Design and control strategies for a modular hydroKinetic smart grid

Álvarez, Eduardo Álvarez; Rico-Secades, M.; Corominas, E.L.; Huerta-Medina, N.; Guitart, Joan Soler

doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.08.019

Cited by 18 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…However, there are hydrokinetic devices, such as the VIVACE (Vortex Induced Vibrations for Aquatic Clean Energy) system, that take advantage of the VIV (Vortex Induced Vibrations) generated in oscillating cylinders, which have a cut-in velocity of about 0.4 m/s [3]. Unlike wind turbines, which can operate at a wind speed of~11-13 m/s, the free stream velocity for hydrokinetic turbines is about 3 m/s [61,62]. Higher velocities may damage the blades and cause failure [63].…”

Section: Current Energy Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the Marine Energy Resources of Mexico

Hernández-Fontes

Felix

Mendoza

et al. 2019

JMSE

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The Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico offer a variety of marine energy sources for exploitation. Although the Mexican government has made important efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, national participation in clean energies is still limited in terms of electricity production. This paper presents a practical theoretical assessment of marine energy sources around Mexico, with the aim of identifying potential zones for subsequent, more detailed, technical evaluations and project implementations. The energy sources considered are ocean currents, waves, salinity, and thermal gradients. Using global databases, the percentages of energy availability for the defined thresholds were computed to establish the prospective regions with the most persistent power availability. This approach proved to offer more meaningful information than simple averaged values. Moreover, some environmental and socio-economic factors to be considered for future ocean energy resource assessments in Mexico were also discussed. The results show that the wave energy potential is highest in the northwest of Mexico (~2–10 kW/m for more than 50% of the time), and that there is a constant source of ocean current energy off Quintana Roo state (~32–215 W/m2 for more than 50% of the time). The thermal gradient power is more persistent in the southwest and southeast of the country, where ~100–200 MW can be found 70% of the time. The salinity gradient energy is strongest in the southeast of Mexico. The practical approach presented here can be extended to perform preliminary resources assessments in regions where information is scarce.

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Section: Current Energy Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the Marine Energy Resources of Mexico

Hernández-Fontes

Felix

Mendoza

et al. 2019

JMSE

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“…2 ). The design is based on low-cost components (rotor, generator and axis) which have helped simplify to a large degree the process of procurement of electrical power (Alvarez Alvarez et al 2018 ). With this in mind, permanent magnet generators (PMG) (Chinchilla et al 2006 ) have been selected to optimize the efficiency and cost of the electrical stages as well as to facilitate the implementation of control strategies.…”

Section: Research Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrodynamic water tunnel for characterization of hydrokinetic microturbines designs

Álvarez-Álvarez

Rico-Secades

Fernández-Jiménez

et al. 2020

Clean Techn Environ Policy

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The enormous inroads made by renewable energy in recent years have been the key to the development of new technologies designed to obtain energy from a range of resources. Hydrokinetic microturbines used to harness kinetic energy from rivers, tidal and marine currents epitomize such developments. As the reservoir is dispensed with, the water footprint normally associated with conventional hydroelectric generation is minimized. The new prototypes being developed require laboratories with water tunnel infrastructures where they can be accurately reproduced under controlled conditions. However, the construction of a water tunnel demands considerable investment, which prevents many research groups from completing their prototype design work. This paper charts the design of a low-cost hydrodynamic water tunnel at the University of Oviedo, indicating the mechanical and electronic elements as well as the software developments that make up the facility. This construction is a part of a research strategy focused on making the study of new hydrokinetic microturbines designs economically feasible. Moreover, it includes a description of a special software application used to perform the characterization of a hydrokinetic microturbine model in the water tunnel and a demonstration of the scope of the facility in the experimental study of a unit with a Darrieus rotor.

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“…In parallel, the deployment of more important production units can be intuitively done by connecting several stream current turbines with each others. Alvarez Alvarez et al [30] suggest a concept of hydrokinetic smart grid (KSG) powered by hydrokinetic micro turbines arranged on line. A full description of each module (mechanical conception, hydraulic power feature, electrical power and control strategies) is included, and the functionality and economic feasibility of the system are illustrated in the case of an installation in Spain.…”

Section: Recp Technological Development Prospectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

River and Estuary Current Power Overview

Flambard

Feld

Benbouzid

et al. 2019

JMSE

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This paper presents a review of the stream current power sector, with a distinction made between the marine (MCP) and the river/estuary current power (RECP). Although scientific literature about MCP is actually well defined, that about RECP seems small, though this domain has some research interest. This paper has thus a special emphasis on this latter, with comparative studies done between these domains. The assessment of the academic and industrial interests for the RECP is first addressed, based on two main scientific resources and a qualitative highlight of its potential. Then, a review of actual constraints restricting its development is introduced, followed by a non-exhaustive presentation of industrial projects. Finally, some development prospects allowing constraints to be mitigated are proposed. Globally, MCP and RECP are treated unconcernedly, with a primary interest on the mechanical converter study and the location energy potential estimation. It has been highlighted that countries with RECP potential are more plentiful, and that undertaken projects can be classified mainly into two categories following the nominal power of the production unit. Furthermore, the river current power growth has been confirmed in recent years, with a majority part of patented hydrokinetic technologies, although commercial deployments are still scarce.

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Design and control strategies for a modular hydroKinetic smart grid

Cited by 18 publications

References 23 publications

On the Marine Energy Resources of Mexico

On the Marine Energy Resources of Mexico

Hydrodynamic water tunnel for characterization of hydrokinetic microturbines designs

River and Estuary Current Power Overview

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