Hydroelectric-solar microgrid for Patagonia

A run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station, solar PV installation and battery storage system have been combined to provide facilities in Chile’s remote Patagonia National Park.

The park – considered to be one of the most important conservation initiatives in the world – is located far from the nearest public utility grid. The power requirements of its facilities have to date been provided by expensive and polluting diesel generators.

To achieve a total output of 115 kW peak, two hydraulic turbines were combined with a solar system, both with AC coupling. The lithium-ion battery storage units have a capacity of 144 kWh.

In winter and spring, the Patagonian rivers are filled with heavy rainfall and snowmelt from the Andes mountains. The site’s two microturbines convert the energy from the water into electricity. In summer, the water level in the rivers drops significantly and the required electricity is then supplied by the photovoltaic installation.

Photo: SyR Energía