A new tool was developed that seeks to maximize energy production by combining wind and solar generation. This innovative solution aims to make the most of natural resources and optimize energy efficiency.
The University of Murcia in collaboration with the CSIC has developed a methodology that identifies areas where the combination of sun and wind offers a more stable energy production, with less fluctuations.
This research is of great relevance for the energy sector, as it allows locating the most favorable regions for the efficient use of these renewable resources.
Thanks to the system called Climax, it is possible to plan the location and shared use of renewable energy sources, which contributes to increasing the stability of the electricity supply.
Wind and solar energy combined to produce energy
Renewable energies, especially wind and solar, play a crucial role in the transition to emission-free energy systems to combat climate change. They are considered a key solution to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite the benefits they offer, the integration of renewable energy systems into development plans can be limited. This is due to intermittent production, which is subject to variable weather conditions.
To face this challenge, an international study led by researchers from the University of Murcia and the Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform (PTI) Climate and Climate Services of the CSIC proposed a strategy based on the analysis of the natural variability of resources. an efficient deployment of wind and solar photovoltaic installations. This strategy aims to optimize the space-time complementarity between both energies and minimize fluctuations in the joint production of both energy sources.
Free access to the Climax planning tool
Upon completion of the research, a tool called Climax was developed and is freely available. This tool was created to put the results obtained into practice and provide free access to all interested parties. The model in question is able to identify areas where the availability of solar and wind resources varies similarly over time. From this information, the best relationships between the two technologies in these regions are determined. In other words, you must identify the places where you can make the most of solar and wind energy collectively rather than individually.
Researchers have found that strategically locating wind and solar power facilities can reduce monthly anomalies in total electricity production by up to 60%. This means that by finding the ideal location for each technology, more consistent and efficient generation of renewable energy can be ensured.
Pilot project for efficient energy production
Although this application is still in the experimental and pilot phase, its development represents a significant advance compared to previous work that focused only on academic research on the complementarity of both energies.
“We present a new methodology based on climate science to reduce the unwanted intermittency of joint solar and wind generation, with the aim of assisting in planning the implementation of new renewable production units”, explain the researchers in the article published in the journal future of the earth.
The experts recommend that the analyzed European regions take measures in their energy policies to increase the deployment of solar installations. This would help to reduce monthly variability in the combined production of wind and solar energy. “The benefits would be enormous, especially for the regions of southern Europe and on a continental level”, they conclude.
With information from: Superior Council for Scientific Research (csic.es)