From Autonomous Combined Energy Systems to Smart Grids, From Research to Education
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to describe two research projects (first completed at the research stage and second is continuing at current phase) and to analyze the trends in developing modern technologies in developing renewable energy systems. First project was devoted to combined PV/T (photovoltaic/thermal) system based on concentrator with vertical p-n junction solar cells. The second project devoted to developing autonomous fully renewable energy system combining solar, wind and micro-hydro energy sources is actually next logical step in creating distribution network supplying electrical energy to many possible areas having such type of resources. Initiator of both projects is the All-Russian Research Institute of Electrical Engineering (VEI), Department Renewable Energy Sources. According to demands of the supporter of these projects - Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, these projects have strong educational components. Young specialists, students and post graduate students from the UNESCO Chairs of the Moscow State University of Engineering Ecology (MSUEE) and All-Russian Research Institute for Electrification of Agriculture (VIESH) were involving and are involving into the projects.