Technical-Economic Modeling of a Microgrid Incorporating Renewable Photovoltaic Energy

In buildings, especially in coastal cities, the highest electricity consumption is due to the air-conditioning of offices using air conditioners. Reducing excessive energy consumption is a topic of study worldwide. A key alternative is to support electricity distribution companies using renewable energies in microgrids. In this context, this paper explores the design process of a hybrid photovoltaic microgrid connected to the public grid for a university located south of Guayaquil, Ecuador, with more than 3000 students. The design of the energy system seeks to satisfy the basic loads with a photovoltaic system, and the lighting demands are covered with a battery storage system. The system is controlled by a bidirectional converter that dynamically adjusts the power distribution according to the solar irradiance output. In addition, an economic analysis of the equipment, such as panels and batteries, which account for most of the investment costs, was performed. This approach would not only result in a sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical system but would also reduce the need to build a substation by reducing approximately 25% of the energy consumption allocated to the building.