Design of an electric generation system in the Barrancas sector, Cotopaxi province

Abstract

The rural area of Barrancas, located in the province of Cotopaxi, suffers from historical problems of intermittent and low-quality electricity supply due to its geographical dispersion and Andean topography. The objective of this research was to design a decentralized electricity generation system based on Non-Conventional Renewable Energies (NCRE) to guarantee energy security and promote local productive development. Methodologically, a community load profile was surveyed through direct surveys, determining an aggregate daily demand of 194.5 kWh/day with a peak power of 24.2 kW. The evaluation of the available resource was carried out using geospatial databases and field measurements, recording an average solar radiation of 4.56 kWh/m²/day and a minimum usable flow rate of 18.2 L/s with a net head of 12 meters. The results of the technical design determined the feasibility of a hybrid microgrid comprised of a 15.6 kWp photovoltaic array, a 1.5 kW Michell-Banki micro-hydro turbine, and a 48 V / 1200 Ah lithium (LiFePO4) battery storage system with two days of autonomy. The discussion contrasts the stability of the system's control with conventional models and the socioeconomic impact in the study area. It is concluded that the proposed design mitigates vulnerability to the country's structural blackouts, reduces CO2 emissions by 12.4 tons annually, and demonstrates long-term financial viability.