This paper proposes a method for evaluating the optimal configuration of a hybrid system (biomass power plant and photovoltaic plant), which is connected to the electrical grid, to achieve minimum energy costs. The study is applied to a small rural municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain, as an energy community. The approach takes into account the daily energy demand variation and price curves for energy that are either imported or exported to the grid. The optimal configuration is determined by the highest internal rate of return (IRR) over a 12-year period while providing a 20% discount in electricity prices for the energy community. The approach is extrapolated to an annual period using the statistical data of sunny and cloudy days, considering 23.8% of the year as cloudy. The methodology provides a general procedure for hybridising both plants and the grid to meet the energy needs of a small rural population. In the analysed case, an optimal combination of 140 kW of rated power from the biogas generator was found, which is lower than the maximum demand of 366 kW and 80 kW installed power in the photovoltaic plant, resulting in an IRR of 6.13% over 12 years. Sensitivity studies for data variations are also provided.

As global energy demand increases, ensuring a reliable electricity supply in rural or semi-remote areas remains a significant challenge. Hybrid energy systems, which integrate renewables, generators, storage, and grid connections, offer a promising solution for addressing energy reliability issues. In this context, the rural community of Aras de los Olmos, Spain, serves as the focal point because of its frequent power outages despite being connected to the main grid. This study investigates innovative solutions tailored to the community’s unique needs. It highlights critical challenges in achieving reliable energy access and bridges the gap between existing limitations and sustainable, future-oriented energy systems. This is achieved by analyzing the current energy setup and evaluating potential alternatives. Two scenarios were evaluated: one optimizing the existing configuration for economic efficiency while retaining the grid as the primary energy source, and another introducing a biomass generator to enhance reliability by partially replacing the grid. Detailed technical, financial, and environmental assessments were performed using HOMER. These assessments identified an optimal configuration. This optimal configuration improves reliability, enhances stability, reduces disruptions, and meets growing energy demands cost-effectively. As will be indicated, the first scenario can reduce total costs to approximately USD 90,000 compared to the existing setup, whereas the second scenario can lower grid dependence by approximately 70%. In addition, introducing renewable energy sources, such as solar and biomass, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, these solutions create local job opportunities, promote community engagement, support energy independence, and align with broader sustainability goals.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable energy and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, renewable sources like biomass have become crucial, especially in regions rich in agricultural and animal waste. This study focuses on a real-life project in Aras de los Olmos, Spain, where solar, wind, and biogas from biomass serve as primary energy sources, supplemented by a hydro-based storage system to stabilize supply. Central to the research is optimizing biomass inflow to the biogas reactor—the primary controllable variable—to effectively manage the supply chain, maximize energy output, and minimize logistical costs. The study addresses practical challenges by utilizing real data on demand, truck capacities, and costs and employing robust optimization tools like Gurobi. It demonstrates how optimized biomass flow can secure energy needs during high demand or when other renewables are unavailable. Integrating technical and economic aspects, it offers a comprehensive and practical model for sustainable and economically viable energy production in rural communities. It provides a foundational framework for future renewable energy and optimized energy storage system studies.

Las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) se han vuelto indispensables en el nuevo modelo educativo híbrido, donde se combina la enseñanza presencial con la enseñanza online. Profesores y estudiantes deben adaptarse y participar activamente en el proceso de aprendizaje para aprovechar el máximo estas tecnologías, las cuales permiten una mayor accesibilidad y flexibilidad en la educación, mejorando la personalización y la colaboración del aprendizaje . En concreto, en este trabajo expone diferentes experiencias en el uso de material multimedia interactivo para ayudar a los estudiantes de las asignaturas de “Teoría de Circuitos” y “Electromagnetic experiments and their theoretical foundations” de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València, los cuales tienen dificultades para comprender los conceptos básicos de las asignaturas, lo que se refleja en los malos resultados que obtienen en las evaluaciones. Con la implementación de estos nuevos recursos multimedia se pretende mejorar la motivación del alumno y facilitar el aprendizaje de cada concepto o método explicado en las asignaturas. Tras su implementación, se muestra que dichas actividades mejoran significativamente el rendimiento de los estudiantes, obteniendo resultados positivos tanto en utilidad como en facilidad de uso por parte de los estudiantes.