The world’s demand for electricity will double by 2050. Despite its high potential as an eco-friendly technology for generating electricity, solar energy only covers a small percentage of the global demand. One of the challenges is associated with the sustainable use of land resources. Floating PV (FPV) plants on water bodies such as a dam, reservoir, canal, etc. are being increasingly developed worldwide as an alternative choice. In this background, the purpose of this research is to provide an outline of the hybrid floating solar system, which can be used to generate renewable energy. The hybrid technologies discussed include: FPV + hydro systems, FPV + pumped hydro, FPV + wave energy converter, FPV + solar tree, FPV + tracking, FPV + conventional power, FPV + hydrogen. The review also summarizes the key benefits and constraints of floating solar PV (FPV) in hybrid operation. Among the various hybrid FPV technologies, with solar input and hydro energy were among the most promising methods that could be potentially used for efficient power generation. The valuable concepts presented in this work provide a better understanding and may ignite sustainable hybrid floating installations for socio-economic growth with less environmental impact.

This study interprets the effect of using sand or gravel as energy storage unit in solar chimney power plants. The effect of using low-cost materials is evaluated. Based on the Manzanares pilot plant, a 3D CFD model is created. Geometric parameters are kept constant in simulations performed with ANSYS FLUENT engineering commercial software. By simultaneously solving DO (discrete ordinates) solar ray tracing algorithm and RNG k-ε turbulence model, the outputs of the system are examined at 290 and 300 K temperatures. The temperature distribution and power outputs of the use of sand and gravel as soil material at different temperatures and solar radiation are compared. It is understood that the use of both materials does not significantly affect the performance of the system and can be used economically instead of each other. It is seen that the system will give a power output of approximately 41.636 kW with both storage materials at a radiation intensity of 800 W/m2 and an ambient temperature of 300 K. It is seen that the ambient temperature affects the temperature increase in the system, and the temperature increase is higher at 290 K.

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The experimental study is aimed at analyzing photovoltaic module’s thermal and electrical performance (PV) with back surface cooling under Malaysian tropical climate conditions. The performance of a passively cooled PV module integrated with biomaterial (moist coconut fiber) was compared with a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system with water circulation at the rate of 0.02 kg s-1 and a reference PV module. The study observed that the passively cooled PV module succeeded in reducing the module surface temperature by more than 20%. However, the PVT system reduced the temperature only by less than 17%. The electrical energy efficiency was improved remarkably in the passively cooled PV module by almost 11%, but the PVT system managed to increase the electrical efficiency by 9%, approximately. It can be concluded that nature-inspired coconut fiber-based cooling can be one of the potential alternatives to active cooling methods.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a robust industrial control system. The aim is to design a Multivariable Proportional Integral controller that accommodates multiple responses while considering the process's control and noise parameters. In addition, this paper intended to develop a multidisciplinary approach by combining computational science, control engineering and statistical methodologies to ensure a resilient process with the best use of available resources. Design/methodology/approach Taguchi's robust design methodology and multi-response optimisation approaches are adopted to meet the research aims. Two-Input-Two-Output transfer function model of the distillation column system is investigated. In designing the control system, the Steady State Gain Matrix and process factors such as time constant (t) and time delay (?) are also used. The unique methodology is implemented and validated using the pilot plant's distillation column. To determine the robustness of the proposed control system, a simulation study, statistical analysis and real-time experimentation are conducted. In addition, the outcomes are compared to different control algorithms. Findings Research indicates that integral control parameters (Ki) affect outputs substantially more than proportional control parameters (Kp). The results of this paper show that control and noise parameters must be considered to make the control system robust. In addition, Taguchi's approach, in conjunction with multi-response optimisation, ensures robust controller design with optimal use of resources. Eventually, this research shows that the best outcomes for all the performance indices are achieved when Kp11 = 1.6859, Kp12 = −2.061, Kp21 = 3.1846, Kp22 = −1.2176, Ki11 = 1.0628, Ki12 = −1.2989, Ki21 = 2.454 and Ki22 = −0.7676. Originality/value This paper provides a step-by-step strategy for designing and validating a multi-response control system that accommodates controllable and uncontrollable parameters (noise parameters). The methodology can be used in any industrial Multi-Input-Multi-Output system to ensure process robustness. In addition, this paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to industrial controller design that academics and industry can refine and improve.

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A simple control technique based on centralized and decentralized structure is discussed here for a tray temperature along with pressure developed inside the column for a pilot plant distillation column. The flow rate of vapor condenser cooling water is used to control the pressure (P) developed inside the column. The flow rate of the water to condense the vapor increases, when the column pressure increases and vice versa. Some of the other factor that has an impact on the column pressure is the boil-up rate, rate of reflux ow, feed rate, set point change in composition. The internal reflux and the speed of the vapor through the column gets affected by the pressure developed. There exists a strong interaction between the two interdependent variables pressure and temperature. The goal is to regulate the temperature and pressure near the bottom tray by nominally manipulating the reflux flow and boilup rate.