Simulation of Dynamic Response of Small Wind-Photovoltaic-Fuel Cell Hybrid Energy System

Abstract

Renewable energy systems are of importance as being modular, nature-friendly and domestic. Among renewable energy systems, a great deal of research has been conducted especially on photovoltaic effect, wind energy and fuel cell in the recent years. This paper describes dynamic modeling and simulation results of a small wind-photovoltaic-fuel cell hybrid energy system. The hybrid system consists of a 500 W wind turbine, a photovoltaic, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), ultracapacitors, an electrolyzer, a boost converter, controllers and a power converter that simulated using MATLAB solver. This kind of hybrid system is completely stand-alone, reliable and has high efficiency. In order to minimize sudden variations in voltage magnitude ultracapacitors are proposed. Power converter and inverter are used to produce ac output power. Dynamics of fuel-cell component such as double layer capacitance are also taken into account. Control scheme of fuel-cell flow controller and voltage regulators are based on PID controllers. Dynamic responses of the system for a step change in the electrical load and wind speed are presented. Results showed that the ability of the system in adapting itself to sudden changes and new conditions. Combination of PV and wind renewable sources is made the advantage of using this system in regions which have higher wind speeds in the seasons that suffers from less sunny days and vice versa.