Energy Efficiency Diagnosis in Public Infrastructure of the Andean Central Region of Ecuador Using the RETScreen Software
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55204/trc.v5i1.e505Keywords:
Energy efficiency, Energy audit, Consumption reduction, Environmental impact, Simulation softwareAbstract
The growing energy demand in public buildings in the Andean region of Ecuador presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability, operational efficiency, and environmental impact mitigation. Energy simulation tools like RETScreen allow for the evaluation of the energy performance of existing infrastructures and the proposal of viable optimization strategies from both a technical and economic perspective. This study aimed to diagnose the energy efficiency level of a public building in Ambato, using RETScreen. Different consumption scenarios were evaluated, and the impact of corrective measures on lighting, water heating, and ventilation was quantified. An energy model adjusted to Ambato's local conditions was developed, comparing two scenarios: a base scenario (current consumption) and an efficient scenario, which included measures such as replacing lighting with LED technology, reducing the number of boilers, and optimizing operation schedules. Results showed a 28.2% reduction in annual electricity consumption, representing a savings of 109,310 kWh. The investment was USD 10,200, with a payback period of 2.8 years, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 17.5%, and a positive Net Present Value. Furthermore, 22 tons of CO₂ emissions were avoided annually. The study confirms the viability, profitability, and environmental benefits of the implemented measures.
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