Hybrid power systems, such as combinations of renewable power sources with intermittent power production and non-renewable power sources, theoretically increase the reliability and thus integration of renewable sources in the electrical system. However, a recent increase in the number of hybrid installations has sparked interest in the effects of their connection to the grid, especially in remote areas. This paper analyses a photovoltaic-gas microturbine hybrid system dimensioned to be installed in La Paz (Mexico).The research presented in this paper studies and quantifies the effects on the total electric power produced, varying both the solar radiation and the gas microturbine response time. The gas microturbine and the photovoltaic panels are modelled using Matlab/Simulink software, obtaining a platform where different tests to simulate real conditions have been executed. They consist of diverse ramps of irradiance that replicate solar radiation variations, and different microturbine response times reproduced by the time constants of a first order transfer function that models the microturbine dynamic response. The results obtained show that when radiation varies quickly it does not produce significant differences in the power guarantee or the microturbine gas consumption, to any microturbine response time. However, these two parameters are highly variable with smooth radiance variations. The maximum total power variation decreases greatly as the radiation variation gets lower. In addition, by decreasing the microturbine response time, it is possible to appreciably increase the power guarantee although the maximum power variation and gas consumption increase. Only in cases of low radiation variation is there no appreciable difference in the maximum power variation obtained by the different turbine response times.

Abstract.Energy efficiency is considered one of the most cost effective ways to enhance security of energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Europe's Energy Efficiency Plan, the biggest energy saving potential in the EU lies in the built environment. Spanish authorities, aiming to guarantee the energy supply and also to abide with the environmental restrictions, have established the National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP), the 2008-2012 Plan is the first one and the 2011-2020 Plan lends continuity.In this paper, we will analyze the measurements proposed by the 2008-2012 Plan for home thermal systems (heating and domestic hot water) and home electric systems (light and appliances). Three scenarios are established to quantify approximately the energy saving for Spanish dewellings in 2012. This paper evaluates, using data currently available, the saving to the year 2012 and compares it with the official Plan results presented. The results show the actual margins of improvement and the success or failure of the Plan measures.