Off-grid
+
UPB energy research
Program for Off-grid Remote Locations in Colombia
www.upb.edu.co
1. Off-grid: Energy supply in remote regions of Colombia 2. Center for Studies and Research in Biotechnology | Cibiot 3. Enhanced Blade for Wind Turbine 4. Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution. Research and Applied Projects | T&D Research Group
5. Generation of Geothermal Energy in Colombia by Using Thermal Fluids
Table of contents
6.
Research Projects in Energy and Thermodynamic
7.
Development of Integral and Sustainable Solutions for Human Communities Based on the Concept of the Intelligent Micro-Grids
8.
Biomass for energy production in Colombia
9.
Off-grid+ UPB Energy Research Program for Off-grid remote locations in Colombia
Off-grid
+
UPB Energy Research Program for Off-grid remote locations in Colombia
Point of interest + Off-grid focus on
Sustainable Mobility in/for Off-grid+
Renewable energy sources (RES) for Health Care and Life improvement
Value Chains & Economic Solutions
1. Off-grid: Energy supply in remote regions of Colombia Bioenergy, small-scale wind plants, photovoltaic, energy storage.
R
efrigeration production is closely related to the wellness of people, since it enables the access to healthy food sources, medications in good conditions and confortable environmental conditions. Additionally, in productive processes involving perishable food, it is fundamental to guarantee adequate management, conservation, and transportation conditions for the final consumers. Nevertheless, in remote regions of Colombia, the access to energy resources is limited and in many cases there is no electric energy supply, a resource that is necessary to operate refrigeration systems. Therefore, it is common that in these regions there are nutritional deficiencies, scarce access to medications, and limited possibilities to start productive projects, even with favorable climate and agricultural conditions. In these regions with high environmental temperatures there is a common correlation between the demand for refrigeration and the intense solar radiation. When there is a demand
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for such cooling in these regions that have an underdeveloped energy infrastructure, the supply of solar energy for the refrigeration equipment offers a good solution, even from the economic point of view. Solar energy combined with refrigeration has multiple combinations of supply and technology. One of the most advanced is the generation of photovoltaic solar energy for refrigeration systems by vapor compression, and thermal solar energy for absorption refrigeration systems. At the Research Center for Development and Quality in Refrigeration and Acclimatization of UPB there are researches and development in refrigeration that is environmental friendly, energy efficiently, and economically profitable. The following are some of the developed research projects: We have a cabin for the testing and trials of domestic refrigerators, where we can evaluate the modifications done to conventional refrigerators to make them operate with photovoltaic solar energy, performing tests with different components or conditions such as: DC compressors, use of batteries, isolation, energy consumption, operation temperature, among other aspects.
Cabin for tests and trials of domestic / commercial refrigerators
Domestic refrigerator / thermal solar energy
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Experimental equipment to evaluate absorption and adsorption refrigeration systems
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QC
Heat removed
Qs
Refrigeration system
QE
Cold water reservoir
Hot water reservoir
QAUX
Solar panels
Qs’
Auxiliar system
Acondicionamiento de aire / Climatización – energía solar térmica
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Contact
CĂŠsar Alejandro Isaza RoldĂĄn Ph.D. Research Professor Centre for Research, Development and Quality in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning CIRCLI Phone: +57(4) 4488388 Opc. 1 Ext. 12849 Cesar.isaza@upb.edu.co
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2. Center for Studies and Research in Biotechnology Cibiot
Solvent Dehydrating System: Production of Carburating Alcohol
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Solvent Dehydrating System: Production of Carburating Alcohol
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he technology consists on a sistem for the dehidration of solvents such as ethanol by bio-adsorption: made ub by an equipment, conformed by two towers, one packed with the absorbent material, and the other for the thermal conditioning of the solvent to be dehidrated and to regenerate the system after the absorption. Both are functionally united. This systems enables to withdraw the water contained in the solvents during the production, ro by the captation of humidity, fact that limits its industrial use, and the value in the market. The system enables to obtain solvents with purities higher than 99% without using costly industrial services such as a steam boiler. The technology is versatile, since it can be gas operated, consuming 5 times less the energy than the traditional systems such as distilation and the separation by membranes; it is modular, therefore it can be transported to remote rural areas; it is automatizable and scalable according to the industrial needs. • Rural areas that produce ethanol by fermentation and require carburating alcohol for transportation. • Medium and small companies that produce bio-fuels, and that are located in rural areas. • Companies that import solvents such as ethanol and others of commercial interest. • Companies that produce or use solvents for industrial applications.
