Hybrid System Assessment in On-Grid and Off-Grid Conditions: A Technical and Economical Approach

Jonathan Muñoz Tabora,Bruno S. de Albuquerque,Carlos Eduardo Moreira Rodrigues,Edson Ortiz de Matos,Ulisses Carvalho Paixão Júnior,Andréia Antloga do Nascimento,Ubiratan Holanda Bezerra,Maria Emília de Lima Tostes

doi:10.3390/en14175284

Jonathan Muñoz Tabora, Bruno S. de Albuquerque + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175284

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Abstract

Photovoltaic systems can strengthen the energy matrix aiming at energy sustainability, however, their intermittence, the availability time frame and seasonality effects are complicating aspects for the operation of these systems. To mitigate such problems, a possible measure is the operation of hybrid systems (HS) associated with storage systems to meet the energy demand. This study presents real operational scenarios for the management of a hybrid mini-grid installed in the Amazon region in Brazil, capable of managing energy supply and demand, changing the generation curve, reducing fossil fuel consumption and energy costs, in addition to providing flexibility and operational safety to the electrical operating under on-grid or off-grid conditions. Through technical and economic analyses, the objective of this study is to show that hybrid systems can be implemented in small and medium consumers, in addition to generating a new market option for utilities. This research evaluates the operation of HS concurrently with the electrical grid and the results show that the system meets the technical requirements, in addition to bringing financial and ecological benefits. This information can support the decisions of consumers, utilities and energy operators for the development of the national market for on-grid and off-grid HS.

Highlights

Over the past few years, the Brazilian energy matrix has been expanding its capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources
Based on the results presented it is possible to conclude on the economic benefits that the implementation of the hybrid systems brings to CEAMAZON and to University of Pará (UFPA)
This paper presented an evaluation of a real hybrid system operation which is installed in the Amazon region of Brazil, composed of a utility grid, photovoltaic generation systems, energy storage system and diesel generator (DG), under both on-grid and off-grid operating conditions

Summary

Introduction

Over the past few years, the Brazilian energy matrix has been expanding its capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources. Given the vast territorial extension of Brazil, it is possible to identify regions of low and medium latitudes, with different patterns of precipitation and temperature. According to [3,4], it is possible to visualize the monthly variation of irradiation in different regions in Brazil, showing its large solar photovoltaic generation capacity at any time of the year, despite the variation in its intensity In Brazil, the average annual temperature ranges from 18 ◦ C to 29 ◦ C in a large part of the territory, with higher average values observed in the North and Northeast regions, so that, in these regions, the maximum temperature averages reach values as high 33 ◦ C in December [2].

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