A Argan, which operates with grain storage and silage, located in the municipality of Cabeceira Grande (MG), is investing in a hybrid solution, which integrates solar and diesel energy, to achieve energy autonomy and cost reduction.
According to Adriano Coury, executive director of Solar Enerji, the company responsible for the project, the generator consumes, average, 600 liters of diesel per day to maintain silo operations.
With integrated photovoltaic technology, generator started to consume 180 liters, i.e. savings of 70% (420 liters). “With an average value of R$6,30 per liter, there is a savings of R$58.212".
“Regarding the connection with the concessionaire under a zero grid regime, the monthly savings projection is R$40.950”, calculated Coury.
According to him, as the site does not have a connection to the CEMIG network and the operation was carried out using a generator group, the integration between solar and generator enabled an increase in the economic viability of the project.
“With the amount saved, the resources are being used to expand the operation and build eight new conical silos to store grains over the next five years,” he projected.
Other project features
In total, they used a thousand 450 W modules from Canadian Solar, three Fronius Tauro Eco inverters of 100 kW each to install the plant, which has 450 kWp.
In addition, the project has a 500 kVA GCV – Gerafort generator set and a DEIF AGC 150 Hybrid – Genset and PV Controller current controller. The works began on 09/05/2022 and ended on 28/08/2022.
“The plant’s annual generation is 702 MWh, contributing to the reduction of 8,78 tons of CO2 in the atmosphere per year”, emphasized the executive.
“One of the main aspects to highlight is the energy autonomy achieved with this system. Now, our customers no longer need to depend exclusively on an energy concessionaire”, he pointed out.
“Combining solar PV with a diesel generator set gives them a reliable and continuous power source, even in remote areas or in emergency situations. This energy independence brings peace of mind and security, guaranteeing the full functioning of operations even in adverse situations”, highlighted Adriano Coury.
Furthermore, he stated that the implementation of this system results in considerable savings in financial resources. “By prioritizing the use of solar energy for 70% of total electricity supply, our customers experience a significant reduction in operating costs.”
“However, financial savings are not the only benefit of this solution. By adopting a hybrid generation system, we are directly contributing to the preservation of the environment,” he added.
“Solar energy is clean, renewable and does not emit pollutants, unlike the exclusive use of diesel generators in a scenario where energy is not available from the concessionaire, as is the case”, highlighted the executive director of Solar Enerji.
pioneer project
Coury also commented that this project was a pioneer in Brazil with the integration of Fronius Tauro 100 kW and a diesel generator. “It was a robust project, characterized by t collaboration between manufacturers and Solar Enerji, aiming to design an innovative topology configuration, which will be accessible as a model by manufacturers in future projects of a similar nature”, he commented.
“Our specialized team is prepared to offer all the necessary , from system installation and maintenance to training for proper operation. We are committed to empowering our customers and sharing technical knowledge so they can fully realize the benefits of this advanced system,” he concluded.
An answer
Good Morning!
A great initiative by the company, not injecting 8,78 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere per year!
Congratulations!
I would like to better understand how this hybrid solution technology works.
My question is: as there is no CEMIG connection at the location, where the energy is stored?
Or is it consumed as soon as it is produced?
Congratulations also on the report!