Grid integration of renewable energy sources for buildings

Abstract

With an ever-increasing global population and improving standards of living, demand for electric energy is on the rise. This increase in demand has to be met by an increase in electric power generation capacity. Hydropower plants can only be constructed at specific locations where the water resource is available in abundance and dams can be constructed. Nuclear power plants can be a good alternative but involve issues related to health hazards, security, and nuclear waste disposal. Hence, the major contribution to electric power generation comes from coal-fired thermal power plants. Depleting coal reserves and greenhouse gas emissions are the key concerns related to thermal power plants. Alternatively, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, can be harvested for the generation of electric power. Wind and solar energy is available in abundance at different locations and is free of cost. The advancements in material science, analogue and digital electronics, signal processors, and power converter technology have made wind and solar energy-based electric power generation economically feasible. In buildings, rooftop solar systems can be installed. Similarly, vertical axis wind turbines can also be installed on building premises. This can reduce the energy bills as well as carbon emissions of the building. This chapter discusses the different aspects of grid integration of solar and wind energy. The use of battery storage is also discussed. Related statistical data is presented as well.