Performance of a hybrid energy system

Abstract

A hybrid energy system consisting of a photovoltaic generator (PVG) and a fuel cell generator (FCG) has been interconnected to an AC main supply. The interconnection has been done through two separate bridge rectifiers. The two bridge rectifiers have been operated on a mode called “Inverter Mode of Operation”. The whole integrated or interconnected system has been used to supply an AC load with certain power that is desired to be kept constant without regard to the surrounding insolation or irradiation levels. A maximum power point tracker has been used in conjunction with the PVG module and that is to guaranty the maximum exploitation of the the PVG power and to ease the burden on the fuel cell (FCG) power. Excess energy, generated by the renewable energy system, is pumped to the AC main supply. The performance of the whole system (i.e PVG, FCG, AC main supply, and the pretended AC load) has been assessed using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Quite encouraging results were obtained.