The complementary nature of energy storage

How can a single energy source be considered as a complementarity?

In case of temporal complementarity, a single energy source can be also considered by using the “flexibility” offered by technology. For example, the complementarity (smoother power output over the day/year) of single PV system can be increased by mounting PV arrays at different azimuths and inclination angles.

What is complementarity in energy?

According to the Oxford dictionary, the term complementarity is: “a relationship or situation in which two or more different things improve or emphasize each other's qualities”. Considering the context of energy sources, the complementarity should then be understood as the capability of working in a complementary way.

Which indices describe complementarity between two or more energy sources?

Two indices are presented to describe complementarity between two or more energy sources. The model proposed optimizes the renewable mix and operation of hydropower reservoirs, based on daily and yearly variations. Optimal mix is calculated from a complementarity perspective.

Do solar and wind resource availability and potential output generation complementarity matter?

In this context, the present study aims to assess the temporal complementarity between the solar and wind resource availability and potential output generation, and how this complementarity, together with short-term electrochemical energy storage, can be used to optimize a more widespread uptake of hybrid utility-scale wind + solar power plants.

What are renewable sources complementarity?

The concept of renewable sources complementarity is often used indirectly or without a direct reference to it. Based on the conducted literature review the following applications can be distinguished: Hybrid energy sources like solar-wind, solar-hydro which increase the overall system reliability and can reduce the cost of electricity.

How to select optimal locations for renewable generation based on complementarity?

Paper proposes a method for selecting optimal locations for renewable generation based on complementarity, using Particle Swarm Optimization. The paper presents the framework used in the development of an open-source tool, named Quantitative Synergy Assessment Toolbox for renewable energy sources.