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Research Book: Biomass of agricole residues in the department of Antioquia
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Research Book: Biomass of agricole residues in the department of Antioquia
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he book on biomass of agricole residues in the Department of Antioquia is the result of the field gathering of the residues generated in it. It shows the species (common and scientific name), the parts of the plant that generate the residue, the amount of residue generated by each plant in Tons/cultivated hectare and the characterization of the residues (elemental compounds, heavy metals, heating capacity, cellulose lignine, and hemi-cellulose), which enables to potentiate the use of the residues. The book also presents the geo-referentiated maps of the generation of residues in the Department of Antioquia. • Researchers in fields such as Engineering, Agronomy, Biotechnology, and others related, that may use data of characterized residues, which enables a previous selection for their transformation. • Government entities and companies that generate or use residues.
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Applicative: Agricole residual biomass and its transformation potential (biogas)
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Applicative:
Agricole residual biomass and its transformation potential (biogas)
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n applicative was developed using visual basic for MSExcel, with experimental data, to enable calculations related to the production of biogas. The tool is simple, fast, of easy access, and has more than 100 species with their corresponding physical-chemical characterizations. The application enables to calculate the genration of theoretical biogas, the experimental biogas, the initial operational conditions for the production of biogas, andthe consultation of the compostion of the agricole residues. • Researchers in fields such as Engineering, Agronomy, Biotechnology, and others related, that may use data of characterized residues, which enables a previous selection for their transformation. • Government entities and companies that generate or use residues.
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Production of biogas using biologically pre-treated agroindustrial residues
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Production of biogas using biologically pre-treated agroindustrial residues
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he technology developed has two stages, the first one treats the residues using a biological process, and the second one is the generation of the biogas. There is also a tower system that enables to improve the quality of the biogas to be used as fuel. The technology transforms the agricole residues such as wood, and crop residues, into biogas, and obtaining a fertilizer rich in macro and micronutrients as a subproduct. • Off-grid remote locations. • Wood companies. • Researchers in fields such as Engineering, Agronomy, Biotechnology, and others related, that may use data of characterized residues, which enables a previous selection for their transformation. • Government entities and companies that generate or use residues.
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Increase of the heating power of agroindustrial residues through biological processes
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Increase of the heating power of agroindustrial residues through biological processes
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he technology consists in physical and biological combined stages, that enable to increase the heating capacity, this is the amount of energy in agroindustrial residues. The main stage is done in a open sky reactor that is easily operated under controlled conditions. This technology uses agroindustrial residues processed in gasification or pyrolysis processes for the production of energy, such as cement factories or industries that operate ovens continuously. • This development will potentiate agricole residues as fuel, decreasing the impacts generated by solid residues in the field. • Industries that require ovens under continuous operation for their processes. • Interconnected areas. • Areas with potential for industrialization, that generate residues, andthat do nod have an easy access to electric energy.
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Contact
Margarita Enid RamĂrez Carmona Ph. D. Coordinator CIBIOT Phone: 57 (4) 4488388 Ext 14051 Margarita.ramirez@upb.edu.co
3. Enhanced Blade for Wind Turbine Patent Register Number: 12-118.162 Application Date: 2012-07-13 14:59:22 Owners: UNIVERSIDAD PONTIFICIA BOLIVARIANA Inventors: CESAR NIETO LONDOﾃ前(Se ingresan los otros nombres? En la SIC solo aparece Cesar como inventor)
Achievements & results
T
he invention consists in the design of a non-conventional geometry fora blade; that offers a better operational performance compared to its similar products that are currently offered in market.
The invention relates to the field of renewable energies, particularly to the field that uses the kinetic energy of a fluid in displacement; as the wind energy industry.
