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Usually in the off-grid situation, one or several power generation methods are introduced into the photovoltaic system at the same time, and the system that jointly supplies power to the load is called a hybrid solar system.
Due to the limitations of photovoltaic power generation, if the photovoltaic system is fully used to meet the load power demand. The capacity of solar arrays and cells will increase a lot, and the cost requirements will also increase a lot. This article will introduce the hybrid solar system.
1. What is a hybrid solar system
A hybrid solar system is a combination of multiple energy sources to increase the availability and usage of electricity. Such systems can harness energy from sources such as wind, solar, and even hydrocarbons.
So in a hybrid solar system, in addition to solar cells, you can also add oil-fired generators or wind turbines as backup power sources. Usually it is powered by a photovoltaic system, and in winter or when the solar radiation is low on rainy days, it is possible to use a diesel generator to supply the power, so that you can save money.
In addition, hybrid solar system is often backed up by lithium battery to maximize system efficiency. There are several advantages to using a hybrid system. Multiple energy sources mean that the system is not dependent on any particular energy source.
For example, if the weather is not conducive to generating enough solar energy, a photovoltaic array can charge the battery. Similarly, if it is windy or cloudy, the wind turbine can meet the charging requirements of the battery. Hybrid solar systems are best suited for remote areas with limited grid connectivity.
2. What are the types of hybrid solar energy system
① Diesel hybrid power generation system
The price of photovoltaic systems is currently high. If PV power generation is used entirely to meet the demand for larger loads, off-grid PV systems must be able to support load operation even in the worst weather conditions in winter. This requires a solar cell array and cells with considerable capacity.
However, in summer, when solar radiation is high, excess electricity is wasted. In order to solve this contradiction, diesel generators can be configured as backup power sources. Usually it is powered by a photovoltaic system, and in winter when solar radiation is insufficient, the diesel generator is started to supply power, which can often save investment.
Of course, this requires certain conditions: There is a big difference in solar irradiation between winter and summer. It can be equipped with diesel engines and other equipment. A reliable supply of diesel fuel can be guaranteed. There are technicians who operate and maintain diesel generators, etc.
② Hybrid wind power generation system
Both wind and solar power have weak energy density and poor stability. Solar power generation is stable and reliable, but it is currently costly. Wind power generation is less expensive, but it is randomized and has poor reliability. If the two are combined, it can achieve the purpose of providing power day and night, and reduce costs.
Of course, due to the characteristics of photovoltaic and wind power generation, it is necessary to fully grasp the meteorological data and carefully optimize the design in the system in order to achieve good results. These systems are also commonly used to power street lights.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid solar system
The advantages are:
- Less dependent on the weather.
- Ability to generate electricity day and night.
- The investment cost is relatively lower than that of a single photovoltaic power generation system.
The disadvantages are:
- Complex control.
- The installation design has a large amount of work.
- Difficult to maintain.
- It will produce a certain amount of noise and pollution.
Hybrid solar system is generally off-grid. At present, China's photovoltaic power generation system is basically connected to the grid. Except for some remote areas where there is no power grid and coverage cannot be connected to the grid for power generation, hybrid solar system is not recommended in this situation.
The hybrid system, which combines the characteristics of a grid-connected system and an off-grid system, can provide electricity generated by the photovoltaic system to household appliances, and can also sell excess electricity to the grid or store it for reuse during periods of high electricity prices. Despite these advantages, hybrid systems present some challenges.
For example, it involves a complex design and installation process. In addition, multiple energy sources increase upfront costs. The various photovoltaic systems discussed above can be used in different areas of application. Therefore, you need to consider your usage requirements and budget when choosing the best one.
4. Household hybrid solar system with energy storage
Household hybrid PV with energy storage system is generally composed of photovoltaic modules, lithium batteries, hybrid inverters, smart meters, CT, power grid, on-grid loads and off-grid loads.
The system can realize direct photovoltaic charging of the battery through DC-DC conversion, and can also realize bidirectional DC-AC conversion for battery charging and discharging.
- Working principle
During the day, photovoltaic power generation first supplies the load, then charges the battery(12v 100ah lithium ion batteries), and finally the excess power can be connected to the grid. At night, the battery is discharged to supply the load, and the shortfall is replenished by the power grid.
When the power grid fails, photovoltaic power generation and lithium batteries(12 volt 200ah lithium battery) only supply power to off-grid loads, and grid-connected loads cannot be used. In addition, the system also supports users to set their own charging and discharging time to meet their own power needs.
- The features of this system
The system is highly integrated, which can greatly reduce the installation time and cost of the system. It can realize intelligent control to meet the user's electricity demand. In the event of a power outage, the grid can provide users with safe power protection.
5. Conclusion
In the hybrid power generation system, in addition to the photovoltaic power generation system, other types of power generation devices are added, such as wind power generation systems, internal combustion engines, fuel cells, etc.
Wind turbines and photovoltaic cells in the wind-solar hybrid power generation system can supply power at the same time, which can make up for the shortcomings in terms of resources, and can realize day and night complementarity and seasonal complementarity, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the system power supply.
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