Dimensionamento técnico de uma ampliação de sistema fotovoltaico: um estudo de caso no sindicato dos docentes das universidades federais do Ceará

Abstract

This study presents a feasibility analysis for the expansion of a photovoltaic system at the Sindicato dos Docentes das Universidades Federais do Ceará. The adopted methodology has a technical-exploratory approach based on the historical analysis of maximum energy consumption of the involved consumer units. After evaluating the electrical loads and electricity bills, an expansion of 20 kW of installed power is proposed. The electrical design of the expansion system includes the photovoltaic array configuration, inverter selection and adequacy, conductor sizing, protective devices, and verification of voltage drop criteria, in compliance with applicable technical standards. Additionally, the project was modeled to assess shading effects and structural performance and subsequently simulated using the PVsyst software, enabling the estimation of annual energy generation and the analysis of system losses. Simulation results indicate an annual energy production of 46.985 MWh with an overall electrical efficiency of 77.22%. Finally, an economic feasibility assessment of the proposed expansion was conducted, considering implementation costs and longterm return on investment. The results demonstrate a payback period of 43 months and a 42.9% reduction in electricity costs related to the distribution system usage tariff when comparing the scenarios before and after the system expansion.