Desarrollo de un prototipo de aula energéticamente autónoma mediante un sistema solar fotovoltaico con almacenamiento en baterías: caso de estudio en el campus Balzay de la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of a prototype energy-autonomous classroom powered by a photovoltaic solar system with energy storage, located on the Balzay campus of the University of Cuenca. The study begins with an analysis of the available solar resource, including a comparison with other databases to validate the accuracy of the irradiation values used in the project. Simultaneously, the selection of the prototype classroom was carried out by evaluating parameters related to occupancy levels in candidate classrooms on the Balzay campus. Subsequently, the energy consumption profile on the selected classroom was studied to determine both the overall consumption level and the demand behavior within a university setting. Understanding this behavior enabled the optimal sizing of the proposed photovoltaic system. The system was then designed based on the energy needs of the pilot classroom, taking into account commercially available equipment in the Ecuadorian market and their technical specifications to dine the system layout. The proposed system was evaluated through simulation using PVsyst, with the aim of validating the design results. Although it was not possible to implement the proposed system due to the unavailability of certain components, the energy quality of an existing system in Microgrid Laboratory – operating under the same conditions considered for the classroom prototype – was analyzed, thereby validating the feasibility and reliability of the proposed project.