Objective To demonstrate the use of a stand alone photovoltaic/wind cogeneration system to supply electricity, without grid coupling, for domestic houses in an urban environment in the UK.The impact of such a system on the local civil authorities and on domestic users should enable to establish guidelines for future applications of this technology.A power system using the pv/wind configuration is technically viable. It does need trained personnel. Guidelines for siting wind turbines in the UK have derived from this project.Systems cost would need to reduce by at least one order of magnitude. Administrative and legislative contraints are often more time consuming than the practical considerations. This project is a highly visible UK demonstration of alternative power generation technologies.This project integrates two renewable energy technologies which have peak outputs in different seasons, in order to minimise the energy storage requirements. A PV generator is used to provide most of the power in summer and a wind generator to provide most of the power in winter.PV arrays totalling 4.6 kWp and a wind generator rated at 22 kW are being used to provide power to a group of 9 low energy houses in the city of Milton Keynes.Fourteen sub-arrays of ENE polycrystalline modules have been installed. Nine of the sub-arrays are integrated into the conservatory structures of the houses at a fixed tilt angle. The other 5 arrays are mounted on the roof of an energy management centre, and the tilt angle of these arrays can be seasonally adjusted.The PV arrays charge two 110V/600Ah battery banks (132 kWh in total), which then supply the ac load in the houses through a 20 kVa inverter.The output from the wind turbine is rectified, and then either supplies the ac load through theinverter, or is used to charge the battery bank. If the battery reaches a low state of charge, and the output from the wind turbine is insufficient to meet the load, then the grid supply is switched in. Excess power may be dumped into resistive heaters to provide hot water in the houses or if necessary via a large dump load to waste.The system is being monitored (according to JRC Guidelines), using a data logger and micro-computer. A monitoring display has been installed for demonstration to visitors. Programme(s) ENG-ENALT 2C - Programme (EEC) of demonstration projects relating to the exploitation of alternative energy sources and to energy saving and the substitution of hydrocarbons, 1983-1985 Topic(s) 6.1 - PHOTOVOLTAIC Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme DEM - Demonstration contracts Coordinator SOLAPAK LTD EU contribution No data Address FACTORY 3 COCK LANE, HIGH WYCOMBE HP13 7DE Buckingham United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data
