PV-Wind Hybrid System for the Energy Supply of an Off-Grid Application

Part of the renewable energy systems (based on solar, wind or hydroelectric power) generates electricity in an intermittent way, depending on the weather conditions that are difficult to predict and control. These disadvantages can be overcome by integrating two or more renewable sources that can counterbalance each other. In this case, the hybrid systems based on combinations of renewable energies are preferred to meet the required energy. These systems are often used in remote areas, but their design and analysis are difficult to be performed due to the variability of the renewable sources. A possible option for the off-grid systems can be the combination/operation of PV modules (PV platform) with one or more wind turbines in parallel. The paper presents two algorithms for the design and operation of an off-grid hybrid system, whereby electric energy is obtained from the conversion of solar and wind energy, with a conventional generator as a backup source. The algorithm is exemplified in the case study: the energy supply of a photoreactor used for wastewater treatment. Further, conclusions and recommendations for the design of PV-wind hybrid systems are formulated based on the previous results.