Can Renewable Energy Simulation Improve Reliability?

The transition to sustainable energy production is vital to addressing global climate challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As renewable energy technologies progress, so too does the need for precision, efficiency, and reliability in their design and deployment. The simulation of renewable energy production systems is a core solution to this challenge.

Simulation and analysis enable engineers to virtually test, optimize, and validate energy systems before physical implementation. From improving the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines to enhancing the efficiency of solar panels and optimizing geothermal or hydroelectric systems, simulation accelerates innovation while minimizing costs and environmental impact. Using advanced simulation tools, developers can create cutting-edge solutions that drive the renewable energy revolution and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

In this blog, we’ll look at the most effective methods of producing green energy↗, and aim to understand the development methods used to optimize their efficiency.

Solar power

Solar power is one of the cleanest forms of energy because it does not emit any greenhouse gases. It also produces no harmful by-products. However, it is still relatively expensive compared to traditional methods of energy production. Solar power systems are only capable of supplying electricity when fully exposed to the sun, making them unreliable at night and for anybody living in regions that experience prolonged darkness throughout the winter. Thermal solar power is more dependable but ineffective right now.

According to NREL research↗, solar panels are extremely reliable and have a long lifespan, only failing at a rate of 0.05 percent. On top of this, solar energy does not create any greenhouse gases or contribute to global warming because it only relies on capturing solar energy and transforming it into electricity (or hot water) for use in our homes. In a single year, it may cut the average home’s carbon impact by 80%.

Recent breakthroughs include tandem solar cells that layer perovskite materials over traditional silicon cells, achieving record efficiencies of over 33.9% in laboratory settings↗. Experts believe these technologies could push efficiencies beyond 45% in the future, reducing the need for large solar farms and making solar more accessible.

How are advanced simulation tools driving solar power innovation?

Engineers utilize advanced simulation tools to optimize various aspects of solar energy production. Thermal expansion and structural stresses on solar panels caused by temperature fluctuations can be modeled to ensure long-term reliability and minimize the risk of material fatigue.

Electromagnetic simulations help optimize the behavior of photovoltaic cells, enhancing light absorption and reducing energy losses from reflection or shading. Additionally, solar farm layouts can be simulated by analyzing terrain data and solar irradiance patterns, ensuring the optimal placement of panels for maximum energy generation.

Wind power

Wind power is another form of renewable energy that has been used for centuries. In fact, wind turbines were first invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907). Today, wind power is an inexpensive source of energy that is becoming increasingly popular.

Since wind turbines may be easily installed offshore, wind power is often more dependable than solar electricity. Wind energy has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with global wind energy capacity surpassing 1 TW (terawatt) in 2023↗. Innovations such as modular turbine designs and high-temperature superconducting generators are enhancing scalability and efficiency. Offshore wind farms now feature turbines with rotor diameters exceeding 300 meters and outputs of over 20 MW

How sustainable is wind turbine manufacture? Well, the International Renewable Energy Agency expects millions of tons of used turbine blades to be in reuse by 2050. This is due to the absence of commercially viable recycling solutions and can only be put in place when lifetime and quality allow.

Impressively, wind turbines are 80-90% recyclable. But many of the current composite blades wind up in landfills. To combat this, turbine manufacturer, VESTAS↗, is researching composite recycling technologies with the aim of achieving zero-waste wind turbines by 2040↗.

How are advanced simulation tools driving wind power innovation?

Aerodynamic simulations enable engineers to model airflow around turbine blades, optimizing their shape for maximum energy efficiency while reducing drag and noise. Structural analysis helps assess the mechanical stresses on turbine components under extreme weather conditions, ensuring durability and reliability over the turbine’s lifecycle. Additionally, wind farm layouts can be optimized by simulating wind flow patterns across terrains, minimizing wake effects, and maximizing overall energy output.

Hydroelectricity

Hydropower plants run much the same as a coal-fired power plant does. By turning turbines with the force of water, hydropower facilities produce electricity. For instance, the steam produced when coal is burned in a coal plant powers turbines, which subsequently produce electricity. Water is used as the energy source in hydropower systems. But the most well-known type of hydropower, usually referred to as hydroelectric power, is a sizable dam that stores water in a reservoir. Water is released from the reservoir when energy is required, and the water then drives turbines to generate electricity.

In addition to being a cost-effective source of renewable electricity, hydropower is also one of the most economical energy sources overall. Additionally, hydroelectricity is immune to the erratic price fluctuations of energy commodities since it harnesses the self-renewing force of rivers. Recent innovations include AI-driven predictive maintenance systems that optimize operations by analyzing weather patterns and demand forecasts. Hybrid hydro-solar systems are also gaining traction↗, combining floating solar panels with existing reservoirs to boost output during dry periods.

How are advanced simulation tools driving hydroelectricity innovation?

Fluid dynamics simulations are used to optimize turbine designs, ensuring maximum energy extraction from water flow. Structural modeling helps evaluate the stresses on dams and other infrastructure caused by water pressure and environmental factors, ensuring long-term safety and reliability. Simulations also support the integration of hybrid systems, such as floating solar panels on reservoirs, by analyzing their combined performance under varying conditions.

Geothermal power

Geothermal power uses heat from the earth to produce electricity. It works well in areas with high temperatures because the temperature difference between the hot rocks underground and the surface creates an electric current. At present, geothermal energy is largely untapped. However, it’s estimated that geothermal has the potential to meet up to 12% of the world’s demand for heating, cooling, and electricity.

So, what are the challenges that we must overcome to take advantage of this practically limitless source of energy?

Geothermal energy production can release greenhouse gases stored under the earth’s surface. It also needs to be properly managed through the maintenance of underground reservoirs and has one of the highest upfront costs. But all this pales in comparison to the most controversial topic concerning geothermal energy. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method for extracting oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, or water from deep underground.

It’s widely accepted that sustainable geothermal energy production should be restricted to locations where it is naturally available. Not least due to the risk of triggering earthquakes. One of the most active geothermal areas in the world is called the Ring of Fire, which encircles the Pacific Ocean. However, EGS (enhanced geothermal systems) are breaking new ground by creating artificial reservoirs in previously inaccessible areas. These systems could increase geothermal capacity twentyfold by 2050↗.

How are advanced simulation tools driving geothermal innovation?

Subsurface modeling allows engineers to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer within geothermal reservoirs, optimizing heat extraction while minimizing risks such as seismic activity. Heat transfer simulations are used to improve the design of heat exchangers in geothermal power plants, maximizing efficiency and output. Additionally, drilling processes can be optimized through simulations that enhance precision and reduce costs, ensuring more effective access to geothermal resources.

Summary

The environment benefits directly the more we use renewable energy sources. They lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming and air pollution. However, they are influenced by the weather, and their energy is more difficult to store. While wind energy remains highly efficient and cost-effective, especially for large-scale projects, its efficiency is no longer unmatched. Solar PV is rapidly closing the gap due to technological advancements and cost reductions, while geothermal offers superior reliability for baseload power. The choice of the “most efficient” renewable depends on regional factors like resource availability, infrastructure, and energy needs.

For developers aiming to optimize renewable energy systems, simulation software like SIMULIA is essential. These tools enable engineers to model and optimize wind turbines for maximum efficiency while integrating them seamlessly into hybrid systems.

The SIMULIA Wind Turbine Engineering↗ solution helps simulation engineers predict, optimize, and virtually test before prototyping.