Hybrid Power Plant

Wind-Solar Hybrid Electricity System

Enjoy the advantages of energy scalability with zero upfront investment

The combination of renewable energy sources, wind & solar are used for generating power called as wind solar hybrid system. This system is designed using the solar panels and wind turbines generators for generating electricity.

To better understand the working of solar wind hybrid system, we must know the working of solar energy system and wind energy system. Solar power system can be defined as the system that uses solar energy for power generation with solar panels. The block diagram of solar wind hybrid system is shown in the figure in which the solar panels and wind turbine are used for power generation.

Wind energy is also one of the renewable energy resources that can be used for generating electrical energy with wind turbines coupled with generators.

24x7 clean energy

Availability of 24*7 clean energy with solar at its peak potential during the daylight hours and wind during the evening to nighttime hours

Stable & reliable

Less susceptible to curtailment of excess units due to regular generation 24x7

Complementary & Fulfilling

Complementary patterns of Sun & Wind in India. That is, the peak operating times of wind and solar systems occur at different times of the day and during different seasons of the year

Concessions to WSH

With Government’s wanting to tap into the potential, waivers and incentives have been provided

Less Grid Charges

Fixed cost for evacuation which translates to low transmission charges

Reduced capital cost

With better and efficient use of land and transmission infrastructure

How Does The Hybrid (Solar+Wind) System Work?

Solar wind hybrid systems are needed to generate electricity during the summer and winter seasons.
The variation in the intensity of sunlight and wind speed throughout the year does not organically affect the working of hybrid solar wind systems. It can produce power at any time of the year.
In a large area, both solar panels and windmills are installed. They are connected to a gigantic battery bank that is further joined to a regulation and conversion unit.
The energy produced through windmills and solar panels is stored in the battery, which is later on transferred to the load in the powerhouse for distribution.
If the energy is needed urgently, it can be transferred to the generator to produce electricity directly.
With technological advancement, ‘stand-alone systems’ have also become popular. They operate only to produce energy stored in batteries or a generator. They are not connected to any of the electricity distribution systems.

Benefits of wind-solar hybrid power plant

Stable and Reliable Energy Production

By combining wind and solar resources, these hybrid systems can provide more consistent and reliable energy generation. Wind power tends to be strongest at night and during the winter, while solar power peaks during the day and in the summer, creating a more balanced energy production profile.

Enhanced Energy Output

Wind-solar hybrid systems can generate electricity over a broader range of weather conditions, maximizing energy production throughout the day and year. This increased output can improve the return on investment compared to single-source renewable installations.

Grid Stability and Reliability

Wind-solar hybrids help stabilize the electrical grid by providing a more predictable and controllable energy supply. This stability is especially valuable as renewable energy sources often have intermittent generation patterns.

Land Use Efficiency

Combining wind turbines and solar panels on the same site maximizes land use efficiency, reducing the need for additional land or infrastructure. This is particularly important in areas with limited available land for renewable energy projects.

Energy Storage Integration

Many wind-solar hybrid systems incorporate energy storage solutions, such as batteries. These batteries store excess energy during periods of high generation and release it when production is low, ensuring a steady and reliable energy supply.

Cost Savings

Hybrid systems can potentially reduce installation and maintenance costs compared to separate wind and solar installations. Shared infrastructure and grid connections can lead to cost savings.

Environmental Benefits

Wind-solar hybrids contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, which helps combat climate change and improve air quality.

Scalability

These hybrid systems can be designed at various scales, from small off-grid installations to large utility-scale projects, making them adaptable to a wide range of energy needs and available resources.

Redundancy and Resilience

Hybrid systems offer a degree of redundancy in energy generation. If one component (wind or solar) experiences a problem, the other can continue to generate electricity, improving system resilience.

Optimized Land Use

By co-locating wind and solar components, the environmental impact on the land is reduced, as it minimizes the disturbance of ecosystems and habitats.

Diverse Geographic Suitability

Wind-solar hybrids can be deployed in a variety of geographic locations, taking advantage of regional wind and solar resources, which may vary widely.

Energy Access in Remote Areas

Wind-solar hybrids are suitable for off-grid and remote areas, where a consistent energy supply can replace or complement diesel generators, reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.

Technological Advancements

Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to improve the efficiency and performance of wind-solar hybrid systems, making them even more attractive in the future.