Hybrid photovoltaic-fuel cell power plant

Nowadays, in many countries the increase of generating capacity takes place in small units of so-called distributed power industry (distributed generation). In the paper are presented: the experiences from exploitation of hybrid solar- wind power plant; concept of solar power plant with fuel cell. This last solution enables optimal utilization of primary energy sources and increases the level of supply reliability. Authors have worked for several years on stand alone hybrid solar-wind power plant for supply of telecommunication equipment. The main problem in such installations is how to guarantee power supply all year without interruptions. Weather conditions in Poland provide to breaks in winter and autumn. The paper shows proposal of a new power plant with fuel cell and solar panels. The idea is to generate energy from PV panels as long as it is possible. When there is no Sun energy will be produced by fuel cell. Because of the system will operate rather far from service centers it has to work as long as it is possible without refueling. Power summation and control algorithm is explained, power electronics converters and control system are described.