Development of prototypes and scale models of renewable energy systems in the Instituto Tecnologico de Soledad Atlántico - ITSA

On October 3rd of 2001, Congress of the Republic of Colombia made official Law 697 of 2001 which encourages rational and efficient use of energy, promotes the use of alternative energy and other provisions. This initiative of the government has strengthened very significantly the decision of higher education institutions and even secondary schools to advance the training of their students on the topic of renewable energy sources. ITSA has been carrying out projects, developing prototypes, scale models and simulations related to the subject, since its inception as an institution of higher education, mainly solar energy photovoltaic and solar thermal, wave energy systems and innovative initiatives such as utilization system for vehicle flow to generate electricity, or water reuse systems in shopping centers to save energy and water. Taking into account the importance of this research, teachers and students have participated in internal project samples, departmental events and national events, achieving important recognitions. This article is the result of the selection of the most outstanding projects for the past eighteen (18) months of work in the seedbed of the Rational Use of Energy ITSA.