This research focuses on the development and simulation analysis of heat-dissipating fins made of copper, integrated into photovoltaic panels, with the aim of mitigating temperature increases during operation. This initiative arises from evidence that solar panels experience a reduction in energy efficiency when operating at temperatures higher than standard test conditions. The photovoltaic panel was simulated both without fins and with fins under standard test conditions and extreme conditions. The simulation consists of the following steps: design, meshing, selection of physical models and materials, assignment of boundary conditions, validation of the simulation, and interpretation of the results. During validation, results obtained via simulation were compared experimentally, yielding a mean absolute percentage error of 0.28%. It was concluded that the fins with the greatest heat dissipation relative to their area are those of 40 mm height; with this height, the temperature of the photovoltaic panel is reduced by 2.64 K, which represents an efficiency increase of 1.32%. Furthermore, it was concluded from the analyzed data that the efficiency of the fins increases at high temperatures.

In this research, the design and simulation of a heat sink for photovoltaic panels were carried out using aluminum and copper, the most commonly used materials in heat dissipation systems. This heat sink consisted of fins that were tested both perforated and non-perforated to improve heat dissipation efficiency. This research stems from the need to reduce the temperature of photovoltaic panels during operation, as scientific evidence shows that photovoltaic panels experience a decrease in efficiency as the temperature increases, taking as a reference the temperature under standard test conditions. The simulations of photovoltaic panels with aluminum and copper fins, both perforated and non-perforated, followed a rigorous methodology. For validation, the simulation results were compared with field data, yielding a mean absolute percentage error of 1.71%. The findings indicate that copper fins reduced the temperature of the photovoltaic panel by 2.62 K, resulting in a 1.31% increase in efficiency. Similarly, aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.10 K, with a 1.05% increase in efficiency. Perforated copper fins achieved a temperature reduction of 3.07 K, increasing efficiency by 1.54%, while perforated aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.49 K, contributing to a 1.25% increase in efficiency.

En la presente investigación se simula el comportamiento de un deshidratador hibrido indirecto activo con las condiciones atmosféricas de la ciudad de Riobamba, debido a que existe la necesidad de deshidratar frutas y verduras que en tiempos de sobreproducción no alcanzan a llegar al mercado. Para ello, se desarrolla una metodología que permitirá tener una buena aproximación de la solución. Se parte del diseño del prototipo de deshidratador para luego someterle a un proceso de mallado. Una vez que se tiene una malla de buena calidad, se seleccionan los modelos físicos que se van a utilizar en la simulación. Posteriormente, se ingresan las propiedades físicas y condiciones de contorno que corresponden a las condiciones climáticas de la ciudad de Riobamba para su posterior simulación. Simulado el prototipo, se verifica que la curva de variables físicas que se desean calcular se ha estabilizado y las curvas de residuales estén por debajo del valor seteado, si cumple con estos dos pasos se puede determinar que la simulación es correcta. Para la validación de los resultados obtenidos en la simulación se utilizan datos de una investigación similar. Es necesario realizar la simulación para poder determinar si el deshidratador diseñado puede trabajar en el rango óptimo de temperaturas para la deshidratación.

This systematic review analyzed energy efficiency strategies in Latin American university buildings, with emphasis on highland climates. Following PRISMA guidelines, 225 documents were screened from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, yielding 36 studies published between 2015 and 2025. Reported interventions achieved 10–40% energy savings (median 18.5%), annual cost savings of USD 5672–USD 218,426 per building, with substantial variation reflecting differences in building size, intervention scope, and technology selection and carbon mitigation of 79–497 tons CO₂e annually. Common measures included LED retrofits, building automation, and solar photovoltaics, while integrated approaches reached up to 60% savings but required longer payback periods. Only six studies validated simulations with field data, and six addressed highland climates, limiting regional applicability. Free modeling tools such as EnergyPlus and OpenStudio increased accessibility but faced adoption barriers due to steep learning curves and scarce documentation in Spanish and Portuguese. Key barriers included inadequate metering (53%), limited funding (61%), and policy gaps (53%), while enablers involved ISO 50001 adoption and strong institutional leadership. Overall, evidence remains fragmented, highlighting the need for integrated frameworks linking validated models, technology, governance, and regional collaboration.