Estudio de factibilidad para la ubicación estratégica de sistemas de almacenamiento de energía en alimentadores

Ecuador’s electrical distribution networks face operational constraints such as high technical losses, voltage deviations, and low reliability in the context of growing demand and increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. This study assesses the technical and economic feasibility of implementing a battery energy storage system with a nominal capacity of 1400 kWh and a discharge power of 30 kW in a distribution feeder, using electrical modeling in specialized software, power flow simulations under multiple loading conditions, and a multicriteria analysis that includes indicators such as Joule losses, voltage regulation, operational reliability, and economic metrics. The impact on critical parameters of a distribution system with 253 transformers is evaluated, considering international interconnection standards and real operational data. Results show that the optimal location of the storage system reduces total active losses from 412.6 to 361.4 kW, equivalent to a 12.4% reduction, increases the minimum voltage from 0.92 to 0.97 per unit, decreases energy not supplied by 18%, and yields a return on investment of 14.2% with a levelized cost of energy of 0.118 USD/kWh. Battery energy storage is therefore a viable solution to optimize feeder operation, simultaneously improving energy efficiency, voltage stability, and economic profitability.