Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1750593 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2013 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of wind power and solar energy to supply electricity to the grid during peak demand periods in the Northeast of Brazil. To achieve this objective, a comparative analysis is performed between the electricity load curve for a typical year and a typical day and statistical data for wind speed and solar irradiation. The results obtained indicate that correlations exist and renewable energy can help support regional temporal demand in the existing electricity grid in an efficient and more environmentally friendly manner than fossil fuel power plants. Another interesting finding was the complementarity between hydroelectricity (the region's main energy resource) and wind and solar energy. That is, in the months of the dry season (when the cost of energy is more expensive) there is a greater availability of wind and solar energy. This makes investments in these two renewable sources more economically viable and also helps to diversify the electricity grid power supply, securing it against the effects of droughts.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
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