Polygeneration system model in rural areas of Colombia : Filipinas ETCR as a case of study

Abstract: This project has addressed the design of a cost-effective Polygeneration system that guarantees a continuous, equitable and environmentally friendly energy supply for the rural settlement of Filipinas ETCR, (in Spanish, Espacios Territoriales de Capacitación y Reincorporación) Colombia, which is currently not achieved, due to a system that relies on the national electricity grid (with numerous outages) and on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and wood to meet the thermal demand, mainly for cooking. For this purpose, in addition to the current energy supply situation, the energy demand according to type (electricity and heat) and sector (residential, commercial and agro-livestock) is characterized. Also, the availability of renewable energy sources is examined, resulting in the existence of a potential for solar and residual biomass resources. Then, the most suitable sub-systems and technologies for their exploitation have been analyzed. In this way, HOMER Pro software has been used to find the most competitive solution (the lowest LCOE, Levelized Cost of Energy), together with a technical, economic, environmental and social analysis to analyze its impact on the ETCR. Thus, the final solution results in a Polygeneration system based on a PV (Photovoltaic) subsystem, the electrical grid and a biogas production plant (48 m3/day) by anaerobic digestion of agricultural, livestock and urban waste biomass coupled with an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine). The PV (250 kW) would be the major source of electricity generation, followed by the grid and, as a back-up, the biogas-fired ICE (25 kW), which is also used to replace LPG and wood for heating purposes. The solution presents a remarkable renewable fraction (73% instead of the current <0.5%) and a significant reduction of polluting emissions (60.5% of CO2 emissions). Moreover, it is ensured an economic viability over time (a ROI of 9.7% and DPB (Discounted Pay-Back) lower than 18 years) and a potential positive impact in the socio-economic development of Filipinas ETCR. To conclude, these results are in line with the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) 7 and 13, being an example of the viability of such systems and the positive environmental, social and economic consequences they can have in rural locations with economic difficulties and non-renewable and weak energy supplies.