Energy efficiency analysis of the main electrical systems in hospital facilities in Ecuador

Abstract

In Ecuador, the efficient use of electrical energy has not been prioritized as an objective to achieve better sustainable development. As a result, public and private companies do not incorporate an energy-saving management plan. One of these public companies is the General Hospital of Latacunga. This work consists of analyzing the electrical energy efficiency of the main low-voltage distribution transformers in the Hospital through the application of an electrical energy audit. It uses parts of the ISO 50001 standards for the development of an electrical energy management plan, ISO 50002 as a guide for the electrical audit procedure, and ARCERNNR 002-20, which sets the national electrical standards that the hospital's electrical system must comply with in order to be considered to have good energy quality. The aim is to find an energy-saving and cost-effective alternative. For the development of this work, a field investigation is carried out using a FLUKE 435-SII quality analyzer to measure the variables of the electrical system, such as voltages, currents, frequency, power, and harmonics. By evaluating the behavior of the electrical system compared to the ARCONEL standard, it is established that the potential problem is the presence of current harmonics in the network. As an alternative solution, the implementation of a multifunctional four-wire 200 A three-phase active filter is proposed for the new section's distribution transformer, and a 150 A three-phase active filter for the old section of the hospital. These filters will compensate for harmonic currents, reactive power currents, and phase unbalance currents.