Innovative energy control module arrives at UMSS, driving global learning

Cochabamba, Bolivia – September 2024

San Simón University (UMSS) has made a significant stride towards the forefront of renewable energy research with the recent installation of an innovative control and monitoring module for multi-energy systems. This accomplishment, funded by the Erasmus+ program through the EU BEGP project, marks a crucial milestone for the educational institution and helps CUIE (University Energy Research Centre) to position as a reference in developing clean technologies.

The module, which will grant researchers and graduate students from around the world access to and experimentation on a real solar system, will facilitate experimentation and the development of new solutions in the field of renewable energies. This state-of-the-art tool will benefit the UMSS scientific community and open doors to international collaborations nd knowledge exchange.
“This project is a clear example of how collaboration between academic institutions and European funding can drive scientific and technological development in our region,” stated Evelyn Cardozo PhD, head of the CUIE. “By making this control module available to the scientific community, we are contributing to the training of highly skilled professionals and the search for sustainable solutions to the energy challenges of the future.”

Collaboration with UMSS to Achieve European Standards
It is important to highlight that this project is part of a broader initiative at UMSS to standardize higher education and achieve quality levels comparable to those of the best European universities.
By incorporating state-of-the-art technological components and promoting research in strategic areas such as renewable energies, UMSS is consolidating its position as a leader in the training of highly qualified professionals and the generation of impactful scientific knowledge.
“The installation of this control module is another step in our commitment to offering our students an excellent education and contributing to the sustainable development of our country,” added Johnny Villarroel PhD. “We are convinced that this initiative will have a positive impact on Bolivian society and the world at large.”

USPG’s progress on wind tunnel and remote lab development

Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala (USPG) is making notable steps with its remote laboratory, focusing on wind tunnel experiments and simulation technologies. While the full implementation of their remote lab is underway, the team has already begun utilizing 3D printers and simulation software to model wind currents and environmental interactions. In their current projects, USPG is designing elements such as buildings to simulate realworld conditions. By combining mathematical calculations with wind tunnel testing, they aim to validate and refine their models.

This approach will allow them to compare theoretical predictions with practical results, enhancing their research outcomes once the remote lab is fully operational. As the development of remote labs progresses, it is evident that most of the partners are deeply committed to this initiative. The implementation of these labs not only advances research but also facilitates meaningful interactions between students from different universities. This collaboration enriches the educational experience and aligns perfectly with the project’s objectives, creating a more interconnected and innovative academic environment

Solar Energy Management at UMSS

Our partners have been actively engaged in various innovative activities that contribute to the overarching goals of the project. One noteworthy contribution comes from Prof. Evelyn Cardozo of UMSS, who has provided
an update on the recent advancements in their Solar Energy Management Remote Lab.

In April 2024, UMSS successfully tested the web-based control system of the Solar Energy Management Remote Lab. This pioneering initiative allows students from around the globe to access and interact with the lab’s features simply by navigating to a web URL.

The team from UMSS elaborated on the functionality of this system, highlighting its user-friendly design. Students can upload a file containing the hourly electricity demand data of a house. Once uploaded, they have the flexibility to set the start time for the experiments and monitor the progress in real-time through the web interface. This interactive approach not only enhances the learning experience but also provides practical insights into solar energy management.

Upon completing the experiments, students can download the results file for analysis, enhancing their understanding of the data. This remote lab setup integrates technology with education, making advanced learning
accessible globally. The successful implementation at UMSS showcases the potential of remote labs to expand educational reach and provide hands-on experience in energy management, highlighting the innovative spirit and collaboration of our project partners.

UMSS is showing a great progress to implement a new and improved platform for the students and will continue with the assembly of the remote lab.