Sizing of a stand-alone hybrid wind-photovoltaic system using a three-event probability density approximation

Abstract The PV-array and battery storage sizing of a stand-alone hybrid wind-photovoltaic system is being addressed here. A probabilistic approach is used to arrive at the results. A new technique using a three event probability density instead of the traditional two event approximation is developed. This technique is then used to determine the optimum relationship between the number of PV panels and the number of storage batteries required for the stand-alone hybrid wind-photovoltaic system, to meet a certain loss of power probability. This method uses long term data of wind speed, irradiance and ambient temperature taken every hour for 30 yr and the load specifications for a “typical New England house” that is going to be powered by the hybrid system.