In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and the global push for sustainable energy, a novel solution is emerging that could revolutionize the way we think about electricity generation. Mykola Dyvak, a researcher from the Department of Computer Science at West Ukrainian National University, has proposed an integrated system that combines the strengths of solar and small hydropower plants, offering a promising approach to enhance energy stability and efficiency.
Dyvak’s concept, detailed in a recent study published in Energies, focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship between a small hydropower plant (SHPP) and a solar power plant (SPP). The SHPP operates as a pumped-storage hydropower plant, using solar-generated electricity to pump water to an upper reservoir during the day. This stored water can then be released to generate electricity during peak demand periods or when solar energy is not available.
“The idea is to leverage the complementary nature of solar and hydropower,” Dyvak explains. “Solar energy is abundant during the day but varies with weather conditions. By integrating it with a pumped-storage hydropower system, we can store excess solar energy and use it to generate electricity when it’s needed most.”
The methodology proposed by Dyvak involves developing interval models to describe the electricity generation processes of both the SHPP and SPP. These models account for various factors such as head difference, reactive power, water level in the reservoir, and daily solar energy generation. By using a hybrid method that combines a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior of bee colonies with gradient-based methods, Dyvak and his team have successfully identified and validated these models.
One of the key advantages of this integrated system is its ability to address the intermittency issues associated with solar power. “The main problem with solar energy is the accumulation of generated electricity to balance the operating modes of the power system,” Dyvak notes. “By integrating it with a pumped-storage hydropower system, we can ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply.”
To validate their concept, Dyvak and his team selected the “Topolky” SHPP on the Strypa River in the Ternopil region. They proposed installing an additional 100 kW SPP adjacent to the existing SHPP, which has two turbines with capacities of 70 kW and 90 kW. The SPP, consisting of 193 solar panels covering an area of 500 m2, would generate electricity during daylight hours, powering pumps to transfer water to the upper reservoir.
The results of their study, published in Energies, showed that during the summer period, the SPP can generate more than 308 kWh per day, while in the winter, this value decreases to approximately 200 kWh per day. The required volume of water to be pumped into the upper reservoir was calculated to be 19,800 m3 in summer, enabling an increase in daily electricity production at the “Topolky” SHPP by up to 183 kW. During periods of reduced hydro resource availability, the proposed approach could allow for a 25% increase in electricity generation at the SHPP.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are significant. As countries worldwide seek to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources, the integration of solar and hydropower offers a viable and effective approach. This combination allows for the maximization of renewable energy sources and ensures a stable electricity supply, particularly during peak demand periods.
Moreover, the flexibility and stability of the proposed system make it an attractive option for commercial applications. Energy companies could invest in these integrated systems to enhance their energy portfolios, reduce their carbon footprint, and meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the work of researchers like Mykola Dyvak will play a crucial role in shaping the future of electricity generation. By leveraging the strengths of solar and hydropower, we can create a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The integration of solar and hydropower, as proposed by Dyvak, offers a promising path forward, one that could redefine the way we think about energy production and consumption.
