Management of Electrical Energy Demand in a University Campus-Type Microgrid Based on Optimal Demand Response

This project addresses the challenge of managing the integration of photovoltaic microgrids into existing electrical systems, particularly in university campuses with high self-generation capacity and battery storage. The core problem lies in connection power restrictions and the significant impact these microgrids have on the demand curve recorded by the distribution company, despite existing regulations (such as those from ARCONEL) that incentivize renewables. The proposed solution involves applying Demand Response (DR) management strategies to mitigate energy exchange issues and reduce the net demand seen at the metering boundary. The methodology combines a descriptive approach (review of the state of the art), a deductive approach (modeling and simulation of microgrid scenarios with and without management in MATLAB®), and an experimental approach to contrast the results with Ecuadorian regulations. The expected impact is the reduction of CO2 emissions, aligning with UN sustainability goals, by optimizing the interaction between the user and the distribution grid.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the impact of integrating microgrids with photovoltaic generation on the electrical energy demand, based on the optimal implementation of Demand Response (DR) policies. The objective is to determine how user energy management and self-sufficiency affect the demand curve from the perspective of the distribution company.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Planning and management of electrical systems