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This paper presents the artificial water inflow created by the photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal (ST) generator which pumps it into the upper water/energy storage of pump storage hydroelectric (PSH) for continuous green energy production. Formulas have been derived for the calculation of artificial water inflow created by the PV and ST generator, as well as the general formula for calculating the artificial water inflow created by solar energy and formulas for calculating the corresponding energy, all in order to assess the site location suitability for solar hydro system applications. In order to verify the obtained formulas, two sites were observed at typical climate areas, i.e. Mediterranean (Vis, 1575 kWh/my) and Continental (Osijek, 1262 kWh/my) climate of Croatia, and as expected, the PV generator provides more stable time series in both climates than the ST generator that creates high energy dissipation and therefore less reliable energy production, particularly in the areas with Continental climate. Compatibility analysis of natural and artificial water inflows, with the use of a small water reservoir, showed that the PV-PSH system can ensure a continuous supply of energy throughout the whole year, while winter energy shortages in the ST-PSH system can be solved by using a larger reservoir. The obtained results show that the integrated solar-hydro system is efficient and desirable in terms of achieving goals related to the increase of green energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the characteristics of a power plant that combines renewable energy sources (RES), that is, a photovoltaic (PV) power plant and pump storage hydroelectric (PSH), to achieve sustainable production of green electric energy equal to that of conventional energy sources. The proposed solution does not produce CO2 and does not significantly use freshwater or other resources. The PSH storage is the main element of the proposed power plant system, which provides a continuous and reliable supply of green energy. Its size significantly affects the size of the PV generator and operation characteristics of the hybrid plant. The paper elaborates in detail the functional relationship between the choice of the PV generator power and the PSH upper storage volume and presents the basic mathematical relations. The algorithm of the system development is presented, along with the procedure choice solutions. The results from the case study show that the concept is flexible in design, construction, and operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents a new type of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) suitable for exploitation watercourse with periodical-temporary water flow. This innovative solution consist of Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) and solar Photovoltaic (PV) generator working together as one hybrid power plant, producing green energy with the same characteristics as classical hydroelectric plants. The main objective of this hybrid solution is achievement of optimal renewable energy production in order to increase the share of RES in an Electricity Power System (EPS). As a paradigm of such exploitation of RES, the example of HEP Zavrelje/Dubrovnik in Croatia was used, where it was ascertained that the proposed solution of hybrid PV-HEP system is natural, realistic and very acceptable, which enhances the characteristics of both energy sources. The application of such hybrid systems would increase the share of high quality RES in energy systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the hybrid solar and hydro (SHE) system as a unique technological concept of the sustainable energy system that can provide continuous electric power and energy supply to its consumers and the possibilities of its implementation in Europe and areas with similar climate. The sustainability of such system is based on solar photovoltaic (PV) and hydroelectric (HE) energy as renewable energy sources (RES). For the purpose of connecting all relevant values into one integral SHE system, a mathematical model was developed for selecting the optimal size of the PV power plant as the key element for estimating the technological feasibility of the overall solution. Sensitivity analysis (parameter analysis) was made for the model, where local climate parameters were varied: solar radiation, air temperature, reservoir volume, total head, precipitation, evaporation and natural water inflow. It has been established that, apart from total head (which is to be expected), solar radiation, hydro accumulation size and natural water inflow have the biggest effect on the calculated power of the PV power plant. The obtained results clearly show a wide range of implementation of the new energy source (SHE system), i.e. from relatively cold climates to those abundant in solar energy, but also with relatively small quantity of water, because it only recirculates within the system. All this points to the necessity for further development of hybrid systems (RES+HE systems) and to the fact that they could play an important role in achieving climate objectives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]