Analysis of photovoltaic energy generation applied in state schools in São Paulo

• Grant number: 24/04164-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Circuits
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Grantee: Brenda Peixoto Batista
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition, AP.CCD

Abstract

The São Paulo region, like all other regions in Brazil, is currently facing an energy crisis that can be understood from a variety of perspectives, whether environmental, economic or social, which makes the energy transition necessary in order to meet energy demands, such as during periods of water drought, when hydroelectric plants operate in unfavorable conditions. It is worth noting that hydroelectric plants are responsible for around 65% of São Paulo's production, which shows a high dependence on this type of generation.Photovoltaic solar energy has good potential for use in Brazil due to the high solar irradiance and the predominance of sunny periods throughout the year, as well as the practicality of being installed on the roofs of existing buildings, on water reservoirs in floating systems, parking lots and land, thus taking advantage of different types of space. Photovoltaic energy is therefore an attractive form of alternative generation for the São Paulo region, thus encouraging the production of renewable and sustainable energy, which has a direct impact on two of the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).The state of São Paulo operates around 5,500 public schools, which represents a significant number of electricity-consuming units. Schools play a role in transforming and multiplying the knowledge of their students, which induces them to take knowledge and learning forward, having a direct impact on society. This is why São Paulo's public schools are justified as the focus of this scientific initiation study, because this work, together with other CPTEn actions, aims to encourage students and the community to adopt sustainable practices and actions, helping to build a society that is aware of and responsible for resources such as energy.The aim of this project is to study and analyze the application of grid-connected photovoltaics in public schools in the state of São Paulo. To do this, the fellow will need to carry out a survey of the public buildings involved within the state's domain and then, by obtaining data from the schools' energy bills, identify the electricity consumption profile, so that the number of photovoltaic modules needed to meet the required consumption can be estimated; then, to carry out studies on the optimum points for the possible implementation of photovoltaic generation systems (roofs, parking lots, various spaces) taking into account issues of loss of efficiency of the technology due to multiple factors; to carry out generation simulations with the help of the software provided by CPTEn, HelioScope; and finally, to analyze the final results found.This study aims to help plan possible future implementations of photovoltaic energy in schools in the region, contributing to the expansion of renewable and clean energy generation in the state, promoting actions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals and thus encouraging the use of such technologies.- Identify the electricity consumption profile of state schools in São Paulo;- List the optimum points for implementing photovoltaic solar energy systems;- Carry out generation simulations and analyze the reports obtained using HelioScope software;- Analyze the final results obtained.