Improvement of Electrical Coverage in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region with Microgrids integrated by Photovoltaic Systems and Energy Storage Devices through Batteries

Abstract

The aim of this work is to establish, by means of electrical microgrids systems with photovoltaic solar sources and batteries storage devices, an energy system in order to supply electrical energy for remote communities far from the conventional electrical distribution electrical service in the Province of Morona Santiago in The Ecuadorian Amazon Region. The study is very important due to the fact that this province has the lowest rate of electrical coverage in Ecuador. The methodology has been performed in order to make good use of out by taking advantage of Ecuador's geographical position on planet Earth, with the purpose of using the solar resource through radiation to generate electricity. The profile and behavior of the electricity demand in daily, monthly and annual horizons have been considered in accordance with similar systems in other provinces of Ecuador. Subsequently, we proceed to evaluate the operational behavior, energy production, and energy management over typical days, to establish thus the control strategy for charging and discharging of the battery storage system, and the energy management as well. This with the goal that batteries supply electrical energy in hours where there is no usable solar radiation and in the nights. The evaluations carried out for an average winter and a summer month, due to these two climatic seasons there are in Ecuador. The study is carried out using a CIGRÉ electric microgrid test system. The results show the feasibility and benefits that allowance the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, with the implementation of this type of technologies in protected and isolated communities. In addition, this improves conditions of access to electricity electrical-coverage rates of Ecuador.