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Energy potential and economic analysis of hydrokinetic turbines implementation in rivers: An approach using numerical predictions (CFD) and experimental data

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  • Santos, Ivan Felipe Silva dos
  • Camacho, Ramiro Gustavo Ramirez
  • Tiago Filho, Geraldo Lúcio
  • Botan, Antonio Carlos Barkett
  • Vinent, Barbara Amoeiro

Abstract

One of the main challenges for river-based hydrokinetic power plant development is the difficulty in estimating system energy potential and economic viability. The present study proposes and applies a methodology to estimate hydrokinetic potential of two rivers located in the Amazon River basin. The methodology is based on numerical simulations of rivers using ANSYS CFX software with the aid of experimental data such as bathymetry, along with data collected in flow measurement campaigns to study maximum velocity points and turbine configuration planning within regions of the rivers’ cross-sections. Based on these analyses, factors such as the number of turbines, energy potential and economic viability (considering uncertainties) could be estimated. The power generated in the studied power plants was 109.5 and 31.5 Kw, while the levelized cost of electricity varied between 80 and 125 USD/MWh. These values were generally noncompetitive compared to other renewable sources in Brazil. The inclusion of hydrokinetic energy production in the distributed generation market and the use of this technology in isolated Amazonian communities can increase economic viability.

Suggested Citation

  • Santos, Ivan Felipe Silva dos & Camacho, Ramiro Gustavo Ramirez & Tiago Filho, Geraldo Lúcio & Botan, Antonio Carlos Barkett & Vinent, Barbara Amoeiro, 2019. "Energy potential and economic analysis of hydrokinetic turbines implementation in rivers: An approach using numerical predictions (CFD) and experimental data," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 648-662.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:143:y:2019:i:c:p:648-662
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.05.018
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    1. Ridgill, Michael & Neill, Simon P. & Lewis, Matt J. & Robins, Peter E. & Patil, Sopan D., 2021. "Global riverine theoretical hydrokinetic resource assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 654-665.
    2. Thais Faria Costa & Ivan Felipe Silva Santos & Geraldo Lúcio Tiago Filho & Regina Mambeli Barros & Rosana Teixeira Miranda, 2021. "Optimum hydropower potential study on nine Brazilian drainage basins using a numerical algorithm," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 1729-1758, February.
    3. de Oliveira, Lucas & Santos, Ivan Felipe Silva dos & Schmidt, Nágila Lucietti & Tiago Filho, Geraldo Lúcio & Camacho, Ramiro Gustavo Ramirez & Barros, Regina Mambeli, 2021. "Economic feasibility study of ocean wave electricity generation in Brazil," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 1279-1290.

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