Evaluation of the solar power potential of a hybrid CSP plant in Brazil: a case-study of Pirapora - MG

Willian Mendes Ferreira¹; Leonardo de Paula Silva Ferreira¹; Selson Gomes Carias Júnior¹; Matheus Pereira Porto¹

¹ UFMG

doi:10.20906/CPS/COB-2015-1254

Resumo

Generation of electricity in Brazil depends mostly on hydroelectricity, which makes the country vulnerable to severe droughts. To reduce this dependence it is necessary to support the research on other sources of energy, as solar energy. This paper evaluates the generation and distribution of thermal solar power in Brazil. We simulate a hybrid CSP-TES in the North of Minas Gerais. The power output obtained indicates that the CSP is a reliable system and would provide constant power, either for winter, when solar availability is lower, also for the summer when higher variability is present. We conclude that CSP plants have space for development in Brazil, because the country has a high incidence of solar radiation and CSP's have high dispatchability and potential to integrate with hydroelectric generation.

Palavras-chave: renewable energy; solar energy; CSP plant; TES