Integración de sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados a la red para electrolineras en centros comerciales de la Ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador 2024

Abstract

The increase in electric vehicle adoption in Cuenca has driven the need to develop a sustainable charging infrastructure. Integrating photovoltaic systems into electric vehicle charging stations is emerging as a viable option to reduce dependence on the electricity grid and promote the use of renewable energy. This research evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of implementing grid-connected photovoltaic systems in electric vehicle charging stations at four shopping centers: Mall del Río, Batán Shopping, Monay Shopping, and Racar Plaza. The study was developed using a quantitative approach, employing HOMER software to simulate the photovoltaic system and analyze solar resources during the period 2013-2023. Forty simulations were performed in Python, considering scenarios with 5 and 3 charging stations of 40 kW. Solar panels of 610 W and 75 kW inverters for Mall del Río and 50 kW inverters for the other shopping centers were considered. The results indicated that Mall del Río requires a 71.37 kW system, generating a surplus of 18,570 kWh/year, while the other shopping centers require 47.58 kW, with grid backup and additional consumption of up to 3,576 kWh/year. The financial analysis determined that the project is not profitable with the current USD 0.08/kWh tariff. However, profitability improves when considering a tariff of USD 0.19/kWh. Furthermore, the contracted demand price of USD 4.79/kWh represents a fixed income for the project in all case studies, contributing to its financial stability.