Conversion system overview assessment. Volume II. Solar-wind hybrid systems

Solar-wind hybrid systems are discussed. It is shown that there are large areas in the United States where solar and wind resources are comparable in magnitude and there are diurnal and seasonal complementarities which offer the potential for cost-effective hybrid systems. There are also distinct engineering features of the two conversion technologies. Electric power generation from wind is straightforward and cost-effective, whereas solar thermal conversion to generate heat is more cost-effective than to generate electricity. Examples of hybrid systems utilizing these features in total energy applications are presented.