Performance of a 10 kW power electronic interface for combined wind/PV isolated generating systems

Abstract

The hoped exploitation of pollution-free, low cost, renewable energy resources has always stirred up interest and inventiveness. The double-input single-output DC/DC power converter discussed in this paper, developed for combined wind-photovoltaic generating systems, aims to mitigate the output power fluctuations due to the intermittent nature of both solar and wind energy. Digital control of the whole apparatus also contributes to optimise the converter modes of operation, running both the energy input circuits at their maximum power level. The paper reports an overall description of the power interface characteristics and experimental results recorded in extensive laboratory tests of a 10 kW rated prototype.