Technical-economic evaluation to integrate a solar photovoltaic with biomass thermoelectric plants

Abstract

Biomass used to be a serious problem and caused several environmental impacts but it is currently lacking in some industrial units. Along with this condition, the accelerated growth of photovoltaic technology in the country due to its strong environmental appeal, cheaper equipment and the prominent position of Brazil in terms of solar potential has made this energy source a very competitive option for use in a hybrid way with other generation forms. This study presents a data analysis of a Biomass Thermoelectric Power Plant operating in Araporã, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Herein, a photovoltaic system is dimensioned with the plant working within its project conditions and analyzes are carried out on electricity generation from this technology and its impacts on the company’s financial income, focusing on correcting or mitigating a large part of the deficit problems in electric power generation faced by the company. This article conducts a study on the economic feasibility of installing a photovoltaic solar plant to operate in conjunction with a Biomass Thermoelectric Power Plant, presenting data that proves that this investment is capable of reducing the biomass consumption from sugarcane bagasse and reaching minimum export surpluses.