Capacidade de Uso da Energia Eólica em Áreas Rurais de Topografia Complexa via Modelo WRF: um Caso de Estudo em uma Região Montanhosa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Beatriz Rogers Paranhos ,Rafael Henrique Oliveira Rangel ,Reginaldo Ventura De Sá ,Márcio Cataldi

doi:10.11137/2019_3_52_63

Beatriz Rogers Paranhos , Rafael Henrique Oliveira Rangel + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.11137/2019_3_52_63

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Abstract

Encouraged by global environmental agreements, the search for renewable energy production alternatives has been increasing around the world. Although Brazil has a large territory with different natural resources, its energy matrix is highly dependent on the hydraulic source. This paper evaluates the wind power use capacity on the top of hills and mountains, considering the wind potential in these places and so stimulating its development in the country. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was applied to identify the wind resource and to define the best sites to install aerogenerators in the area of the Agricultural Cooperative of Vieira, located in Teresopolis, a mountainous region in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. As small aerogenerators operate close to the ground, and so have lower costs than large ones, the estimated electricity production of a national aerogenerator was compared with the real consumption of a local reference tillage. Despite the poor topography representation, results show that the region has sufficient wind power to provide electricity to the agriculturists throughout the studied period of the year, reducing their production costs. Therefore, it is possible to improve Brazil’s wind energy use in mountainous zones and in the process diversify the country’s energy matrix.

Highlights

The relevance of wind energy potential has increased in recent years in the global scenario due to its promising advantages
The South of Brazil is increasing its participation in the wind power generation, being the second biggest producer in the country
Despite Brazil’s efforts to increase the use of wind energy in its large territory, its energy matrix is highly dependent on the hydraulic source

Summary

Introduction

The relevance of wind energy potential has increased in recent years in the global scenario due to its promising advantages. It is a renewable source, reduces the fossil fuel usage and reduces the greenhouse gases and other pollutants emission into the atmosphere. The wind, considered as a renewable source, is characterized by only low levels of indirect carbon emissions, being considered an interesting alternative for fossil fuels (Fang, 2014; Aso & Cheung, 2015). In Brazil, wind energy reached 7633 Mega Watts (MW) of installed capacity in 2015, resulting in a growth of 56.2% compared to 2014. The South of Brazil is increasing its participation in the wind power generation, being the second biggest producer in the country. The Southeast has a little contribution to the sector, while the North and the Midwest still not generating electricity from wind power (EPE, 2016)

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