ANNUAL REPORT 2014
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Environment

INTOGENER PROJECT

In 2014, the INTOGENER project was concluded. The results of the project are expected to have a highly positive impact on hydroelectric energy production, making it more efficient through the use of more precise techniques for control, measurement and prediction.

The INTOGENER project was developed in the Chilean Andes and has the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).

INTOGENER is pursuing the implementation of a measuring system for water levels and terrestrial humidity by using a distributed hydraulic model, in which Earth Observation (EO) systems are combined with data from the GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflections), and then integrated into a communications network via satellite.

The system will be a significant improvement to the management and control systems for energy production, using the satellite as a key element to broadcast information from lakes or other remote regions of interest to control centres. To do so, Data Collection Platforms via Satellite (DCPs) via satellite will be used, which will make data communication in real time possible, optimising forecasting and surveillance of existing resources.

INTOGENER Conceptual framework

INTOGENER uses highly reliable information provided by Earth observation satellites that, together with onsite measurements in real time by HISPASAT communications satellites, will be incorporated into a geophysical model that is able to correlate both measurements to improve water flow estimates. Moreover, the service is adapted to provide more precise information for hydroelectric energy companies on particularly important geographic locations. Therefore, INTOGENER represents not only an important line of R&D for hydroelectric companies, but also an opportunity to work with strategic partners in the medium and long term on a system that has a significant impact on energy efficiency and that represents a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market.

Along with HISPASAT, other participants in INTOGENER are: Starlab –as project coordinator–, Endesa Chile, the Pontificia Universidad de Chile (PUC) and the consultancy Future Water.