Message-ID: <199602211452.GAA11377@cdp.igc.apc.org> Date: Wed, 21 Feb 1996 06:52:21 -0800 From: Tom Gray <mailto:tomgray@IGC.APC.ORG> Subject: --Hybrid System Computer Program To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
/* Written 6:05 AM Feb 16, 1996 by tomgray in igc:energy.news */ HYBRID SYSTEM ANALYSIS PROGRAM NEARS COMPLETIONCustomers for remote hybrid power systems may soon have a powerful new computer software tool for analyzing possible combinations of energy sources and making an intelligent selection.
The HYBRID2 program, which has been under development for the past four years at the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (RERL) of the University of Massachusetts, is scheduled for release to the general public next year. The development work has been funded by the National Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (NREL) as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) wind energy research and development program.
Hybrid systems are those that combine one or more different power sources. Renewable power systems may include one or more wind turbines, solar photovoltaic (PV) cell banks, batteries, thermoelectric converters, and/or one or more diesel generators of various sizes, making the choice for a customer a daunting problem.
NREL contract monitor Jim Green describes HYBRID2 as "a user- friendly program to predict the performance of a wide range of renewable and hybrid power options on a 'level playing field.'" Because of the enormous number of possible combinations of system components, Green said, "No available tool fills this need. Usually programs are limited to a specific range of output or type of system."
Speaking at NREL's Subcontractor Review meeting July 31, RERL's Ian Baring-Gould described the new model's ability to incorporate varying component characteristics. HYBRID2, he said, will allow potential users and system suppliers to compare system configurations that include:
o Multiple identical and/or non-identical wind turbines, installed at a range of varying heights;
o Multiple identical and/or non-identical diesel systems;
o Many different power conversion devices, "including rotary, static, and parallel";
o A detailed, user-specified set of instructions for when and how batteries connected to the system are to be charged and discharged;
o Detailed user instructions as to which diesel systems are to be operated and when, as power demand on the system varies throughout the day; and
o Either or both AC and DC electrical loads.
HYBRID2, Baring-Gould noted, can not only be used for hybrid system design, but for improvement of existing systems: "It can give you a lot of insights into system control strategies. In some cases, you can use the system components you already have, with some minor changes, and realize significant cost savings."
The program runs with a Windows-based interface, with online help, and results are presented in graphs and tables. Also, it will come equipped with information on many existing wind turbine models, so that users can readily plug the appropriate information into the particular system configuration they desire to investigate.
HYBRID2 has undergone extensive in-house testing at RERL and NREL, Baring-Gould said, and will undergo testing by independent individuals beginning next month.
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