Projeto de instalação de uma usina fotovoltaica na Sede do Campus do Sertão

Abstract

Obtaining renewable energy sources to meet the ever-growing demand is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, and Brazil is no exception. Although Brazil’s energy matrix is largely renewable with over 60% of its energy generation coming from hydroelectric power, keeping up with demand has proven challenging, especially during periods of drought. Therefore, in addition to expanding generation, it is also necessary to diversify these sources. In this context, solar energy stands out as an abundant and reliable renewable resource available throughout the national territory. Through the construction of photovoltaic generators, it can be widely used for electricity generation. Solar irradiation is converted into electrical energy by solar panels, which operate based on the photovoltaic effect. These modules can be arranged in series or in parallel, depending on the characteristics of the grid to which they are connected and the consumer’s usage profile. The panels can be installed on various types of supports available on the market, and their integration into building architecture is an interesting solution. This study aimed to design a photovoltaic generation system for the Campus do Sertão that would meet the campus’s specific demand characteristics. The study considered the energy consumption profiles of the units comprising the Campus do Sertão, as well as the billing regime and the region’s solar irradiation patterns, to properly size the photovoltaic generator. It determined the necessary number of photovoltaic modules and the specifications of the system’s inverters, evaluating the investment through its payback period, based on the monthly savings generated by the installation of the photovoltaic plant. The data processing carried out during the analysis revealed the electricity consumption levels and their variations over time, as well as their correlation with the estimated production. This analysis was crucial for ssessing the financial viability of the project. The results demonstrate the positive impact of the installation, showing a positive monthly energy balance in most months and indicating an annual surplus.