This paper deals with the modeling and control of a hybrid system integrating a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine and batteries as energy storage system (ESS). The modeling of the mechanical and electrical main components of a 1.5 MW wind turbine is described. Specific focus is to be taken on the power converter of the DFIG, since it allows the interconnection of the ESS to the generator and a proper energy management. A lead-acid battery is used as energy storage device, which is connected through a bidirectional DC/DC converter to the DC bus of the DFIG power converter. A new supervisory control system, responsible for the coordinate operation of power sources (DFIG wind turbine and ESS), is described and evaluated by simulation under wind speed fluctuations and grid demand changes. It is based on using the wind turbine as primary power source and the ESS as auxiliary power source, providing or storing the power mismatching between the actual wind power and grid demand, whenever the battery state-of-charge (SOC) remains within the recommended limits. This configuration increases the generation capability and smooths the output power fluctuations caused by the wind speed variability, and therefore, improves the grid integration of wind turbines. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.