Identified purpose & advantages The invention provides the following advantages/improvements: 窶｢ Enhance the efficiency with which the fluidﾂｴs kinetic energy is transformed. Around 4045 % of efficiency, against the 20-30% developed by existing commercial wind turbines.
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• Allows the system to achieve a higher power coefficient, than the currently offered by similar systems. • Its particular geometry generates more wetted area, compared to a conventional blade of the same diameter, which means more capability to generate energy. • The new and unconventional design makes the system more attractive and esthetically striking, a useful item to consider in marketing and sales strategies.
Development needs If this offer is of your interest or you need more information about it, pleasecontact us at the addresses and telephone numbers pointing to the right.This offer can be materialized in a "Partnership Agreement" to adapt thistechnology to its research areas, or in a "License Agreement" to use directlythis patent.
System for electricity generation from low-speed wind power systems with two wing drive Invention patent File No.: 10-152064 • Priority date: December 2nd, 2010 at December 2, 2030 • Owner: Ecopetrol S.A., and the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana • Inventors: Mauricio Giraldo Orozco Cesar Nieto Londoño Diego Andrés Florez Londoño Ana Cecilia Escudero Atehortua Santiago Lopez Ruiz Maria Camila Fernández
Contact
César Nieto Londoño Ph.D. Professor Research Cesar.nieto@upb.edu.co Phone 354 84 30 - 448 83 88 Ext. 18421
4. Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution. Research and Applied Projects T&D Research Group
Recent projects • New SIN Monitoring and Analysis Methods using PMU – XM • Impact of the Massive Charge of Electric Vehicles in Colombia – EPM – SOFASA 2009 • Analysis of the implementation feasibility of a solution of electrical mass transportation system of medium capacity in the city of Bogotá through trolleys, code: 1210-46721782 ,Colciencias-Codensa-CIDET-SENA, 2009-2010. • Schemes for the incorporation of Smart Grids in the Colombian Power System – UPB • Integration of Wind Energy to SIN – ISA – University of Kempten • Use of the Regenerative Braking Energy of the Metro of Medellín and analysis of overvoltages in catenaries – HMV – Metro Medellín. • Structure of a modern trolley pilot in a public transportation line in Bogotá Code: 2341498-26389 • Design of a Green Building with Solar Energy - EPM
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2008-2009 Analysis of the implementation feasibility of a solution for an electric mass transportation system of medium capacity in the city of Bogotá through trolleys, code: 1210-467-21782, Colciencias-Codensa-CIDET-SENA, 2009-2010. 2009 ASOCODIS - CNO Award for Research and Development. 2008-2012 Projects to improve the energetic efficiency and the comfort in the Metro ofMedellín, and permanent advisory for the application of new transportation technologies in the Aburrá valley. 2010 Feasibility of the massification of electrical vehicles in Colombia,developed together with EPM, Sofasa, and EAFIT. 2012 Electric traction laboratory and modern trolley, together with Sytecsa, CIDET, Rymel, Generation and Control. 2012 Establishment of the performance potential of electric vehicles in Colombia from the TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC, AND MARKET dimensions. Urban and inter-urban trips.
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Contact
Jorge Wilson Gonzรกlez Sรกnchez, Ph.D.. Professor Research Group Transmission and Distribution of Electricity Phone: +57(4)4488388 | Ext. 14130 jorgew.gonzalez@upb.edu.co
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5. Generation of Geothermal Energy in Colombia by Using Thermal Fluids
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olombia, given its geographic characteristics and geological conditions, has a privileged location for the use of geothermal resources at medium and low temperatures. This is how diverse national and international entities, conscious of a world problem of energy supply, decided to research, quantify, and promote the geothermal resource as an alternate clean and renewable source. Of the researches done since 1968, the following relevant characteristics may be concluded (Lozano, 1987): • More than 75 locations with geothermal resources, distributed in areas such as ChilesCerro Negro, Azufral de Túquerres, Paipa, Cerro Bravo, Nevado del Ruiz - Santa Isabel, Cerro España and el Machín. • Such zones are characterized for being geological regions associated to high seismicity and recent volcanism (there is presence of a high percentage of silica oxide (SiO2)). • The most intense manifestations correspond to fumes, hot springs, and meteorical or underground waters. • There are geochemical temperatures that go from 90 °C to 150 °C, and temperatures in hot springs and fumes that vary, depending on the location, from 50 °C to 250 °C. • Medium and high priority for the exploitation of the geothermal resource.
