International Journal of Renewable Energy and its Commercialization Research Article
Automatic Floating Structured Hybrid Power Plant
Abstract
Hybrid renewable energy systems provide an effective solution to overcome the intermittency and reliability issues associated with individual renewable energy sources. This paper presents the design and development of an automatic floating structured hybrid power plant that integrates floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) technology with a pico-hydroelectric generation system on a single platform. The floating structure enables efficient utilization of water surfaces while enhancing solar panel performance through natural cooling effects. The solar subsystem employs maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques to maximize energy extraction under varying environmental conditions, while the hydro subsystem ensures continuous power generation using the kinetic energy of flowing water. A lithium-–ion battery energy storage system is incorporated to maintain uninterrupted power supply and improve system stability. An Arduino-based control unit continuously monitors voltage, current, and battery parameters, enabling automatic switching between solar and hydro sources for optimal energy management. In addition, an IoT-based monitoring system facilitates real-time data acquisition and remote supervision, enhancing system reliability and operational efficiency. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid system provides stable voltage regulation, efficient energy utilization, and continuous power delivery under varying environmental conditions. The system is expandable and reasonably priced. It is appropriate for applications involving decentraliseized power generation, particularly in isolated and rural locations. For upcoming energy systems, the suggested strategy provides an eco-friendly and sustainable answer.
Keywords
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