Experimental Study on a Modified Wind–Solar Hybrid System

Abstract

Wind–solar hybrid systems are employed extensively due to certain advantages. However, two problems exist in their application: the PV modules operate at high temperatures, particularly during summer, and low wind power cannot be utilized. To solve these two problems, a novel hybrid system is designed based on PV/thermal systems, in which PV modules are cooled with fans driven by a wind turbine. This paper studies the practicability of the novel hybrid system. First, the electrical performance of the wind turbine is compared using a fan and battery load, respectively. Second, different types and numbers of fans are tested to obtain the largest air volume. Third, the height of the air duct on the back of the PV module is optimized and the cooling effect is studied. Results show that a 24 V DC fan is more appropriate for the novel system than a 12 V DC fan, as it provides a greater air volume, and with a switch wind speed of 3.0 m/s the power of PV module shows a maximum increase of 8.0%.

Keywords

Wind–solar hybrid system / PV cooling / Low wind speed / Wind energy

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