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Considering the aforementioned results, there was a research Project named ¨Modeling and Optimization of a Geothermal Binary System for the Generation of Electricity in Colombia¨. Such research, analyzes, based on the first and second law of thermodynamics, a binary geothermal system that uses thermal fluids to extract the heat that comes from an surface thermal spring (at a temperature of 65 °C and a pressure of 0,851 bars). For this, its thermodynamic cycle was simulated using the facilities and advantages offered by the traditional calculation sheet. The optimum conditions of the system were analyzed based on the maximization of the performance (thermodynamic efficiency) and the quality of the energy (exergy), which enable to decide about the type of thermal flow to be used. Fig. 1 | Geothermal Binary Cycle
6
Electricity
5
2
Vapor
3
7
9 Air vent. Water repos.
4 1 8 Heat
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Equipment 1. Heat source. 6. Electric generator. 2. Heat cycle pump. 7. Heat exchanger 2. 3. Heat exchanger 1. 8. Refrigeration cycle pump. 4. Binary cycle pump. 9. Cooling tower. 5. Turbine. The results have proven that in a binary system the use of n-butane as working fluid offers the best thermodynamic advantages regarding the useful potency obtained, the performance of the cycle, consumption of electric energy in the pumps (auxiliary equipment) and the exergy of the geothermal deposit. Fig. 2 | Efficiency of the binary cycle under study 70 60 58,5
Efficiency [%]
50 40 30 20
44,4
46,4 36,2
4,3
10 0 Ammonia
5,5
5,2
Propylene
Freon 22
6,9
N-butane
Thermic fluid Real efficiency [1st. law]
Efficiency 2nd law
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Fig. 3 | Heat required from the geothermal deposit and total destruction of exergy in the system 25
5,0 23,3 4,7
4,5
Heat required [MW]
18,2
19,1 4,0
14,4
15
3,7
3,5
3,4
10
3,0
5
2,5 2,5
0
2,0 Ammonia
N-butane
Propylene
Freon 22
Compound Heat required
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Exergy destruction [kW]
Exergy destruction [MW]
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Contact
Juan Carlos PĂŠrez Osorno Research Professor Thermodynamics and Energy Group Institute for Energy, Environment and Materials Phone: 4488388ext.18416 juanc.perez@upb.edu.co
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6. Research Projects in Energy and Thermodynamic
Project: Generation of production planning models focused on energy efficiency Developed by: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Thermodynamics and Energy Group Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Institution: Colciencias Date: April 2014 | under development
Project: Multiservice communication network for the support of intelligent networks for energy transmission (Smart grids) Developed by: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Telecommunications Group, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana Institution: Colciencias Date: July 2012 | May 2014
Project: Strategic program for innovation in business management, through the assimilation, dissemination, and generation of new knowledge on energy management and new technologies and the implementation of the Energy Integral Management System in companies of five regions of the country Developed by: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Thermodynamics and Energy Group Universidad Nacional Bogotรก. Institution: UPME | Colciencias | EPM Date: August 2010 | August 2013
Project: Feasibility of the production of liquid fuels from the waste of the coffee and forestry industry by pyrolysis in fluidized bedding Developed by: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Thermodynamics and Energy Group. Institution: CIIEN | Colciencias Date: February 2010 | October 2012
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Project: Low speed Air-generators for implementation in the Ecopetrol fields. Developed by: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Thermodynamics and Energy Group. Institution: Ecopetrol | Colciencias Date: January 2009 | December 2011
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he Energy and Thermodynamics Group is an active member of RECIEE (Energy Efficiency Knowledge Network, for the Spanish acronym) a national initiative that aims for the development and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and energy management systems in the Colombian industry. UPB has become a leader in our region integrating other universities, the productive sector, and the utilities to work together, in order to consolidate academic capacities, to promote energy efficiency “good practices” and to increase the national productivity. The SGIE program impacted 50 firms that where fully characterized and that participated in our academic activities such as energy management courses (295 people), manager workshops (80 high level managers, only in the Antioquia region), and ISO 50001 certification courses(155 internal auditing personnel certified). This program is now working in the development of eight research projects. UPB leads two of these projects: “Production planning models based in energy efficiency criteria” and “Solar air conditioning using an absorption refrigeration system” in which master and doctoral students play and important role by focusing their research in an actual benefit for the productive sector.
