This work focuses on the modeling and simulation of constant pressure systems based on variable speed pumps, with the aim of studying and evaluating their performance from a multidisciplinary approach. Using the physical models of the Simscape library, from MATLAB/Simulink R2019b, two study cases are assembled consisting of: piping system, a hydropneumatic tank, centrifugal pumps with an induction motor, variable speed drives, and a control system. Case one is comprised of one pump at a fixed speed and another at variable speed, and case two with both pumps at variable speed. For the parameterization of the models, data from manufacturers and process requirements are used. The different stages of the control system are integrated and configured; these are constant V/f control, slip compensation, space vector modulation (SVM,) and pressure controller. The dynamic response of the system, power saving, transient current at startup, and harmonic distortion are evaluated. The results showed that both cases kept the pressure constant in the face of variable flow demand and smoothed out the current during startup. Case two saved more energy (between 28 and 49%) but generated more harmonic distortion. In addition, both cases have better performance compared with traditional fixed-speed technologies.

Flow rate and pressure are variables of great interest in the process control industry, especially in pumping systems. With the help of modeling and simulation, it is possible to understand the operation of these systems prior to their construction, in addition to allowing their behavior to be analyzed in various operational scenarios and testing different control strategies. In this work, the hydraulic, mechanical, electrical and electronic models of the different components of the system are studied. Two study cases for automatic flow control are assembled, using Simscape library from MATLAB/Simulink R2019b. This study cases are: i) with a control valve and ii) with a variable speed drive. The simulations determined that both cases keep the flow constant in the face of pressure disturbances, with a good dynamic response. Case 2 consumes less power than case 1, between 24 and 64% less, especially at low flow rates. It also reduce unwanted mechanical and electrical problems due to sudden starts and stops. Case 2 produced harmonic pollution on both the grid and motor sides, which implies a potential risk for the motor and the electrical grid. Case 2 was experimentally validated, obtaining errors of less than 10%.

Renewable energy deployment has accelerated globally in recent years, with renewables accounting for 29% of global electricity generation by 2024. In this context, Ecuador has significantly expanded its renewable capacity, relying predominantly on hydropower, which represented 70% of total electricity generation in 2024. Installed capacity increased from 1707 MW in 2000 to 5371 MW in 2024. This study addresses a research gap by integrating climate scenario analysis with long-term energy system modeling, evaluating the viability of Ecuador’s hydropower sector under four Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios through 2060 using the TIMES platform. The results project reductions in hydropower generation of 22%, 19%, and 15% under RCP 8.5, RCP 6.0, and RCP 4.5, respectively, with a modest increase of 1.4% under RCP 2.6, driven by changes in water availability. Overall, an average decline of approximately 14% is projected by 2060. These findings indicate that reductions in hydropower generation may compromise system reliability in hydro-dependent systems such as Ecuador. While the quantified impacts are specific to the national context, the relationship between climate variability, capacity factors, and electricity generation provides insights relevant for other regions with similar hydropower dependence. The study highlights the need to integrate climate projections into future energy planning.

Las uniones metálicas precalificadas han ganado relevancia en la ingeniería estructural por sus ventajas en rapidez de diseño y facilidad de ensamblaje, lo que mejora la eficiencia constructiva. Estas uniones garantizan un nivel de resistencia determinado, acelerando el proceso de construcción y reduciendo costos. Sin embargo, su diseño tradicionalmente se ha basado en métodos analíticos, que, aunque precisos, son lentos y laboriosos, y pueden provocar un sobredimensionamiento de las uniones, especialmente en estructuras complejas. Este estudio se centra en el diseño automatizado de uniones metálicas precalificadas para el reacondicionamiento del polideportivo de la Unidad Educativa Isaac Montes. En la introducción, se destaca la problemática de la infraestructura educativa en Ecuador y la necesidad de soluciones sostenibles en proyectos con recursos limitados. El proyecto utiliza un enfoque colaborativo y tecnologías avanzadas para optimizar el diseño estructural. En los métodos, se emplearon herramientas como SolidWorks para el modelado estructural y el Método de Elementos Finitos (FEM) para validar la seguridad y eficiencia de las conexiones metálicas. Este enfoque permitió evitar el sobredimensionamiento al optimizar el diseño de las uniones, en contraste con los métodos tradicionales basados en códigos como AISC 358 y FEMA 350. En los resultados, se encontró que el diseño automatizado no solo garantizaba la seguridad estructural, sino que también redujo costos y el uso de materiales, ofreciendo una solución eficiente y sostenible para mejorar la infraestructura educativa en un entorno de recursos limitados.

En el presente proyecto de investigación: “Prototipo de sistema de bombeo de agua utilizando energía solar fotovoltaica y algoritmos de optimización para mejorar su eficiencia, en zonas rurales aisladas del Ecuador” trata de dar la solución a esta problemática, explorando la eficiencia y el rendimiento de los sistemas de bombeo de agua. Específicamente se centra en el análisis de los algoritmos de optimización del MPPT, diseño de un convertidor Ćuk, acoplamiento mecánico de una bomba centrífuga con un motor dc y el acondicionamiento de señales analógicas provenientes de los sensores para garantizar un suministro de agua eficiente.

The increasing penetration of variable solar and wind generation requires flexible resources capable of improving energy balancing, reliability, and renewable energy utilization. This review critically assesses biofuel-integrated hybrid energy systems as complementary architectures for renewable energy integration, connecting system configuration, energy conversion efficiency, storage and dispatch, intelligent control, environmental performance, and scalability. A critical narrative and integrative approach was applied using literature retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, and organized across solar–bioenergy, wind–bioenergy, multi-source, storage-supported, microgrid, and multi-energy configurations. The evidence indicates that biomass-derived fuels can provide dispatchable and storable renewable energy that complements variable generation and supports decentralized and multi-energy applications. However, no architecture is universally superior, and greater hybridization does not inherently result in higher thermodynamic efficiency. Performance depends strongly on resource complementarity, feedstock availability and quality, conversion pathways, storage requirements, and operating strategy. Advanced energy management, model predictive control, machine learning, and digital twins can improve system coordination, although much of the available evidence remains simulation-based or limited in experimental scale. Environmental benefits are likewise pathway- and boundary-dependent, particularly when avoided emissions, coproduct allocation, infrastructure, and feedstock supply chains are considered. Overall, biofuel-integrated hybrid systems represent an application-dependent flexibility option rather than a universally optimal solution; future progress requires dynamic uncertainty-aware modeling, harmonized techno-economic and life-cycle assessment, and greater pilot- and industrial-scale validation.