A complementary hybrid system for electricity generation based on solar and wind energy taking into account local consumption - Case study

Abstract

In this paper, the complementary nature of wind and solar energy has been considered, especially by analyzing output power variations from a photovoltaic power plant (PVPP), a wind power plant (WPP) and their combination in a hybrid system. For these purposes, an own model has been made, with calculations based on real wind and solar energy potential data. Two hybrid system configurations have been observed; the first where both generating facilities have equal installed capacities (i.e. 2 MW each) and the second where the installed capacity of the WPP is five times larger. Effects of implementing these hybrid power systems have been verified by carrying out a simulation study using a practical load demand profile, with a recorded maximum hourly value of 3.5 MW. The complementary nature is more expressed in the first hybrid system configuration, where a decrease in the output power variations from the hybrid system considered as a whole in comparison with variations when considering generating facilities individually, has been observed. But, this hybrid system configuration manages to meet hourly consumption in only 7.06% of time. The complementary effect is reduced in the second hybrid system configuration, and output power variations have been observed in a very wide range. However, this system manages to meet hourly consumer needs in 41% of the time. Neither one of the two cases can independently satisfy observed demand on hourly basis. Acknowledging the fact that in the second case there are periods of time when the generated electricity is up to 3.5 times higher than the hourly consumption, as well as the positive difference between generation and consumption on annual basis, an off grid system would be feasible with proper storage facilities.