Evolution of energy consumption in an industrial building according to different climate change scenarios
Authorship
S.C.S.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
S.C.S.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
This Master’s Thesis (TFM) studies the evolution of energy consumption and efficiency in a generic industrial building under the different climatic conditions projected by the IPCC climate change scenarios for two future periods. Energy simulations using IESVE software will be used to study the behaviour and consumption of the air conditioning system under the different expected thermal loads, evaluating possible adaptation measures with the aim of reducing the increase in energy expenditure on cooling resulting from the increase in outside temperature.
This Master’s Thesis (TFM) studies the evolution of energy consumption and efficiency in a generic industrial building under the different climatic conditions projected by the IPCC climate change scenarios for two future periods. Energy simulations using IESVE software will be used to study the behaviour and consumption of the air conditioning system under the different expected thermal loads, evaluating possible adaptation measures with the aim of reducing the increase in energy expenditure on cooling resulting from the increase in outside temperature.
Direction
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
Heras Reverte, Víctor de las (Co-tutorships)
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
Heras Reverte, Víctor de las (Co-tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
Study of the implementation of heat pumps in the industrial sector: application in a cheese factory in Galicia
Authorship
G.F.S.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
G.F.S.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
The decarbonization of the industrial sector represents one of the major current challenges in the fight against climate change. In this context, heat pumps are emerging as a key technology to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of thermal processes. This work analyzes the feasibility of implementing heat pumps in the industrial sector through a case study applied to a cheese factory located in Galicia. In the first part, a review of the theoretical fundamentals of heat pumps is carried out, including their operating principles, classification, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, with particular emphasis on industrial applications. Subsequently, the case study is developed, starting with the analysis of the factory’s thermal requirements and the description of the existing thermal and electrical generation systems. Then, the replacement of the existing natural gas boiler with a thermal system based on a high-temperature heat pump is proposed. This system is capable of recovering waste heat from the production process to generate steam for milk pasteurization. The technical feasibility of the proposed system is assessed, as well as its impact on the factory’s electricity consumption and on the existing photovoltaic installation. Finally, an economic and environmental analysis is conducted. The results show that replacing the boiler with the proposed thermal system is both technically and economically viable, leading to significant annual cost savings and a substantial reduction in emissions. However, important barriers are identified, such as the complexity of the solutions, the lack of standardization, and the perceived risk from the client’s perspective, which limit their direct implementation as replacements for conventional boilers. Nevertheless, despite current limitations, industrial heat pumps present a high potential to play a key role in the energy transition of the industrial sector in the medium and long term.
The decarbonization of the industrial sector represents one of the major current challenges in the fight against climate change. In this context, heat pumps are emerging as a key technology to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of thermal processes. This work analyzes the feasibility of implementing heat pumps in the industrial sector through a case study applied to a cheese factory located in Galicia. In the first part, a review of the theoretical fundamentals of heat pumps is carried out, including their operating principles, classification, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, with particular emphasis on industrial applications. Subsequently, the case study is developed, starting with the analysis of the factory’s thermal requirements and the description of the existing thermal and electrical generation systems. Then, the replacement of the existing natural gas boiler with a thermal system based on a high-temperature heat pump is proposed. This system is capable of recovering waste heat from the production process to generate steam for milk pasteurization. The technical feasibility of the proposed system is assessed, as well as its impact on the factory’s electricity consumption and on the existing photovoltaic installation. Finally, an economic and environmental analysis is conducted. The results show that replacing the boiler with the proposed thermal system is both technically and economically viable, leading to significant annual cost savings and a substantial reduction in emissions. However, important barriers are identified, such as the complexity of the solutions, the lack of standardization, and the perceived risk from the client’s perspective, which limit their direct implementation as replacements for conventional boilers. Nevertheless, despite current limitations, industrial heat pumps present a high potential to play a key role in the energy transition of the industrial sector in the medium and long term.
