Papers 1 by Alexandre Beluco
Energy and Power Engineering, Jun 2013
The complementarity of energy resources used in hybrid power generation can result in optimizatio... more The complementarity of energy resources used in hybrid power generation can result in optimization of power capacity and reservation capabilities. This article is dedicated to the study of hybrid hydro PV systems. The goal is to establish the relationship between system performance and complementarity of energy resources. The study was carried out with computer simulations based on a method that uses ideal functions developed to describe the energy resources and de-termine a limit of performance. The results confirm expectations that performance, as measured by the total time of failure to meet demand, will be better as energy resources are complementary. Charts relating energy complementarity with failures are presented. The subsequent research work shall proceed to at least two different phases. In the first one, the method exposed in the present work shall be applied to real data and compared to the operation of existing hybrid plants. In the second phase, results shall be confronted with design parameters of hydro PV plants based on comple-mentary resources. A next stage would be the enlargement of the method applied in this work for systems based on other energy resources, such as wind energy and ocean wave energy.
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Renewable Energy, Sep 2012
The combination of hydroelectric and photovoltaic sources of energy in a generation system may se... more The combination of hydroelectric and photovoltaic sources of energy in a generation system may seem unfeasible due to the still quite high costs of the photovoltaic plants. However in the next few decades, significant reductions in those costs are to be expected. Moreover, this combination may reduce the cost of plants implemented in low hydroelectric potential sites for which main system interconnection costs prove prohibitive. The study of hybrid hydro-PV generating plants allows the evaluation of the use of water reservoirs and battery banks as alternatives for energy storage within a system. It also allows the evaluation of the advantages of generation from complementary energy sources. The objectives of this paper is to propose the concept of a theoretical performance limit for the plants and propose a method for the determination of this performance limit using computer simulations with idealized energy availability functions. Using this method, the effect of different degrees of complementarity in time of the energy resources on the performance of hydro PV plants is studied. It has been observed that, as expected, the smallest failure indexes measuring the energy supply to the consumers are associated to the best complementarity in time indexes. The results of the simulations led to the synthesis of failure index curves, as functions of the different degrees of complementarity in time, with data obtained solely with the utilization of idealized functions describing the energy availabilities, as proposed in this work. The results so obtained are a preliminary set treating the influence of the complementarity characteristics on the performance of hybrid plants based on hydro and solar energies and show how the complementarity characteristics may be used to design hybrid power generation systems showing improved efficiency. The subsequent research work shall proceed to at least two different phases. In the first one, the method exposed in the present work shall be applied to real data and compared to the operation of existing hydro PV plants. In the second phase the obtained relations of the performance of the system to the different degrees of complementarity shall be confronted with design parameters of hydroelectric photovoltaic plants based on complementary resources.
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IEEE Latin America Transactions, Dec 2008
The energy systems based on renewable resources face several acceptance difficulties mainly due t... more The energy systems based on renewable resources face several acceptance difficulties mainly due to high initial costs and to low final incomes. A way to improve the effectiveness of these systems is the use of more than one source of energy, mainly when the employed sources present some type of complementarity. An interesting combination is obtained with the use of hydro and solar energy resources, taking advantage of the complementarity between the two sources and it allows investigation of the storage of energy in water reservoirs and in batteries. The configurations with a DC bus would cover demands of 1kW to 2kW, while configurations involving an AC bus would evidently reach larger powers. This article discusses PV hydro hybrid systems, characterizing some configurations, discussing operation strategies, commenting on the effects of the time complementarity between the energy sources and evaluating that complementarity in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in the south of Brazil. Preliminary estimates of costs are also presented.
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Renewable Energy, Oct 2008
The power plants based on renewable sources face various acceptance difficulties mainly due to hi... more The power plants based on renewable sources face various acceptance difficulties mainly due to high initial costs and low overall efficiencies. A way to improve performance of these systems is to utilize more than one type of source of energy chosen to provide some degree of complementarity. An interesting, albeit improbable, combination is obtained using hydroelectric and photovoltaic energy, taking advantage of the complementarity between these two types of sources coupled to reservoir and/or battery storage. This paper discusses energy complementarity in time and proposes a numerical dimensionless index, evaluating this energy complementarity between two types of energy sources, in the same or in different locations, or between two sources of the same type in different locations. In the end, the results of the application of this index to the solar and water availabilities over the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, is presented in the form of maps.
