that policy support and organizational incentive schemes, among other enablers, are critical in implementing a CE for sustainable development in CI. The outcomes of this study can help CI practitioners to implement a CE in a way that drives innovation, boosts economic growth, and improves competitiveness.

A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)based composites with well dispersed nano fillers were fabricated and compared in terms of dielectric, mechanical, and optical properties. Specifically, NiO and CuO nano-fillers were utilized in a range of 0.2–0.6 wt% for thin film fabrication by solution deposition method. The characterization of nanocomposites was confirmed through FTIR, FESEM, and XRPD, whereas dielectric and mechanical properties were analyzed with respect to the filler concentrations. The bandgap of PVA/nano-filler composites reduced with an increase in NiO and CuO concentration from 0.2 to 0.6 wt%. The increase in the permittivity of the material was observed for 6 wt% of nano-fillers. The toughness of PVA/nano-filler composites was improved by increasing CuO and NiO concentration and Young’s modulus of 30.9 and 27.2 MPa for 0.6 wt% of NiO and CuO-based nanocomposite, respectively, was observed. The addition of nano-fillers showed improved optical, dielectric, and mechanical properties.

Microstrip patch antenna (MPA) is suitable for different applications in wireless communications. MPA suffers from low gain and narrow bandwidth. In this paper we improved its bandwidth by inserting multiple slots in its ground plane. We used FR-4 substrate to design this antenna. The dimensions of this antenna are 60mm and 80mm. The dielectric constant is equal to 4.4 and the height is 1.6mm. We inserted up to 12 slots in ground plane with 1mm width. The spacing between slots is 3mm slots were arranged parallel to the feeding line. Simulation was done using HFSS simulator.

This work presents a detailed analysis of a three phase grid tied photovoltaic inverter with variable structure back-stepping control approach. A nonlinear model of the system is derived and presented in rotational frame using the direct quadrature zero transformation (DQ). For the derivation of active and reactive power loops of the inverter, nonlinear back stepping approach is used. Moreover, sliding mode control method is used to derive the inner current loops while for the outer loop a virtual controller is derived using the Lyapunov function. The control loops are implemented in MATLAB/Simulink environment. To test the controller performance, active power variation, DC link voltage variation and reactive power variations are inflicted. The obtained results under the proposed control scheme are compared with boundary layer design based sliding mode controller. From the comparative analysis it is concluded that the proposed controller exhibit superior and robust performance under all test conditions.

High gain DC-DC converters are getting popular due to the increased use of renewable energy sources (RESs). Common ground between the input and output, low voltage stress across power switches and high voltage gain at lower duty ratios are desirable features required in any high gain DC-DC converter. DC-DC converters are widely used in DC microgrids to supply power to meet local demands. In this work, a high step-up DC-DC converter is proposed based on the voltage lift (VL) technique using a single power switch. The proposed converter has a voltage gain greater than a traditional boost converter (TBC) and Traditional quadratic boost converter (TQBC). The effect of inductor parasitic resistances on the voltage gain of the converter is discussed. The losses occurring in various components are calculated using PLECS software. To confirm the performance of the converter, a hardware prototype of 200 W is developed in the laboratory. The simulation and hardware results are presented to determine the performance of the converter in both open-loop and closed-loop conditions. In closed-loop operation, a PI controller is used to maintain a constant output voltage when the load or input voltage is changed.