Performance evaluation of hybrid (wind/solar/diesel) power systems

Depleting oil and gas reserves, combined with the growing concerns of global warming, have made it inevitable to seek alternative/renewable energy sources. The integration of renewables such as solar and wind energy is becoming increasingly attractive and is being used widely, for substitution of oil-produced energy, and eventually to minimize atmospheric degradation. The literature shows that commercial/residential buildings in Saudi Arabia consume an estimated 10-40% of the total electric energy generated. In the present investigation, hourly wind-speed and solar radiation measurements made at the solar radiation and meteorological monitoring station, Dhahran (26degrees32' N, 50degrees13' E), Saudi Arabia, have been analyzed to investigate the feasibility of using hybrid (wind+solar+diesel) energy conversion systems at Dhahran to meet the energy needs of twenty 2-bedroom houses. The monthly average wind speeds for Dhahran range from 4,1 to 6.4 m/s. The monthly average daily values of solar radiation for Dhahran range from 3.6 kWh/m(2) to 7.96 kWh/m(2). The performance of hybrid systems consisting of different rated power wind farms, photovoltaic (PV) areas, and storage capacities together with a diesel back-up are presented. The monthly average daily energy generated from the above hybrid system configuration has been presented. The deficit energy generated from the back-up diesel generator and the number of operational hours of the diesel system to meet a specific annual electrical energy demand of 702,358 kWh have also been presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.