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Revista Brasiliera de Recursos Hídricos, Mar 2003
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17th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 2001
This paper deals with the question of complementarity between energy resources. The operation and... more This paper deals with the question of complementarity between energy resources. The operation and technical viability of a specific configuration of PV hydro hybrid plants were investigated with regard to the effects of different battery capacities or demand profiles, among others. The performance was investigated from the proposition of an analysis methodology, based on an energetic balance with idealized resources availability, resulting into a comparison parameter (a supply failure index). The data idealization allows to investigate the influence of each parameter, filtering off another effects. The complementarity were evaluated from the proposition of dimensionless mathematical indexes. Expected tendencies, like an increase of failures due to smaller battery capacities and smaller time complementarity, were confirmed by the computational simulations, as well as how small variations of battery dimension, of installed hydro power and of photovoltaic area affects the system performance were also demonstrated by these simulations. The laboratory experiments results in information to define the control of the system, showing how to control the storage and how to insert the hydro power into the dc bus. The aplicability of these kind of energy system was also discussed.
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Papers 2 by Alexandre Beluco
Revista de Gestão de Águas da América Latina, Dec 2012
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SHP News, Mar 2012
The cities of the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul are popular in summer months. One of the conse... more The cities of the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul are popular in summer months. One of the consequences of that populational
seasonality is a great difference among the energy consumptions in the months of summer and in the rest of the year. Those cities are among the coast of Atlantic ocean and the south extremity of the Serra Geral, that is marked by strong topographical level differences and the existence of canyons (some of them rotected in the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra), where could be built reservoirs to a reversible power station. A reversible plant would contribute to improve the capacity factor of the wind turbines recently installed in the area and for the intensification of the use of other renewable energy resources. This article intends to contribute with the identification of three appropriate places for the implantation of reversible plant in the south extremity of the Serra Geral, as part of a process for choosing a final location. It is clear that the subject is controversial, mainly from an nvironmental standpoint, and that a final decision depends of the evaluation of several factors.
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ABRH Notícias, Sep 2002
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Papers 3 by Alexandre Beluco
Computational Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Apr 2013
The differential pricing for peak hours encourages industrial consumers to look for independent p... more The differential pricing for peak hours encourages industrial consumers to look for independent power supplies for the period from 19 to 22 hours. This paper presents a study to identify the optimal solution for a recycled paper mill that also intends to work in that period. The factory is located in Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, and considers the use of a diesel gen set, a micro hydro power plant and possibly PV modules. Two micro hydro power plants were considered in the study, an old plant to be renewed and another to be fully implemented. The software Homer was used as a tool to determine the most feasible combination of components considered in the study. The sale of surplus power to the energy system appears as a key to viability of alternatives that are not based solely on diesel generators. The optimal solution consists of a combination of diesel generators and micro hydro power plant, in one case, and only on hydroelectric power plant in another, with a significant penetration of PV modules if its cost is reduced to 12% of the current price, selling an amount of energy equal to that which is bought. The annual water availability in one of the sites require diesel supplement, while the other, more abundant, this supplement is not necessary.
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International Journal of Photoenergy, Dec 2012
The use of renewable resources for power supply in family homes has passed the stage of utopia to... more The use of renewable resources for power supply in family homes has passed the stage of utopia to became a reality, with limits set by technical and economic parameters. This article presents the results of a project originated from the initiative of a middle class family to achieve energy independence at home. The starting point was the concept of home with "zero energy" in which the total energy available is equal to the energy consumed. The solution devised to meet the energy demand of the residence in question is a PV wind diesel hybrid system connected to the grid, with the possibility of energy storage in batteries and in the form of heating water and the environment of the house. As a restriction, the family requested that the system would represent little impact to the lifestyle and landscape. This article aims to assess the consequences of reductions in the cost of the PV modules on the optimization space, as conceived by the software Homer. The results show that for this system a 50% reduction in the cost of PV modules allow all viable solutions include PV modules.
