Photovoltaic Energy as an Alternative in Times of Low Water Demand in Hydroelectric Power Plants

This research presents a double pumping system to harness water even during periods of low water demand in the Peruvian highlands. In this way, a regular hydroelectric power plant was transformed into a double pumped hydroelectric power plant. The proposed system consists of 4 stages for the coupling of the double pumping system in regions of the Peruvian highlands. In the first stage, the drought period was evaluated based on historical hydrometeorological data from the Malpaso station. In the second stage, the activation of the system was validated, verifying whether the daily energy produced by the hydroelectric plant is lower than usual and confirming that the region has periods of low water demand. In the third stage, the energy generated by the solar panels was redirected during the night. In the fourth stage, the hydraulic pumps located in the lower reservoir were activated to bring water to the upper reservoir thanks to the photovoltaic energy generated, increasing the water resource in the upper reservoir. The proposed system design will provide an alternative to maintain stable flows of electricity production, even if the generation area has a deficit of water resources due to low rainfall.