Energy generation by renewable hybrid sources with pumped storage

Abstract

With the increase in the use of renewable sources, the need for energy storage becomes important to ensure that energy generation can meet the demand for electricity. This work aims to explore the potential of energy generation and storage existing in hydroelectric plants and dams. The case of Tucuruí is analyzed, in which the locks and the islands formed in the upper reservoir offer the opportunity to implement renewable systems. In a literature review, similar systems existing in the southern hemisphere are researched, with emphasis on the cases of Brazil and Africa. For the locks, initially, the feasibility of implementing a solar with pumped storage hybrid system is evaluated, comparing it with a purely photovoltaic proposal. In sequence, an optimized system is proposed considering the tariff differences provided in the rules of the Brazilian electricity sector. On the studied island, the advantages of using pump as turbines as a means of energy production and storage are analyzed. The cases studied showed interesting results from a technical and economic point of view, presenting below average payback times, reduced initial investments and ease of maintenance. The physical structure of the already existing locks and dams is favorable to systems of this nature, demonstrating that the expansion of waterway transport in Brazil and in the world must be planned to provide energy storage in sync with renewable generation sources.