Estudio preliminar del potencial solar y de implementación de una central solar térmica concentrada en Ecuador

Abstract

The permanent need for electric power in Ecuador is the justification to develop this study to try to find sustainable solutions. Currently, the use of eco-friendly energy is promoted, having the thermosolar energy within mature technologies, and also with great worldwide reception in electrical power projects. Through solar satellite maps, the authors analyze the solar resource in Ecuador in order to propose a project with solid foundations and integration to the national territory when discriminating these facts: seismic places, national parks, protected areas, roads and populated areas, thus complementing the present energy matrix that is greatly dependent in hydroelectricity. Several studies of current and relevant bibliography of solar thermal projects worldwide in pioneer countries with excellent results have parabolic trough technology the best choice to implement in Ecuador. Specifically, a plant of 300 MW of power is proposed with a storage system (Molten salts) of six hours. This study concludes with an analysis of a technician-economic viability to know its performance as an energy producer, as well as, a sensibility analysis within the Ecuadorian energetic matrix from the state´s perspective as an investor. Additional to this an environmental study which details of the potential impacts is included, aiming for the fewest impacts. In others words, that the technology is environmentally friendly