Direction
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
López González, Xurxo (Co-tutorships)
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
López González, Xurxo (Co-tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
Towards energy neutrality in a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through the utilization of biogas from anaerobic digestion
Authorship
C.F.V.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
C.F.V.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
This Master’s Thesis analyses the technical, legal, energy, environmental and economic feasibility of moving towards energy neutrality in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) through the utilisation of biogas generated from the anaerobic digestion of the plant’s own sludge. The study focuses on a WWTP serving more than 100.000 population equivalents, equipped with full wastewater treatment and a sludge line with mesophilic anaerobic digestion. A comparative analysis of three scenarios is proposed: the current situation without cogeneration, the implementation of a cogeneration system while maintaining the existing mesophilic digestion, and the implementation of cogeneration together with a transition to thermophilic digestion. In order to contextualise the study, a brief explanation of the operation of a WWTP is included, as well as basic concepts related to digestion processes. For each case, mass and energy balances are carried out, along with basic sizing of the main equipment, an assessment of the plant’s ability to cover its energy demands using fossil energy sources, and the impact on the degree of energy neutrality. The study is completed with an economic analysis including the estimation of investments, costs and profitability indicators, allowing the most cost-effective alternative to be identified in order to contribute to the energy neutrality of the facility. Finally, the optimal solution is selected based on legal, technical, environmental and economic criteria.
This Master’s Thesis analyses the technical, legal, energy, environmental and economic feasibility of moving towards energy neutrality in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) through the utilisation of biogas generated from the anaerobic digestion of the plant’s own sludge. The study focuses on a WWTP serving more than 100.000 population equivalents, equipped with full wastewater treatment and a sludge line with mesophilic anaerobic digestion. A comparative analysis of three scenarios is proposed: the current situation without cogeneration, the implementation of a cogeneration system while maintaining the existing mesophilic digestion, and the implementation of cogeneration together with a transition to thermophilic digestion. In order to contextualise the study, a brief explanation of the operation of a WWTP is included, as well as basic concepts related to digestion processes. For each case, mass and energy balances are carried out, along with basic sizing of the main equipment, an assessment of the plant’s ability to cover its energy demands using fossil energy sources, and the impact on the degree of energy neutrality. The study is completed with an economic analysis including the estimation of investments, costs and profitability indicators, allowing the most cost-effective alternative to be identified in order to contribute to the energy neutrality of the facility. Finally, the optimal solution is selected based on legal, technical, environmental and economic criteria.
Direction
RODRIGUEZ AÑON, JOSE ANTONIO (Tutorships)
Seijo Maroño, Iván (Co-tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ AÑON, JOSE ANTONIO (Tutorships)
Seijo Maroño, Iván (Co-tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
Comprehensive feasibility study for the implementation of battery energy storage systems
Authorship
L.L.A.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
L.L.A.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
In the context of climate change and the energy transition, this work presents a comprehensive feasibility study for the implementation of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The study focuses on the Villanueva de los Escuderos 400 kV substation in Cuenca, thoroughly evaluating the technical, urban, environmental, and economic aspects necessary for its development. For this purpose, two technological configurations based on lithium-ion batteries with 2- and 4-hour discharge times were designed, analyzing their integration into the electrical grid, including the design of the step-up substation and the evacuation line. The study also considers environmental impacts and compliance with current regulations, ensuring that the project is fully aligned with existing legal requirements. The results confirm the technical and economic feasibility of the project, highlighting the strategic role of energy storage in ensuring grid stability and promoting the integration of renewable energy sources. In particular, the study emphasizes its contribution to optimizing the use of renewable power surpluses, facilitating a more efficient transition towards a decarbonized energy system. This work provides a practical guide for the planning and implementation of energy storage projects, demonstrating that the combination of advanced technology, appropriate design, and regulatory support can make energy storage a key component in Spain’s energy transition.
