Methodology for evaluating photovoltaic-fuel-cell hybrid energy systems

Thesis/Dissertation · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5266381

Khallat, M A

A major issue encountered in the large-scale use of photovoltaic (PV) energy sources for the production of electricity is the variability of the resource itself. Extensive fluctuations of the PV generation may cause dynamic operational problems for an electric utility. In order to remedy this situation it is proposed that fuel-cell power plants be operated in parallel with PV arrays. This hybrid operation will help to smooth out the fluctuating PV output. Because of its high ramping capability, the fuel cell will be able to absorb such fluctuations. An overall methodology is presented to evaluate the PV system in a large utility. This methodology has two part - planning and operation. The aim of the planning study is to determine the capacity credit of a PV system based on the loss-of-load probability (LOLP). Long-term SOLMET data are used to determine the nature of available insolation at a particular site. The expected value of hourly insolation is used in the planning study. The aim of the operation study is to validate the results of planning study in the shorter operational time frame, and determine the fuel cell requirements and associated operating cost savings for each penetration level of PV. A technique to find the maximum penetration level of PV, without causing any economic penalty, is presented.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5266381
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
HYBRID SYSTEMS
FUEL CELL POWER PLANTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
EVALUATION
LOAD ANALYSIS
OPERATION
PEAK LOAD
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
300504 - Fuel Cells- Applications