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Papers 4 by Alexandre Beluco
SHP News, Dec 2008
Because of its maturity, small hydropower generation is one of the main energy sources to be cons... more Because of its maturity, small hydropower generation is one of the main energy sources to be considered for electrification of areas far from the national grid. Once a site with hydropower potential is identified, technical and economical studies to assess its feasibility shall be done. Cost curves are helpful tools in the appraisal of the economical feasibility of this type of projects. This paper presents a method to determine initial cost curves as a function of the average energy production of the hydropower plant, by using a set of parametric cost curves and the flow duration curve at the analyzed location. The method is illustrated using information related to 18 pre-feasibility studies made
in 2002, at the Central-Atlantic rural region of Nicaragua.
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International Water Power and Dam Construction, Dec 2008
ACCESS to electricity is essential for the social and economic development of any country. For ru... more ACCESS to electricity is essential for the social and economic development of any country. For rural areas which are far from a national grid--and where abundant natural resources exist--electricity generation from small scale renewable sources is often the only feasible option. Such sources include solar power, wind power and small hydroelectric power plants.
Khennas and Barnett (2000) reported that small scale hydro power is perhaps the most mature of the renewable energy technologies used in developing countries. Based on their experience in countries such as China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam and Peru, they state that, in certain circumstances, small scale hydro can be profitable in economic terms, while in other cases, unprofitable plants can provide major positive impacts on the life of poor agricultural communities, with minimum disruption to the environment. As such, they may well justify subsidies.
Once a potential hydro site is identified, developers must not only carry out the mandatory technical feasibility evaluation, but should also conduct economic feasibility studies. Such an evaluation must include: available financial resources; tariffs; socio-economic information; and the project's initial cost as a function of its installed capacity.
For the Central American region of Nicaragua--the focus of this paper--the costs per installed kW for small hydro (from 1MW to 5MW) and mini hydro (from 100kW to 1MW) is within a range of US$1500/kW to US$2000/kW, according to the Biomass Users Network (BUN-CA, 2002).
One way to estimate the initial cost of a hydro power project is by using parametric cost functions. These allow us to calculate, preliminarily, the total cost of the project as a function of the basic characteristics of the site (flow duration curve, head, area where the dam will be constructed, etc), while at the same time allowing an analysis of the different configuration options. A good example is the cost of a turbine, which will vary depending on the power output, which of course is linked to the outflow and head of a site.
Another method to estimate initial cost is presented by Bockman et al. (2007). These authors affirm that there is a link between the investment cost and the capacity choice for small hydro projects. Based on information from three small projects in Norway, they were able to establish an exponential relationship between the initial cost of the project and the installed generation capacity. The use of this type of function is useful in scenarios with scarce financial resources, because it allows the developer to determine if the project, as a function of these resources and the characteristics of the market to be served, is able to satisfy the demands of electricity during the project's useful life.
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Reports by Alexandre Beluco
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Papers 1 by Alexandre Beluco
Papers 2 by Alexandre Beluco
seasonality is a great difference among the energy consumptions in the months of summer and in the rest of the year. Those cities are among the coast of Atlantic ocean and the south extremity of the Serra Geral, that is marked by strong topographical level differences and the existence of canyons (some of them rotected in the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra), where could be built reservoirs to a reversible power station. A reversible plant would contribute to improve the capacity factor of the wind turbines recently installed in the area and for the intensification of the use of other renewable energy resources. This article intends to contribute with the identification of three appropriate places for the implantation of reversible plant in the south extremity of the Serra Geral, as part of a process for choosing a final location. It is clear that the subject is controversial, mainly from an nvironmental standpoint, and that a final decision depends of the evaluation of several factors.
Papers 3 by Alexandre Beluco
Papers 4 by Alexandre Beluco
in 2002, at the Central-Atlantic rural region of Nicaragua.
Khennas and Barnett (2000) reported that small scale hydro power is perhaps the most mature of the renewable energy technologies used in developing countries. Based on their experience in countries such as China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam and Peru, they state that, in certain circumstances, small scale hydro can be profitable in economic terms, while in other cases, unprofitable plants can provide major positive impacts on the life of poor agricultural communities, with minimum disruption to the environment. As such, they may well justify subsidies.