In the context of climate change and the energy transition, this work presents a comprehensive feasibility study for the implementation of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The study focuses on the Villanueva de los Escuderos 400 kV substation in Cuenca, thoroughly evaluating the technical, urban, environmental, and economic aspects necessary for its development. For this purpose, two technological configurations based on lithium-ion batteries with 2- and 4-hour discharge times were designed, analyzing their integration into the electrical grid, including the design of the step-up substation and the evacuation line. The study also considers environmental impacts and compliance with current regulations, ensuring that the project is fully aligned with existing legal requirements. The results confirm the technical and economic feasibility of the project, highlighting the strategic role of energy storage in ensuring grid stability and promoting the integration of renewable energy sources. In particular, the study emphasizes its contribution to optimizing the use of renewable power surpluses, facilitating a more efficient transition towards a decarbonized energy system. This work provides a practical guide for the planning and implementation of energy storage projects, demonstrating that the combination of advanced technology, appropriate design, and regulatory support can make energy storage a key component in Spain’s energy transition.
Direction
FERNANDEZ PEREZ, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
Fernandez Estrella, Florencia Aldana (Co-tutorships)
FERNANDEZ PEREZ, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
Fernandez Estrella, Florencia Aldana (Co-tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
Assessment and valorization of ecosystem resources of San Martiño Armenteira Sector II (Meis)
Authorship
I.T.M.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
I.T.M.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
In the Rías Baixas, in Galicia, a forest mosaic is very common, which tends toward monoculture and discontinuity among ecosystem services. This leads to a series of consequences that, together with others such as climate change, increase natural risks like soil aridity, water pollution, and the rise in frequency and intensity of fires. This document aims to highlight a typical plot that contains the mentioned characteristics, both from a conservation and an economic perspective, in order to emphasize the importance of protecting its ecosystem services.
In the Rías Baixas, in Galicia, a forest mosaic is very common, which tends toward monoculture and discontinuity among ecosystem services. This leads to a series of consequences that, together with others such as climate change, increase natural risks like soil aridity, water pollution, and the rise in frequency and intensity of fires. This document aims to highlight a typical plot that contains the mentioned characteristics, both from a conservation and an economic perspective, in order to emphasize the importance of protecting its ecosystem services.
Direction
RODRIGUEZ AÑON, JOSE ANTONIO (Tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ AÑON, JOSE ANTONIO (Tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
Financial feasibility analysis of biochar production from sugarcane filter cake and vinasse in Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Authorship
I.A.V.Y.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
I.A.V.Y.
Master's Degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Defense date
02.02.2026 16:30
02.02.2026 16:30
Summary
This study analyzes the financial viability of producing biochar from filter cake and vinasse generated by the sugarcane agroindustry in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The study integrates the assessment of raw material availability, the technological selection of the pyrolysis process, the estimation of investment and operating costs, and the analysis of revenues associated with the sale of biochar as an agricultural input and the generation of credits in the voluntary carbon market. The results show that the project is financially viable under the assumptions presented, especially when additional income from the carbon market is considered. However, relevant challenges were identified related to the lack of a specific regulatory framework for biochar, the limited market consolidation, and the need for institutional and technical support. Overall, the study concludes that the valorization of filter cake and vinasse through biochar production represents an economically viable and environmentally favorable alternative, provided it is accompanied by an adequate regulatory framework, increased information dissemination, the development of pilot projects, and coordination with key actors in the agroindustrial and environmental sectors.
This study analyzes the financial viability of producing biochar from filter cake and vinasse generated by the sugarcane agroindustry in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The study integrates the assessment of raw material availability, the technological selection of the pyrolysis process, the estimation of investment and operating costs, and the analysis of revenues associated with the sale of biochar as an agricultural input and the generation of credits in the voluntary carbon market. The results show that the project is financially viable under the assumptions presented, especially when additional income from the carbon market is considered. However, relevant challenges were identified related to the lack of a specific regulatory framework for biochar, the limited market consolidation, and the need for institutional and technical support. Overall, the study concludes that the valorization of filter cake and vinasse through biochar production represents an economically viable and environmentally favorable alternative, provided it is accompanied by an adequate regulatory framework, increased information dissemination, the development of pilot projects, and coordination with key actors in the agroindustrial and environmental sectors.
Direction
ROMERO CASTRO, NOELIA MARIA (Tutorships)
ROMERO CASTRO, NOELIA MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)
BREA SANCHEZ, VICTOR MANUEL (Chairman)
Doldán García, Xoán Ramón (Secretary)
PIÑEIRO CHOUSA, JUAN RAMON (Member)