Photovoltaic/wind hybrid systems: Smart technologies, materials and avoided environmental impacts considering the Spanish electricity mix

Considering the important role of smart technologies in Photovoltaic (PV)/wind hybrid systems, this article aims at presenting information about PV/wind power plants, focusing on smart technologies and environmental impacts. The goal is to fill the gaps in the literature on PV/wind systems, placing...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lamnatou, Chrysovalantou, Cristofari, Christian A., Chemisana Villegas, Daniel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
Repositorio:Repositori Obert UdL
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.udl.cat:10459.1/467511
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2024.103920
https://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/467511
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Photovoltaic (PV) technologies
Crystalline silicon
Wind turbines – Steel
Descripción
Sumario:Considering the important role of smart technologies in Photovoltaic (PV)/wind hybrid systems, this article aims at presenting information about PV/wind power plants, focusing on smart technologies and environmental impacts. The goal is to fill the gaps in the literature on PV/wind systems, placing emphasis on new technologies and environmental issues. Regarding the methodology used: i) the gaps in the literature on PV/wind systems have been identified (literature review); ii) a case study based on environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is presented. The literature review shows that there is a dearth of research on technologies such as PV/wind floating systems and small wind turbines for buildings. Moreover, there is a need for more studies on PV/wind systems with smart technologies, taking into account their life-cycle environmental impacts. The case study (LCA; software: SimaPro; database: ecoinvent) demonstrates that there are striking differences between PV and wind power plants, and the Spanish electricity mix. For instance, the CO2.eq emissions are as follows: 63, 14 and 308 g CO2.eq/kWh for a PV system, a wind turbine and the Spanish electricity mix, respectively. Information about key materials (Si; steel) and avoided impacts is also provided, shedding light on major environmental issues.