Validation of a Simulation Model in TRNSYS for an Institutional Photovoltaic System: Case Study at the University of Santander - UDES

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop and validate an energy simulation model in TRNSYS to evaluate the performance of the grid-connected photovoltaic system installed in the Guane building of the University of Santander (UDES), located in Bucaramanga, Colombia. A technical characterization of the system was performed, followed by the design of a model in TRNSYS using real configuration, operational, and meteorological data. Subsequently, an experimental validation was carried out based on the comparison between simulated values and measured data during the year 2024, using statistical metrics such as absolute error, relative error, and accuracy. The model achieved an average relative error of 3.3%, with an average absolute difference of 146.47 W, demonstrating an overall agreement of more than 96% between simulated and experimental results. These results show that the model reproduces, with high fidelity, the behavior of the photovoltaic system under real conditions. The validated model represents a useful tool for energy management, maintenance planning, and operational optimization of institutional solar systems, and it is replicable in similar tropical contexts. In addition, it enables the exploration of expansion scenarios and sustainable energy transitions from both academic and technical perspectives.