A Grid-Connected Hybrid PV/Wind/Fuel-Cell System with Battery Energy Storage: An Innovative Method for Managing Solar PV Without Converters

This study proposes a hybrid grid-connected system that utilises the minimal number of converters and control loops, integrating fuel cells and electrolysers as energy sources. The characteristics of all system elements and the primary configuration of the suggested system are elucidated. This technical paper addresses the controller design for grid-tied hybrid systems utilising renewable distributed generators (Wind and PV) as the primary source, BESS as the secondary source, and FC with Electrolyser as the tertiary source. Removing the PV converter from the suggested hybrid system enhances the cost-effectiveness of integrating PV technology. To govern the intended system, power management is employed to enhance the allocation of power among the different sources. GSC enhances PV power efficiency and reintegrates it into the grid. The electricity produced by wind and photovoltaic sources remains unaffected by their variability when battery energy storage systems are synchronised with fuel cells and electrolysers. An electrolyser generates hydrogen from excess energy produced by renewable distributed generation. In adverse weather conditions that hinder adequate power production, FC utilises this hydrogen. We suggest the implementation of a power management system to align with the demand profile, avert overcharging of the BESS, and mitigate the fluctuations and unpredictability of wind and photovoltaic energy. This method guarantees a consistent power supply and uninterrupted services. Integrating fuel cells with an electrolyser into a hybrid grid-connected system reliant on wind, photovoltaic, and battery energy storage systems has led to a significant enhancement. Improvements have been observed in power management, monitoring of the DC link voltage, and maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic power from the grid-side converter (GSC). The proposed hybrid grid-connected system may be improved through the implementation of nonlinear controllers, which are more adept at managing the nonlinear characteristics present in the wind, fuel cell, electrolyser, and BESS. An algorithm for power management utilising artificial intelligence can also be implemented.

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