Evaluation of Energy Complementarity Between Wind, Solar and Water Resources in the Municipality of Lages (Santa Catarina, Brazil)

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate the energy complementarity between hydro, wind, and solar resources, and size a wind system and a photovoltaic system to meet the same production of the CGH Caveiras, (Lages/SC). Methods: Wind and solar systems were sized in order to meet the production of CGH Caveiras, from commercial models of equipment and considering data from 2017 to 2019. To assess complementary, data from the same period were obtained from the river monitoring station of ANA and the meteorological station of INMET. Results and Conclusion: In order to meet the demand of CGH Caveiras, only 1 medium sized wind turbine or 915 photovoltaic modules of the chosen models for the study would be necessary, and both systems could be used to compensate for periods of low hydroelectric production. The complementarity was confirmed through Pearson coefficients, where -0.39 was obtained between hydro and wind, and -0.32 between hydro and solar. Temporal complementarity indices, in turn, indicate complementarity between hydro and solar (κhs = 0.778) and between hydro and wind (κhe = 0.611). Research Implications: Both wind and solar resources exhibit complementarity with the hydro patterns of the study area, and either of the proposed systems, wind or photovoltaic solar, could be used in a hybrid manner with the existing hydroelectric system, especially during periods of droughts. Originality/value: Considering the scarcity of energy complementarity studies in Santa Catarina, as well as the impact of climate change on the hydrological regime and hydroelectric power generation, research of this nature is essential for the region’s energy security.