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Pico-hydro systems: microgrid-connection approaches

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Small hydropower systems are considered an environmentally friendly energy option. They have a huge untapped potential which allows them to make a more significant contribution to future energy demand with many advantages. The integration of pico-hydro systems into microgrids is an emerging solution for the electrification of remote areas and for self-sustainable power systems. This paper presents and discusses the three main grid connection approaches for pico-hydro systems focused on the integration in small microgrids: using specifically designed power converters, using standard wind inverters and using standard photovoltaic inverters. These latest approaches based on conventional inverters are able to explore a large amount of feasible sites with low-head and very low-head. They improve efficiencies, reduce costs and environmental impacts and improve reliability. Experimental evaluation of the performance in steady-state and in dynamic conditions proves the feasibility of these innovative approaches.
Autores principais:Leite, V.
Outros Autores:Ferreira, Ângela P.; Couto, José; Batista, José
Assunto:Pico-hydro systems Microgrids Distributed generation PV inverters Wind inverters
Ano:2016
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:comunicação em conferência
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Descrição
Resumo:Small hydropower systems are considered an environmentally friendly energy option. They have a huge untapped potential which allows them to make a more significant contribution to future energy demand with many advantages. The integration of pico-hydro systems into microgrids is an emerging solution for the electrification of remote areas and for self-sustainable power systems. This paper presents and discusses the three main grid connection approaches for pico-hydro systems focused on the integration in small microgrids: using specifically designed power converters, using standard wind inverters and using standard photovoltaic inverters. These latest approaches based on conventional inverters are able to explore a large amount of feasible sites with low-head and very low-head. They improve efficiencies, reduce costs and environmental impacts and improve reliability. Experimental evaluation of the performance in steady-state and in dynamic conditions proves the feasibility of these innovative approaches.