The performance of a remote wind–diesel power system

The collection and analysis of 6 months of continuously recorded field data from a small remote wind–diesel power system at a coastal farm site is reported. The power system and the data acquisition unit are described and the performance characteristics of the major components discussed. Analysis of the field data has led to a number of recommendations for possible improvement in component sizing and control strategy. The siting of the turbine is excellent by international standards and the annual wind energy produced is greater than the demand. However, almost a fifth of the wind energy generated has to be dumped due to the short-term oversupply of power and over one-quarter of the total energy supplied still comes from the diesel generator as a result of transient energy deficits. An operational strategy that can deal with this paradox of alternating supply and demand excesses could lead to further operational improvements.