Design of a hybrid controller for solar and ocean wave energy harvester

Abstract

This thesis presents an approach of hybrid system implementation between Photovoltaic and ocean waves. These renewable energy sources are abundant, clean and beneficial compared to existing fossil fuel. Common method of extracting energy from these sources normally utilized a single energy source for energy production. Through hybrid system, two or more sources integration is possible. Merging of multiples energy sources will complement and support any inadequacy attribute accompanying these sources. However, system complexity will increase as source increases resulting in complicated system. Thus a proper controlling method is required for effective source management. Therefore, this research was initiated to develop a controller for two system harvester modules, Photovoltaic and wave energy converter for hybrid power system. The controller should fully exploit energy potential characteristic by harnessing it to the maximum. This research provides an effective method of harvesting Photovoltaic and ocean waves. Photovoltaic source is dependable toward sun intensity while the ocean waves’ intermittent energy is unsuitable through conventional harvesting method. The established controller will integrate Photovoltaic and ocean waves and compensate power fluctuations. Proper integration was successfully executed through buck and boost converter module. The wave energy converter module was developed using ratchet mechanism and the generator unit was extracted from mini ceiling fan motor. An additional monitoring system was added and performs wireless transmission to operator. The developed Photovoltaic and Wave Energy Converter (WEC) sources progress rapidly with average power produced are 76.91mW and 82.237W respectively. The proposed controller excels in performance and produce effective hybrid energy management with measured with power extraction efficiency at 58%. The hybrid system was successfully executed within the prescribe scope boundaries.