Hybrid power

Hybrid power describes the combination of a power producer and the means to store that power in an energy storage medium.

In power engineering, the term 'hybrid' describes a combined power and energy storage system. It does not mean a "method," such as the popular use of hybrid to mean a vehicle like the Toyota Prius.

Examples of power producers used in hybrid power are photovoltaics, wind turbines, generators that use fuel.

Examples of energy storage media are batteries or hydrogen (for later use in fuel cells).

Hybrid Power System

Hybrid systems, like the name implies, combine two or more modes of electricity generation together, usually using renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines. Hybrid systems provide a high level of energy security through the mix of generation methods, and often will incorporate a storage system (battery, fuel cell) or small fossil fueled generator to ensure maximum supply reliability and security.