Hybrid Systems

Developers and manufacturers of DER are looking for ways to combine technologies to improve performance and efficiency of distributed generation equipment. Several examples of hybrid systems include:

• Solid oxide fuel cell combined with a gas turbine or microturbine
• Stirling engine combined with a solar dish (see the photograph)
• Wind turbines with battery storage and diesel backup generators
• Engines (and other prime movers) combined with energy storage devices such as flywheels