Construcción de un sistema de energía solar fotovoltaica para el laboratorio de mantenimiento correctivo de la Facultad de Mecánica

Abstract

This Curricular Integration Work aims to build a photovoltaic solar energy system in the Corrective Maintenance Laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanics. For this purpose, electrical equipment, which functions such as a lighting system, projector, and laptop are essential for developing daily academic activities, was selected. The electrical load to be supplied was calculated, and the incident solar radiation in Riobamba was evaluated with the help of the photovoltaic geographic information system database. In addition, the necessary capacity of the solar panel and battery was calculated to store energy so that the system can be used on cloudy days or at night; the charge controller and inverter were selected considering a 12V system. Subsequently, the optimal location and inclination were chosen to avoid partial shadows for the installation of the solar panel. A manual transfer system was carried out between the conventional electrical grid and the photovoltaic system, allowing energy to be taken from the grid at any time so that the laboratory has alternative renewable energy in case of unexpected power outages. Finally, functional tests were carried out to verify the correct operation of the system. Also, a maintenance plan with maintenance task sheets and task instructions for each activity, an operation flowchart, and a checklist will be used to standardize the maintenance process—a manual transfer from electrical grid to photovoltaic energy. As a result, the laboratory was able to have an inexhaustible energy source that allowed it to have energy independence. It is necessary that while the laboratory is operating with photovoltaic solar energy, only the elements for which it was designed are used to ensure the correct functioning of the system.