Optimal unit sizing for a hybrid wind photovoltaic generating system

The application of a hybrid wind/photovoltaic (PV) power generating system for utilization as a stand-alone or a network connected system is investigated. The optimum combination of wind and PV generation coupled with battery storage for a stand-alone system has been obtained for a hypothetical site in Montana. Generation and storage units for the hybrid system are properly sized in order to meet the annual load and minimize the total annual cost to the customer. The optimal solutions are found by a numerical study using the hourly load demand for a typical residential home in the Northwestern US. Hourly wind speed and approximate solar radiation data have been used. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science S.A.