Wind and Solar-Powered Hybrid Prime Power Systems

During the past five years, there has been rapid development in the field of wind and solar-powered hybrid prime power systems. This paper will discuss the following three aspects of this development: A review of accepted techniques for designing and installing a hybrid alternative energy system and also the possible pitfalls one might encounter. System controllers. System controllers play a dynamic role in the reliability of hybrid prime power systems. New developments in these controllers will be discussed, focusing on both accuracy and heightened reliability, including a discussion on the latest methods of amp-hour accumulation and subsequent signalling of control circuits and telemetry outputs. System sizing. System sizing plays an important role in the effectiveness and economics of a hybrid prime power system. A discussion of both the worst-case scenario as well as life cycle costing techniques will be presented. A step by step example will illustrate present techniques for optimization of wind and photovoltaic resources and battery capacity.