Design of a Photovoltaic System Connected to the Grid in the Engineering Faculty Facilities of the Technical University of Cotopaxi

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Paúl Potes
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7607-6333
Xavier Proaño
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8271-8838

Abstract

This research study quantified the amount of energy that a photovoltaic system connected to the grid can supply to the facilities of the engineering faculty of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, with the purpose of reducing the billing of the electric service.


In the study the global radiation was collected for the period of one year, data that helped determine the solar potential of the institution. The highest average irradiation was presented in November with a value of 5.4 kW∙h/(m2∙day) and maximum average irradiance of 931 W/m2 at 1:00 pm.


The weekly demand for the facilities of the faculty of engineering was estimated with the Fluke 435 series II Analyzer, which recorded a maximum average power of 35.11 kW on Wednesday at 18:00 h. In addition, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday where the highest irradiance was found, it measured an average value of 29.88 kW. The photovoltaic generator has 66 solar panels, whose installed capacity is 26.4 kW divided into two groups: 14.4 kW and 12 kW, respectively located on the roof of the building in a free area of 573.47 m2. In this way, the system annually could deliver 30336 kW∙h to the institution, at the same time; avoid the emission of 18.42 tons of CO2 per year.


Finally, in the financial study of the project with an investment of 83,290.88 USD, three scenarios were considered; the second being the best option, when the price of electricity is 0.6812 USD/kW∙h. This implies having an annual income of 21,078.37 USD, a net present value of 116,363.42 USD, internal rate of return of 24.07% and benefit/cost ratio of 2.28.

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How to Cite
Potes, P., & Proaño, X. (2020). Design of a Photovoltaic System Connected to the Grid in the Engineering Faculty Facilities of the Technical University of Cotopaxi. Revista Técnica "energía", 16(2), 148–157. https://doi.org/10.37116/revistaenergia.v16.n2.2020.362
Section
TECNOLÓGICOS E INNOVACIÓN
Author Biographies

Paúl Potes

Nació en Quito, Ecuador, en 1996. Recibió su título de Ingeniero Eléctrico de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi en 2019. Actualmente, se encuentra cursando sus estudios de Maestría en la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi. Sus campos de investigación están relacionados con Energías Renovables, Smart Grids, Sostenibilidad Energética y Medio Ambiente, Sistemas Eléctricos de Potencia y Distribución.

Xavier Proaño

Nació en Latacunga Ecuador, en 1985. Recibió su título de Ingeniero Eléctrico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional en 2010; de Master en Gestión de Energías de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi en 2013. Su campo de estudio se encuentra relacionado con Alto Voltaje, Energías Renovables, Protecciones Eléctricas y Sistemas Eléctricos de Potencia. Docente de planta a tiempo completo de la Carrera de Ing. Eléctrica en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería y Aplicadas de la UTC, Ecuador.

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