Author(s)

L. Rodríguez Urrego, J. Valencia Llanos, D. Rodríguez Urrego, A. Martínez Garcia

Abstract

This paper presents one of the most important and representative projects in the country concerning isolated energy systems. The Institute of Planning and Promotion of Energy Solutions (IPSE) conducted this project for noninterconnected zones under the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Colombia. This project targets two main objectives: To increase the hours of electricity supply to the population and reduce the hours of use of diesel plants. This project allows for the production of electricity from solar radiation through “preinstalled solar trackers – 100kWp installed power” and a new solar farm which supplies 220kWp, plus a battery room with 480 cells and installed capacity storage 3,148kWh. Finally, the facility has been supported by two 308kW diesel plants.

This paper presents the largest PV system isolated from Colombia so far. First, we make a geographical description of the area of project implementation, also an approach to the indigenous community, their customs and their social and technological issues. Likewise, the paper presents some of the challenges and difficulties of setting up the project in an isolated area of difficult access and complex environmental conditions. In addition, the stages of assembly and some technical details of installation are presented, highlighting the design features and implementation with respect to civil works, electrical works and the main characteristics of the photovoltaic system in terms of panels, batteries and system integration.

Keywords

isolated hybrid energy system, storage system, Colombian Guajira, renewable energy