Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems

In this chapter, the state-of-the-arts developments of renewable energy are reviewed in respect to the installed power and market share, where wind power and photovoltaic power generation are the main focuses due to the fast growing speed and large share of installed capacity. Some basic principles of operation, mission profiles, as well as power electronics solutions and corresponding controls are discussed respectively in the case of wind power and photovoltaic power systems. Finally a few development trends for renewable energy conversions are also given from a power electronics point of view. It is concluded that as the quick development of renewable energy, wind power and PV power both show great potential to be largely integrated into the power grid. Power electronics is playing essential role in both of the systems to achieve more controllable, efficient, and reliable energy production—which is crucial for the cost reduction and spread use of renewable energies, because their fluctuated and unpredicted features are un-preferred for the operation of the power grid. Meanwhile there are also some emerging challenges and considerations in the renewable energy conversion system, calling for more advanced controls as well as configurations of power electronics converter.