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Storage systems allow the combined use of several renewable energy sources. Lactec, one of the largest research, technology and innovation centers in Brazil, presents three innovation projects: solar generation microgrid, photovoltaic energy storage and expanding access to renewable energy.
According to a report by the consulting firm McKinsey, to carry out the energy transition and the economic inclusion of the Brazilian population over the next decade, something around 10% of the national GDP, about 1.7 trillion dollars, would be needed. However, half of this value corresponds to the growth of the productive sector and innovation.
Energy storage is a fundamental pillar for the energy transition and one of the biggest challenges in the fight against climate change. This is because the generation of clean energy depends on fluctuations caused by wind, sun and water, requiring support to be stored and offer greater efficiency and security to the system.
“Ensuring safe forms of energy storage is essential to guarantee a safe energy transition process in addition to allowing the combined use of various renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and water, for example,” explains Carlos Eduardo Ribas, commercial director of Lactec, one of the largest research, technology and innovation centers in Brazil. “With storage at peak times, the trend is for a change in rates to occur, which will translate into cheaper energy in the future,” says Ribas in a press release.
Lactec participated in energy storage system applications in Brazil in different configurations:
Solar generation microgrid
The community of Xique-Xique, in the municipality of Remanso (state of Bahia), received the installation of the first and largest 100% sustainable microgrid in Brazil. Powered by a centralized system with solar energy and battery storage. The technological development was led by Lactec researchers in the Aneel – National Electric Energy Agency R&D project, led by Neoenergia.
Generation in the community is exclusively solar, with the capacity to serve 103 consumer units, and the batteries guarantee supply for 48 hours, when there is not enough solar radiation for maximum efficiency of the modules. In addition to its originality, the project involves the simulation of microgrids to evaluate the application of supercapacitors.
Photovoltaic energy storage
Fernando de Noronha (Pernambuco) received a storage system to expand photovoltaic generation and reduce dependence on the diesel thermal power plant. The R&D project (PD – 00043-0516/2016) was carried out in collaboration with Neoenergia. The implementation of the system will also help reduce the use of diesel fuel, contributing to the preservation of the local environment.
The objective of the project is to find efficient and effective solutions to store and manage the energy generated from two solar systems. Previously, the archipelago did not have a solution capable of retaining the accumulation of resources generated during the day. In addition, distributors can also reduce intermittencies generated by renewable sources and help supply energy during peak demand.
Expand access to renewable energy
In the Energisa Groups Ilumina Pantanal project (PD-0404-1609/2016), Lactec developed a methodology to expand access to renewable energy. The project developed a way to supply energy through individual solar photovoltaic generation systems and storage of surpluses in lithium batteries.
The project was based on studies that indicated the best alternative for the electrification of the isolated regions of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, considering technical, economic and environmental aspects. In addition, the performance of the generation and storage systems was evaluated to improve efficiency and extend the useful life of the batteries. In total, the project reached more than two thousand families. |