Once a potential hydro site is identified, developers must not only carry out the mandatory technical feasibility evaluation, but should also conduct economic feasibility studies. Such an evaluation must include: available financial resources; tariffs; socio-economic information; and the project's initial cost as a function of its installed capacity.
For the Central American region of Nicaragua--the focus of this paper--the costs per installed kW for small hydro (from 1MW to 5MW) and mini hydro (from 100kW to 1MW) is within a range of US$1500/kW to US$2000/kW, according to the Biomass Users Network (BUN-CA, 2002).
One way to estimate the initial cost of a hydro power project is by using parametric cost functions. These allow us to calculate, preliminarily, the total cost of the project as a function of the basic characteristics of the site (flow duration curve, head, area where the dam will be constructed, etc), while at the same time allowing an analysis of the different configuration options. A good example is the cost of a turbine, which will vary depending on the power output, which of course is linked to the outflow and head of a site.
Another method to estimate initial cost is presented by Bockman et al. (2007). These authors affirm that there is a link between the investment cost and the capacity choice for small hydro projects. Based on information from three small projects in Norway, they were able to establish an exponential relationship between the initial cost of the project and the installed generation capacity. The use of this type of function is useful in scenarios with scarce financial resources, because it allows the developer to determine if the project, as a function of these resources and the characteristics of the market to be served, is able to satisfy the demands of electricity during the project's useful life.
Reports by Alexandre Beluco
seasonality is a great difference among the energy consumptions in the months of summer and in the rest of the year. Those cities are among the coast of Atlantic ocean and the south extremity of the Serra Geral, that is marked by strong topographical level differences and the existence of canyons (some of them rotected in the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra), where could be built reservoirs to a reversible power station. A reversible plant would contribute to improve the capacity factor of the wind turbines recently installed in the area and for the intensification of the use of other renewable energy resources. This article intends to contribute with the identification of three appropriate places for the implantation of reversible plant in the south extremity of the Serra Geral, as part of a process for choosing a final location. It is clear that the subject is controversial, mainly from an nvironmental standpoint, and that a final decision depends of the evaluation of several factors.
in 2002, at the Central-Atlantic rural region of Nicaragua.
Khennas and Barnett (2000) reported that small scale hydro power is perhaps the most mature of the renewable energy technologies used in developing countries. Based on their experience in countries such as China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam and Peru, they state that, in certain circumstances, small scale hydro can be profitable in economic terms, while in other cases, unprofitable plants can provide major positive impacts on the life of poor agricultural communities, with minimum disruption to the environment. As such, they may well justify subsidies.
Once a potential hydro site is identified, developers must not only carry out the mandatory technical feasibility evaluation, but should also conduct economic feasibility studies. Such an evaluation must include: available financial resources; tariffs; socio-economic information; and the project's initial cost as a function of its installed capacity.
For the Central American region of Nicaragua--the focus of this paper--the costs per installed kW for small hydro (from 1MW to 5MW) and mini hydro (from 100kW to 1MW) is within a range of US$1500/kW to US$2000/kW, according to the Biomass Users Network (BUN-CA, 2002).
One way to estimate the initial cost of a hydro power project is by using parametric cost functions. These allow us to calculate, preliminarily, the total cost of the project as a function of the basic characteristics of the site (flow duration curve, head, area where the dam will be constructed, etc), while at the same time allowing an analysis of the different configuration options. A good example is the cost of a turbine, which will vary depending on the power output, which of course is linked to the outflow and head of a site.
Another method to estimate initial cost is presented by Bockman et al. (2007). These authors affirm that there is a link between the investment cost and the capacity choice for small hydro projects. Based on information from three small projects in Norway, they were able to establish an exponential relationship between the initial cost of the project and the installed generation capacity. The use of this type of function is useful in scenarios with scarce financial resources, because it allows the developer to determine if the project, as a function of these resources and the characteristics of the market to be served, is able to satisfy the demands of electricity during the project's useful life.