PHASE 3 - PROJECT ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT

STUDENT

KEVIN SANTIAGO CASTRO SÁNCHEZ

TUTOR
JAIRO LUIS GUTIÉRREZ

COURSE

FUNDAMENTALS OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

202037698_9

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA

INGENIERIA ELECTRONICA

2024
Title: Sustainable Energy Transformation in La Guajira: Challenges and Opportunities
 Introduction

In the current context of growing environmental awareness and search for sustainable energy
solutions, this study focuses on analyzing the viability of implementing a renewable energy
generation system at the Liceo del Caribe School, located in the La Guajira region. The
region, known for its abundant solar radiation and constant winds, offers significant potential
to harness renewable energy sources.

This study addresses several fundamental aspects for the successful implementation of a
renewable energy generation system at school. First, an analysis of the energy potential of
the area is carried out, using specific meteorological data to determine the viability of
different renewable technologies, such as solar and wind energy. Subsequently, a detailed
study of the electrical loads connected to the school is carried out, in order to understand the
current and future energy needs of the institution. Based on the data collected from the energy
potential analysis and the load study, the necessary calculations are made to size the
renewable energy generation plant.
 Analysis of the energy potential of the area

For the study region The climate in the department of La Guajira is characterized by being
arid, dry and high temperatures, influenced by its geographical position and relief. The
peninsula experiences high temperatures, mitigated by sea breezes and northeast trade winds.
Rainfall is scarce and is concentrated mainly between September and November, when the
Intertropical Convergence Zone moves north.

Precipitation varies considerably in the region. In municipalities like Uribia, rainfall barely
reaches 300 mm per year, resulting in seasonal droughts. The rainfall regime is bimodal, with
a marked dry season in the first four months of the year, followed by a moderate increase in
rainfall in May and June, and a decrease in July and August. The main rainy season occurs
in September, October and November, with moderate volumes, especially in the southern end
of the department. The number of days with rain is less than 50 per year in the north and
center, and slightly higher towards the south.

Regarding temperatures, 94% of the territory is warm and dry, with an average annual
temperature of 29°C, while 3% has a medium and sub-humid climate, and the remaining 2%
has a cold and wet. There is an area with temperatures below zero in the Sierra Nevada de
Santa Marta.
 Study of connected loads at the school

A detailed inventory of the electrical loads connected to the school was carried out, including
lighting, office equipment, classrooms, laboratories, among others. After the analysis, the
following values were determined:

Average monthly energy consumption: 450 kWh/day

Maximum daily demand: 55 kW.
 Calculations for the sizing of the generation plant

Considering the solar potential of the region and the energy needs of the school, the sizing of
the solar energy generation plant was carried out. With an average efficiency of 16% for solar
panels, the following needs were calculated:

Required power = Daily consumption / Average solar radiation

Required power = 450 kWh / 5.6 kWh/m²/day ≈ 80.4 kW

Since the maximum demand is 55 kW, a solar panel system with a power of 80.4 kW will be
installed to meet the school's needs and guarantee a safety margin.
 Table where you will record the characteristics of the selected equipment

Tecnología Potencia (kW) Área Requerida (m²) Eficiencia (%)

Paneles Solares 80.4 500 16

 Conclution

Based on the calculations carried out, it is concluded that a solar panel system with a power
of 80.4 kW would be adequate to cover the energy needs of the Liceo del Caribe School in
the La Guajira region. This system would provide a renewable and sustainable energy source,
reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and contributing to climate change
mitigation. It is essential to consider additional aspects such as initial investment,
maintenance and integration with the local electrical grid to ensure the long-term viability of
the project.
 References

Burton, V. (2016). Renewable Energy: Sources, Applications and Emerging Technologies.

Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (pp. 1-12)
https://bibliotecavirtual.unad.edu.co/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire
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live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_1

Burton, V. (2016). Renewable Energy: Sources, Applications and Emerging Technologies.

Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (pp. 71-77)
https://bibliotecavirtual.unad.edu.co/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire
ct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1367372&lang=es&site=eds-
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