Large rural areas in some regions of the world are still grappling with the challenge of electrification. The optimal solution is to provide reliable energy without adding more fossil fuel plants by using distributed renewable generation. Microgrids are part of that solution; they are small networks of electricity users, with a local generator that is attached to a centralized larger grid, but which is also able to function independently. They need to be robust and resilient in order to provide reliable power, including in harsh climates. For remote areas microgrids have the advantage of offering an electricity supply even if there are problems with the larger power grid. This book focuses on the challenges of rural electrification, particularly in poorer regions. It covers low voltage DC distribution system for various applications including charging of electric vehicles (EV). Written by a large team of authors with a wide range of relevant experiences, the book addresses microgrid architectures, converters, energy storage, control, EV integration, business models and economic scheduling, and the role of blockchain technology. The authors have used case studies to provide illustrative examples of the technologies discussed and solutions proposed.

This book provides recent trends and innovation in solar energy. It covers the basic principles and applications of solar energy systems. Various topics covered in this book include introduction and overview of solar energy, solar PV generation, solar thermal generation, innovative applications of solar energy, smart energy system, smart grid and sustainability, solar energy forecasting, advances in solar battery, thermal storage of solar energy, solar energy pricing, advances in hybrid solar system, solar system tracking for maximum power generation, phase change materials and its application, sensitivity analysis in solar systems, environmental feasibility of solar hybrid systems, regulatory implications of solar energy integration with grid, impact of the photovoltaic integration on the hydrothermal dispatch on power systems and potential and financial evaluation of floating solar PV in Thailand-a case study. This book will be useful for the students, academicians, researchers, policymakers, economists and professionals working in the area of solar energy.

This book provides recent trends and innovation in solar energy. It covers the basic principles and applications of solar energy systems. Various topics covered in this book include introduction and overview of solar energy, solar PV generation, solar thermal generation, innovative applications of solar energy, smart energy system, smart grid and sustainability, solar energy forecasting, advances in solar battery, thermal storage of solar energy, solar energy pricing, advances in hybrid solar system, solar system tracking for maximum power generation, phase change materials and its application, sensitivity analysis in solar systems, environmental feasibility of solar hybrid systems, regulatory implications of solar energy integration with grid, impact of the photovoltaic integration on the hydrothermal dispatch on power systems and potential and financial evaluation of floating solar PV in Thailand-a case study. This book will be useful for the students, academicians, researchers, policymakers, economists and professionals working in the area of solar energy.

Content of this proceedings discusses emerging trends in structural reliability, safety and disaster management, covering topics like total quality management, risk maintenance and design for reliability. Some papers also address chemical process reliability, reliability analysis and engineering applications in chemical process equipment systems and includes a chapter on reliability evaluation models of chemical systems. Accepted papers from 2019 International Conference on Reliability, Risk Maintenance and Engineering Management (ICRRM 2019) are part of this conference proceeding. It offers useful insights to road safety engineers, disaster management professionals involved in product design and probabilistic methods in manufacturing systems.