• Energy Research

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are one of the most widely deployed renewable technologies in the world. The efficiency of solar panels has been studied during the last few decades, and, to date, it has not been possible to displace the production of energy using crystalline silicon wafer-based technology whose efficiency has reached values around 26.1%. Moreover, using solar tracking PV systems has become a feasible alternative to increase the electric output of PV silicon technologies instead of using the conventional fixed PV installation on a flat or sloping surface. The following study has compared fixed and dual-axis sun-tracking PV panels in order to quantify the enhancement associated with the amount of energy harvested when using dual-axis tracking PV systems in the city of Manta, located in a coastal region of Ecuador. In order to carry out this study, an IoT monitoring system based on Raspberry Pi3 and Arduino platforms was used. Measurements of solar radiation (W/m2), light intensity (Lux), temperature (°C), short-circuit current (A), and open-circuit voltage (V) were taken every minute for both systems. The results prove that the dual-axis tracking PV system produces, on average, 19.62% more energy than the static PV system. These results present an 8.62% energy increase with respect to a previous study carried out in an equatorial region with similar characteristics to those of the city of Manta, where a one-axis tracking PV system was used.

Abstract The Ecuadorian electricity sector has undergone several changes during the past decade. The objective of this paper is twofold: a) to show how the Ecuadorian electricity sector has evolved from 2007 to 2017, and b) to discuss the relationship between energy policies and their impacts on electricity supply, management, tariffs, and the country's economy. Although oil remains as the main energy source and the leading driver for economic revenue, several hydropower projects have been built or are under construction intending in part to reduce the country's dependence on oil. The installed hydropower capacity in the country in 2017 is approximately 81% higher than in 2007 and it is expected that, by 2018, approximately 93% of the electricity will be produced from hydropower. Currently, biomass and biogas contribute with 1.8% of the total electricity generation, but only 0.6% of the electricity is produced in wind and solar farms. Adoption of smart grid technologies is key to transform the Ecuadorian electricity network and to positively impact the quality of the electricity supply. The future of the Ecuadorian electricity sector relies on the successful implementation of the new Organic Law of Public Service of Electricity and on external financing for new energy projects.

Ecuador is grappling with a severe energy crisis, marked by frequent power outages. A recent study explored solar energy efficiency in the coastal city of Manta using an IoT real-time monitoring system to compare static photovoltaic (PV) systems with two single-axis solar tracking systems: one based on astronomical programming and the other using light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors. Results showed that both tracking systems outperformed the static PV system, with net gains of 31.8% and 37.0%, respectively. The astronomical-programming-based system had a slight edge, operating its stepper motor intermittently for two minutes per hour, while the LDR system required continuous motor energization. The single-axis tracker using astronomical programming demonstrated notable advantages in energy efficiency and complexity, making it suitable for equatorial regions like Manta. The study also suggested potential further gains by adjusting solar positioning at shorter intervals, such as every 15 or 30 min. These findings enhance our understanding of solar tracking performance in equatorial environments, offering valuable insights for optimizing solar energy systems in regions with high solar radiation. By emphasizing customized solar tracking mechanisms, this research presents promising solutions to Ecuador’s energy crisis and advances sustainable energy practices.

Abstract The modern struggle to generate electricity reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions has found an ally in Smart Grid technology. This new trend involves a renewed perspective on how to generate, transmit, distribute and manage electricity networks, which not only helps to reduce power demand and cost, but can also improve efficiency, reliability, quality and security. This paper aims to study comprehensively the Smart Grid power system by comparing experiences and success stories from around the world. Developed countries, like the United States and those in the European Union, and developing countries, like India and Brazil, have been taken as examples of the current development and state of the Smart Grid concept. Europe and the U.S. lead the development of Smart Grids systems, while Brazil and India strongly depend on foreign technology and investment for their development in their countries. Climate change represents an extra challenge for developing countries, in addition to other issues related to economic and social advancement. Nevertheless, Smart Grids offer an array of possibilities and opportunities that work towards climate change international goals. However, state motivations and national energy resources limit the advancement of Smart Grids on this matter.