Hybrid energy systems have many different advantages, such as increased reliability, reduced dependency on a single energy source, and potential environmental benefits. However, they are not without their disadvantages.
Some of the drawbacks of hybrid energy systems include:
Complexity:
The first step is to design a hybrid system for a specific installation. This requires consideration of many complex components before any system becomes a reality. Location will inform several decisions, including which types of energy generation sources are available, such as wind or solar, and can the infrastructure be put into place without a lot of environmental damage. There must also be the capacity to meet energy demands and the availability of personnel required to oversee the sophisticated computer programs and facilitate maintenance of the system.
DEUTZ Australia’s authorised dealer network and technical support experts are ready to help in establishing your initial hybrid power solution or upgrading your existing system. We conduct a comprehensive assessment of the location, output requirements, and existing infrastructure to determine the optimal number of solar panels, a suitable battery energy storage system, and a compatible diesel generator to serve as backup.
Environment:
Hybrid systems are being utilised because of their environmental benefits — the use of sustainable energy sources. However, when setting up a hybrid power system, environmental impacts may occur as heavy vehicles move materials to site and construction of a new system may be on previously untouched land.
Scalability:
Another consideration at the design stage would be the ability to scale up power generation and/or storage of the hybrid energy system. The physical location needs to have capacity for expansion. The availability and intermittency of wind and solar may be problematic if it cannot be increased, or for climactic reasons, actually decreases. These unexpected conditions or circumstances of the future may not have been foreseen or understood.
Acknowledging that power output requirements may change over time, DEUTZ Australia has crafted our hybrid energy system with a seamlessly expandable capacity. This means that additional batteries can be integrated into the existing DEUTZ battery energy storage system to enhance storage capacity, and more solar panels can be installed to increase energy capture, ensuring adaptability to changing needs and circumstances.
Property:
Infrastructure requires land of the appropriate size to install the components required, such as sufficient space between wind turbines, or the hectares required for solar farms. Landowners are asked to sign agreements for installation of turbines on their property without specifying the length of the agreement, leading to an unsure future.
Aesthetics:
Wind farms and paddocks of solar panels are considered unsightly by some people. Divisions have already occurred when communities have objected to the installations, and neighbours have been pitted against each other when they have opposing views.
Maintenance and Operation:
Hybrid systems are complex systems with many different components, some of which are immensely sophisticated, requiring highly trained personnel to manage and maintain them. These personnel may not be readily available or retained, depending on location. Compared with a traditional single energy system, the maintenance requirements of such a complex system are greater, meaning higher costs.
To address these concerns, DEUTZ Australia’s authorized dealers undergo comprehensive training and receive continuous support from our technical experts. This ensures that we can perform regular maintenance, provide efficient servicing, and troubleshoot any system issues whenever needed.
Cost:
Initial costs of installing infrastructure for a hybrid energy solution can be high, whether it is for home use or a whole power plant to support a community. Location can increase installation costs if the area is remote or difficult to access.
Despite these disadvantages, advancements in technology and ongoing research may help overcome some of these challenges and make hybrid energy systems more attractive and practical in the long run.