Performance analysis of photovoltaic and wind energy hybrid pumping system using soft computing techniques

Abstract

Electricity requirement in agriculture and remote regions for pumping water is increasing drastically due to the decline of rainfall. The required electricity is primarily supplied from the conventional electrical grid and diesel generator system, not eco-friendly. So, switching to reliable renewable energy resources will increase sustainability and reduce pollutions. The reliability of renewable energy is not up to the standards when considered with a single energy source since they are highly dependent on nature. To make it reliable, there is a necessity to continuously yield a hybrid system with two energy sources. The best option is the Solar PV-Wind Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES). Solar and wind energies support each other when they are used together as a hybrid system. In Tamil Nadu, solar energy is available enormously during the summer season (January to May), whereas wind energy availability is low. But from June to September, wind energy availability is enormous and solar energy has reduced comparatively. newlineMoreover, during the night time, solar energy is not existing, but wind energy is available. Thus, reliable supply is ensured by the hybrid system. A photovoltaic/wind energy hybrid system infused with efficient converters and optimal controllers is developed using MATLAB software. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is done in both energy systems using hybrid optimization algorithms and efficient power controllers separately. The optimization algorithms and the power controllers are designed according to the climatic conditions (solar irradiance and wind speed) of Tamil Nadu, India. The performance characteristics of the hybrid water pumping system such as converter output, photovoltaic and wind conversion power output separately and combinedly, electrical efficiency, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) level, are evaluated and compared. newline