Page 14 - Renewable Energy Devices and System with Simulations in MATLAB and ANSYS

1 Renewable Energy Systems:

Technology Overview

and Perspectives

Frede Blaabjerg, Dan M. Ionel,
Yongheng Yang, and Huai Wang

CONTENTS
Abstract ..............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
1.2 State of the Art ..........................................................................................................................2
1.3 Examples of Recent Research and Development .....................................................................7
1.4 Challenges and Future Trends ................................................................................................12
1.5 Further Readings .....................................................................................................................12
References ........................................................................................................................................14

ABSTRACT

In this chapter, essential statistics demonstrating the increasing role of renewable energy generation
are first discussed. A state-of-the-art review section covers the fundamentals of wind turbine and
photovoltaic (PV) systems. Schematic diagrams illustrating the main components and system
topologies are included. Also, the increasing role of power electronics is explained as an enabler
for renewable energy integration and for future power systems and smart grids. Recent examples of
research and development, including new devices and system installations for utility power plants
and for residential and commercial applications, are provided. Fuel cells, solar thermal, wave gen-
erators, and energy storage systems are also briefly presented and illustrated. Challenges and future
trends for the technologies in 2025 are summarized in a table for onshore and offshore wind energy;
solar power, including PV and concentrating solar power; wave energy; fuel cells; and storage with
batteries and hydrogen, respectively. Recommended further readings on topics of electric power
engineering for renewable energy are included in the final section.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Sustainable energy supply remains to be a main requirement of modern society in order to respond
to the increased energy demand caused by the larger consumption especially due to population
growth. For a long time, the energy boom has been based on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, not
only the supply of oil, coal, and natural gas is limited, but there exist also major pollution and
environmental concerns associated with using the traditional energy sources and alternatives are
important.

1