Evaluation of the hydraulic potential with hydrokinetic turbines for isolated systems in locations of the Amazon region. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henrique da Costa Oliveira, Carlos; de Lourdes Cavalcanti Barros, Maria; Alves Castelo Branco, David; Soria, Rafael; Cesar Colonna Rosman, Paulo
• Is Part Of: Sustainable energy technologies and assessments. Volume 45(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Renewable energy -- Energy of river currents -- Isolated system -- Hydrodynamic modeling -- Theoretical potential -- Geographical potential -- Technical potential -- Market potential; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Electric power production -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2021.101079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-1388

Abstract

Highlights: This study elaborates a methodology to quantify and / or qualify the theoretical, geographic, technical and market potentials of an extensive stretch of the Amazon River. It provides important technical inputs to guide and encourage the development of hydrokinetic technology in the Brazilian Amazon and places with similar environmental conditions, where the energy systems are isolated, with diesel power plants and communities without access to the electrical service. It contributes to the formulation of public policies to implement hydrokinetic technology in isolated systems. Abstract: In Brazil, the Amazon River has a high potential to harness hydraulic energy to generate electricity. This article presents a methodology to quantify the hydraulic potential for the hydrokinetic technology of the Amazon River's segments, identifying and calculating the theoretical, geographic, technical and market potential of the places. The methodology uses the hydrodynamic behavior of the river as a base, using the computational code called SisBaHiA® to evaluate the potential in large segments of the Amazon River. It provides important technical inputs to guide the development of hydrokinetic technology in the Brazilian Amazon, where most of the systems are isolated, with diesel power plants (without access to the National Interconnected System) or communities without access to the power grids. It presents original and historical data in the characterization of the river that reflect the persistence of velocity. Our results indicate great potential for its development, as there is theoretical potential 12, 028 MW, geographic 4.77 MW/km 2, technical 1, 479 MW and market 626 MW, where it would be possible to generate 7, 969 GWh of renewable electricity and 909.72 MW of firm energy. This study contributes to the formulation of public policies to implement hydrokinetic technology for isolated systems in these and other places with similar environmental conditions.