Construcción de caso estudio como herramienta de formación profesional para la gestion de proyectos con energía solar fotovoltaica

Abstract

Context: The use of photovoltaic solar energy has become positioned as one of the fastest growing renewable energies in the world and that is why higher education institutions have chosen to formulate new undergraduate and graduate programs related to renewable energies, and thus, contribute to the growth and consolidation of the sector. For this reason, this project aims to promote the use of photovoltaic energy and to publicize the skills demanded in the professional field for electronic engineering students at the Santo Tomas University so that the student can design and implement energy projects in their different phases and considering technical and financial aspects. Method: The proposed research presents a mixed research approach This is given that the research is qualitative considering the aspects consulted regarding the competencies required of the graduates and quantitative regarding the questionnaires that allow validating the case study designed. A questionnaire is then carried out to employers to know their perspective regarding the hiring of the recent graduate and the skills they consider they should have. Additionally, a questionnaire is designed for the students of last semesters of the faculty of electronic engineering of the Santo Tomas University and a laboratory practice is designed that will be carried out by them. Finally, a case study is carried out with the results obtained from conducting the survey both before and after the laboratory practice. Results: The competencies to be considered, an electronic engineering graduate must have to perform in photovoltaic solar energy projects are: 1. Know, analyze, and detect the information and data that are relevant to start a photovoltaic solar energy project. 2. Establish the technical specifications and requirements of a photovoltaic solar energy project considering a feasibility study. 3. Plan and lead a solar PV project considering cost and return on investment. 4. Execute the installation of a photovoltaic solar energy system in accordance with the planning and feasibility study carried out. Conclusions: Taking into account the competences according to ABET, the Interinstitutional System of Learning Evaluation - SEA and a survey of 3 companies, 4 competences were determined that are necessary in the graduate of electronic engineering to perform in photovoltaic solar energy projects, where it is considered important that the student has a practical approach to what could be a photovoltaic solar energy project and also acquires tools that will allow to develop in this field without representing added costs for the company or delays in the execution of the projects. It is then found that in addition to promoting a practical approach to this type of projects, the student in the practical process must also acquire the ability to determine the information that is relevant to the execution of a project.