Comparative Advantages Using Solar and Wind Energy in Hybrid Systems at the Same Site

Main objectives of the paper were to examine the complementary nature of solar and wind energy in primary and in “useful” form. Analyses are performed on real, measured solar and wind potential data at the same site. Solar irradiation and wind power density have been assessed as primary forms. In order to examine effects of their complementarity in real applications, i.e. in power systems, a hybrid system, consisting of a photovoltaic power plant (PVPP) and a wind power plant (WPP), was modelled and simulated. Those effects were verified through output power variations of these facilities individually, compared to output power variations of two different hybrid system configurations. Analyses were also made with respect to hourly load demand profile of the consumption centre located in proximity of the potential hybrid power plant. Key-Words: -Complementary nature, demand, hybrid system, power output variability,solar energy, wind energy.