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In a collaborative work with the Telecommunications Research Group, in the project “Multiservice communication network to support smart grids� the Energy and Thermodynamics Group evaluated the feasibility to implement this technology in the Colombian regulatory framework. Regulatory literature in the world was explored. Surveys and experts interviews were applied and main barriers were identified for the adoption of: smart transmission, distributed renewable generation, electric vehicles, demand response and smart homes. Ten mechanisms to promote smart grids implementation were proposed under the current Colombian regulation.
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Contact
Ana Cecilia Escudero AtehortĂşa Ph.D. Professor Research ana.escudero@upb.edu.co phone: 4488388 ext 13344
7. Development of integral and sustainable solutions for human communities based on the concept of the intelligent micro-grids Intelligent Micro-Network Universidad PontificiaBolivariana (MedellĂn) A committed University
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onscious of its role as a pioneer and precursor of sustainable energy in the country, Universidad PontificiaBolivarianais currently facing the challenge of implementing the first Intelligent Micro-grid of its nature in Colombia, pretending to integrate nine new centrally manageable basic subsystems, for the rational and efficient use of energy resources. The development and execution of the Project has three stages: The first one is the implementation of the Micro-grid infrastructure, which will be done in a 2 year period; the second stage includes research, tests, and evaluations of each one of its components, there will be development of prototypes and integration of other prototypes that already exist; and the third stage, will include the design of scaled micro-grids and solutions for each potential client, according to their needs: the government will receive offers of schemes to serve Remote Zones (ZNI in Spanish), military battalions, meteorological, and telecommunication stations; the private businesses of the different economic sectors, will receive solutions for
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hotel-tourism complexes, cogenerators, and self-generators of the mining and energy sector (oil, gas, and mining companies), free trade zones, among others. Other urban settlements such as industries, shopping centers, residential communities, and education institutions, will be positively impacted by designs based on the concept of Intelligent Micro-grid.
A multidisciplinary project This Project gathers multiple fields and topic focuses, such as: Electric Energy, TICs, Infrastructure, Architecture, technological Surveillance, Urban Planning, etc. For this reason, an excellent technical and human group has been formed with the participation of important companies of the aforementioned sectors, research centers and groups, and government resources are expected.
Subsystem to be implemented in the short term (Real photos of the implemented subsystems and animations of the subsystems to be implemented)
Photovoltaic Solar Generation (PSG). Projected installed capacity: From 70-100kWp. Different topologies (Central inverter, micro-inverters, off-grid).
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Small Scale Wind Generation. Projected installed capacity: From 5-10kWp. Vertical axis wind turbines. (Low visual impact, operative from the 2m/s).
Hybrid generation scheme for Remote Zones. Anaerobic Biodigestor to produce bio-fertilizers and methane for kitchen use, made from organic waste, settled with an isolated photovoltaic solar generation system.
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System for the management of electric vehicles. From 5-10 slow electric charge stations in the parking lots of UPB Charge control, variables monitoring, and geo-reference for electric cars and motorcycles.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS System). Projected installed capacity: From 50-60kWh. Gel lead-acid batteries, deep discharge and with sensors for their monitoring.
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Modular charge station –Carport Bikeport LED lighting supported by solar panels. Charge for small vehicles (segways, bicycles, and motorcycles). Mobile showroom philosophy (modular, flexible, and portable design).
Self-sustainable Public Lighting. Combination of high efficiency LED luminaries fed by a photovoltaic solar generator. High efficiency public lighting circuit. LED lighting with post lamps and tele-managed paths.
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Demand Side Management System (DMS). Residential end user prototype with manageable appliances in function of a hypothetical hourly price for electric energy. Integral system for the management and programming of the disconnected demand in one building of the UPB-Laureles Campus.
