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This article offers a cohesive design optimization and control framework of a large-scale grid-connected battery and battery-less hybrid solar/wind system. Primarily, a techno-enviro-socio-economic design optimization and feasibility analysis were performed for eight distinct energy alternatives. Secondly, a finite-set model predictive current control (FS-MPCC) was proposed to improve both stability and dynamic behavior of the optimal energy alternative under various climatic circumstances. Moreover, finite-set model predictive control is furtherly employed to exploit the maximum permissible power from both solar and wind energies. The proposed framework is verified over a new case-study in Sokhna Industrial Zone in Suez, Egypt. The studied load demand combines both industrial and residential load sectors with a daily consumption of 40,500 kWh and of 4-MW peak. The design optimization results revealed that the grid-connected photovoltaic/wind turbines/converter system has superior sustainable and economic performances with the least net present cost ($17,371,980) and energy cost (0.0782 $/kWh). These values were less than those of the base-case system (grid-only) by 17 % and 22 %, respectively. Moreover, the reliability analysis found a tiny and tolerable daily capacity shortage of 5835-kWh despite the five annual grid outages. Besides, around 52 % of the total energy production was acquired from both solar and wind generation systems, which interpreted in a maximum saving in carbon dioxide emissions by 45.8 % compared to the base-case system and offered substantial social benefits in terms of creating nearly 10 jobs. The FS-MPCC results proved a reinforced dynamic behavior for the maximum power tracking profiles of solar and wind systems as well as in the DC-bus voltage profile regarding the over- and undershoot and the steady-state response. Compared to PI controller, the proposed FS-MPCC creates dq-axis voltages and currents with less disturbances and ripples which inject current/voltage to the grid with fewer harmonics and thus increases the generator's lifetime. To sum up, the proposed method features an integrative and compelling case to be used as an efficient tool to implement large-scale renewable energy projects. It could act as a blueprint for energy developers, researchers, investors, and authorities to achieve affordable and sustainable energy access. • On-grid solar/wind energy system is optimized to meet industrial and residential loads. • PI. FS-MPCC technique is developed and compared with PI for optimal system control. • Optimal design has the least net present and energy costs and maximum carbon savings. • FS-MPCC prove a strengthened dynamic performance under different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change accelerates, finding clean alternatives to fossil fuels is more urgent than ever. Therefore, green hydrogen has been introduced as a means of high-intensity energy storage medium for surplus renewable electricity and could be a critical enabler of the global transition to sustainable and net zero emissions energy future. Considering this, the proposed study discusses the recent contributions in the state-of-the-art alkaline electrolyzer which is known as a low-cost and robust structure hydrogen production device. The work thoroughly reviews the recent performance improvement methods and the applications. The performance improvement methods are divided into parametric optimization and overpotential reduction via innovative electrode materials, its fabrication methods, and novel separator materials. Accordingly, an enhanced electrode made of Ni-wire mesh could reach a current density of 2 A/cm2 at a cell voltage of 1.85 V which is comparable to that of high-cost proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. The applications of alkaline electrolyzer are classified into standalone large-scale hydrogen production systems and the additional system as means of a hybrid system for energy recovery applications. A hydrogen production capacity of 1,374,142 kg/year was obtained by adopting wind energy during the off-grid hours. Furthermore, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer program in order to illustrate the trend in hydrogen production in terms of indexed keywords, authors' keywords, country citation, authors' collaborative, and journals' bibliographic coupling. • Green hydrogen has been introduced as means of alternative fuel. • Alkaline electrolyzers improvement methods and their applications are discussed. • An enhanced electrode made of Ni-wire mesh could reach a current density of 2 A/cm2. • A hydrogen production capacity of 1,374,142 kg/year was obtained by adopting wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]