Feasibility study of a PV hydro hybrid system, with photovoltaic panels on floating structures

Abstract

This paper intends to contribute, presenting a feasibility study for the implementation of a PV hydro hybrid system in Laranjeiras dam, in southern Brazil, with photovoltaic panels on floating structures. The study was carried out using software HOMER, which exported 8 760 annual values of solar radiation for the city of Três Coroas, and the power to be generated by the hydroelectric plant was determined from 8 760 hourly values of the Canastra turbinated flow, which were made available by CEEE. The study determined that the operation of the hybrid system would be optimal, by installing a hydroelectric plant at the foot of the dam, with 1 497 kW of installed capacity, operating with photovoltaic panels on the dam's water mirror, with a minimum capacity of 180 kW installed, and with 400 kW as a limit to purchase and sale energy to grid, to meet consumer demand up to 40 MWh/d. This combination would result in an initial cost of US $ 3 984 885 / kW and an energy cost of US $ 0.026 / kWh.