Feasibility of hybrid in-stream generator-photovoltaic systems for Amazonian off-grid communities

While there have been efforts to supply off-grid energy in the Amazon, these attempts have focused on low upfront costs and deployment rates. These get-energy-quick methods have almost solely adopted diesel generators, ignoring the environmental and social risks associated with the known noise and pollution of combustion engines. Alternatively, it is recommended, herein, to supply off-grid needs with renewable, distributed microgrids comprised of photovoltaics (PV) and in-stream generators (ISG). Utilization of a hybrid combination of renewable generators can provide an energetically, environmentally, and financially feasible alternative to typical electrification methods, depending on available solar irradiation and riverine characteristics, that with community engagement allows for a participatory codesign process that takes into consideration people's needs. A convergent solution development framework that includes designers-a team of social scientists, engineers, and communication specialists-and communities as well as the local industry is examined here, by which the future negative impacts at the human-machine-environment nexus can be minimized by iterative, continuous interaction between these key actors.

Automated summary

Efforts to supply off-grid energy in the Amazon have focused on low upfront costs and deployment rates, but have ignored the environmental and social risks associated with diesel generators. This study recommends using renewable, distributed microgrids with photovoltaics and in-stream generators as an energetically, environmentally, and financially feasible alternative.