Use of hybrid solar-wind energy generation for remote area electrification in South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents simulated hybridized solar-wind generation as an alternative for rural dwellers that do not have access to a conventional grid connection. Solar and wind were used as the main sources of energy with battery storage. Each power source has a DC-DC converter to control the power flow. An axial flux permanent magnet generator, which is suitable for a location with a low wind speed, was driven by the wind turbine. By using this generator, the efficiency of the system increased since certain losses were removed. The perturbation and observation method of MPPT is used to achieve maximum power extraction from the solar panel. The hybrid system was modelled in Matlab/Simulink software. A squirrel cage induction motor was used as the electrical load to the system load. The results obtained for the proposed hybrid system indicates that it can be used as an isolated power supply. By doing so, it improves the standard of living and hence, increasing total number of citizens using energy in the country.