Experiments on Combined Photovoltaic-Aeolian Electric Generation in a Residential Stand-Alone System

Summary

The general design guidelines and the main features of an experimental photovoltaic-aeolian plant, with some preliminary observations on its working, are presented. The system has been operating for over a year and it meets the basic domestic needs of a remote farm situated in a hilly district of Northern Italy (Passo Mandrioli in Emilia Romagna). The plant was preliminarily conceived by the regional administration board which has supplied the financial support. This is the first project of a plan intended to collect information on alternate energy systems operating in a real-world environment, with a view to its diffusion between potential users and national manufacturers. To this end, the plan has been designed to accomodate a complete set for acquisition, recording and first elaboration of the main variables (both meteorological and directly relevant to the operation of the system).

Combined photovoltaic-aeolian generation was chosen on account of the expected complementary nature of the two sources during the year. Though extended through a limited period, the available data seem to confirm the above-mentioned characteristics and support the general design criteria which are based on them.