Small wind off-grid system optimization regarding wind turbine power curve

Paper is presenting results from modeling of small hybrid off-grid system. The system is built from solar photo voltaic, wind, and diesel power sources. Realistic data were used regarding predicted solar global radiation, wind speeds, and load. Simulation was performed with HOMER micropower optimization tool. Special focus was put on the estimation of how wind turbine power curve can influence cost of energy and amount of electrical energy produced from the available wind. Keeping the rest of system unchanged five different wind turbine power curves was evaluated. System configuration is changed only regarding optimal number of some components (i.e., photovoltaic power, battery and charger/inverter capacity. Results are showing the influence of wind turbine power curve both on the cost of energy and optimal system configuration.