Save water and energy: A techno‐economic analysis of a floating solar photovoltaic system to power a water integration project in the Brazilian semiarid

Abstract

This paper proposes the use of a floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) power plant as an alternative renewable energy resource for the San Francisco River Integration Project (SFIP), which aims to deliver water to 12 million people in the Brazilian semiarid. The SFIP requires considerable amounts of energy in a region that has had increasing electricity costs and consumption of water in the past decade. By simulating an FSPV power plant at the System Advisor Model (SAM) using techniques and parameters of real FSPV projects, the results demonstrated the techno-economic feasibility of this technology linked to the SFIP. The economic outcomes are positive net present value (NPV), $2.8 million, and a payback varying from 10.5 to 11.7 years. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $32.17/MWh is smaller than the current energy rates paid by the SFIP administrator, and the water costs to final consumers could be reduced by 40%. In addition, the FSPV's capacity factor was 21.1%, and the system could minimize water evaporation from one of the SFIP's reservoirs by 16.7%. The system can also create revenues for the San Francisco and Parnaiba Valleys Development Company (CODEVASF) by trading the excess of electricity with the grid. This paper also analyses the FSPV's environmental impacts and its relevance under the water-energy nexus in the Brazilian Northeast. The FSPV could minimize the SFIP's operational costs, avoid environmental impacts, and improve the efficiency of water and energy management. Such components are crucial when analyzing the water-energy nexus in such a region, marked by strong competition for water access and long periods of drought.

Environmental and technical impacts of floating photovoltaic plants as an emerging clean energy technology

“…Droughts, heatwaves, and reduced precipitations because of climate change can significantly reduce the water levels of the hydroelectric dam, which jeopardies energy production. Hydropower integrated FPVs could mitigate this challenge by co-producing clean energy and reducing water evaporation that helps the water scarcity as well ( da Costa and da Silva, 2021 ).…”

Experimental investigation on a standalone battery‐less single‐phase photovoltaic desalination system

“…Over the years, researchers have conducted many studies on the various combinations of photovoltaic systems with water treatments 6,7 . For example, in another study, Costa et al investigated the floating PV panels as the power source for desalination in Brazil 8 . Both technical and economic aspects have been reviewed.…”

“…Both technical and economic aspects have been reviewed. They proved this technique reduces the customers' cost by 40% 8 . Using the indirect heat pump in the HDH process has been introduced in 9 and thermodynamic analysis has been analyzed.…”

“…6,7 For example, in another study, Costa et al investigated the floating PV panels as the power source for desalination in Brazil. 8 Both technical and economic aspects have been reviewed. They proved this technique reduces the customers' cost by 40%.…”

“…They proved this technique reduces the customers' cost by 40%. 8 Using the indirect heat pump in the HDH process has been introduced in 9 and thermodynamic analysis has been analyzed. Jradi et al studied an integrated thermoelectricphotovoltaic system for air dehumidification and fresh water production for residential areas.…”