OFF-GRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FOR AERATION IN SMALL-SCALE SHRIMP FARMING IN SERGIPE: A SOCIAL TECHNOLOGY APPROACH

Abstract

Marine shrimp farming in the state of Sergipe faces operational challenges due to high electricity costs and supply interruptions during critical nighttime aeration. This study evaluates the development, electrical sizing, and field performance of an off-grid photovoltaic solar energy system (SESOG) used to power a 1.0 hp fountain-type aerator at a shrimp farm in the municipality of NossaSenhora do Socorro (SE). The methodology involved load characterization, sizing of the photovoltaic generator (2,220 Wp) and the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, 48 V / 100 Ah) battery bank, and the parameterization of a variable frequency drive operating at 45 Hz to optimize energy consumption. Operational results demonstrated that the system ensured 4 hours of uninterrupted nighttime aeration (from 01:00 to 05:00), showing a reduction of over 40% in active power demand due to the frequency reduction, with the stator temperature stabilized at 55°C. The discrepancy regarding the theoretical 5-hour autonomy resulted from conversion losses and the undervoltage cutoff point (47.2 V) programmed for battery protection. It is concluded that the SESOG has the potential to establish itself as a useful social technology for small-scale shrimp farmers, providing energy autonomy and environmental sustainability; expanding the system to three batteries is recommended to fully cover the nighttime cycle.