Monitoring and Control Center. Through the combination of different telecommunication strategies, the main variables obtained from Intelligent Meters, Distributed Sensors, and Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) will be integrated and visualized.
UPB Laureles Estadio Metro Station Green Path. Basic management system for a fleet of electric buses. Monitoring of electrical variables and geo-reference. Data management and visualization in bus stops, terminals, and intermediate stops. Project pending the approval of government entities.
Important statistics of the project Project duration Start date End date
3 years January 2013 January 2016
Total UPB budget (Infrastructure and training)
300.000 USD
UPB total estimated investment (Researchers and use of the UPB campus)
1.000.000 USD
Total investment by strategic partners (to date)
50.000 USD (Approx.)
Project progress
Current
Goal
Solar photovoltaic generation
30kWp
100kWp
Low speed wind generation
0kW
10kW
Generation by biomass
1kW
1kW
1 circuit
6 circuits
Control center
75%
100%
Intelligent battery storage system (BESS)
0kWh
50-100kWh
Charge station for electric vehicles
1
5-10
Modular charge station for light vehicles
0
1
1 under installation
1
1
1
LED and LED + solar public lighting
Automatic system for management of demand in buildings Meteorology station
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Contact
Project coordination Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution Research Group (T. y D.) UPB. Idi Amin Isaac Millán, Ph.D. Staff Professor | Academic Coordinator of the Specialization and Master´s Program in Electric Energy Transmission and Distribution | Researcher in the electric Energy Transmission and Distribution Research Group Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana |Circular 1 No. 70-01 Bloque 11-Oficina 116| Medellín, COLOMBIA Tel: +57(4) 448 83 88 Ext. 14054 |idi.isaac@upb.edu.co www.upb.edu.co
Gabriel Jaime López Jiménez, Ph.D. Staff Professor | Researcher in the electric Energy Transmission and Distribution Research Group Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana |Circular 1 No. 70-01 Bloque 11-Oficina 116| Medellín, COLOMBIA Tel: +57(4) 448 83 88 Ext. 14054 |gabriel.lopez@upb.edu.co www.upb.edu.co
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8. Biomass for energy production in Colombia
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olombia is an agricultural country. Some lignocellulosic residues such as rice husk, coffee husk, sawdust among others, are generated in our country and can be used as raw material for energy production by thermochemical processes. The Energy and Thermodynamics group of the Universidad PontificiaBolivariana, has researched on gasification and pyrolysis of this kind of residues. On gasification, The Energy and Thermodynamics group has designed and built a prototype of a fluidized bed gasifier. The group has research on the gasification of mixtures of lignocellulosic residues and coal, looking for aggregate value to raw materials that are abundant in our country, by producing fuel gas. Currently the group , associated with another entities, is developing a research on the use of gas produced by gasification of coal and biomass for supply energy to the production of bricks in a tunnel kiln. On pyrolysis, the group has design and built a prototype of a fluidized bed pyrolyzer for fast pyrolysis. The main proposal of the research in this area, has been to produce bio-oil that could be used to provide electricity in rural areas not connected to the grid. The results obtained have shown that this technology could be an alternative in zones where electricity is generate by using oil derived products such as diesel. Currently, the group is carrying out a project on the improving of bio-oil quality in order to make more feasible its direct use in combustion engines.
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Contact
Erika Arenas Ph.D. erika.arenas@upb.edu.co Phone: 57-4-4488388 ext 18422 http://co.linkedin.com/pub/erika-arenascastiblanco/43/119/a76
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Contact
H. Vladimir Martínez-Tejada. Ph.D. Tenured Professor Senior Researcher COLCIENCIAS Mechanical Engineering Department. UPB Manager knowledge research Agenda in Energy Centre for Research and Innovation CIDI-UPB Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana Circular 1 No. 70-01 Código Postal: 56006 Medellín, COLOMBIA HYPERLINK "mailto:clemencia.restrepo@upb.edu.co" hader. martinez@upb.edu.co | HYPERLINK "http://www.upb.edu.co/" \t "_blank" www.upb.edu.co
Tel. +57(4) 3 54 45 60 Cel. +57-300 443 7384