Diseño de un sistema de captación de agua lluvia para el abastecimiento de equipos sanitarios en el edificio de laboratorios LIM y CTT de la Universidad Técnica de Ambato sector Huachi Chico

Abstract

Water scarcity and energy limitations affecting Ecuador have increased the need to implementation technical solutions to optimize the use of natural resources. In this context, the development of a Rainwater Harvesting System (SCALL) is proposed as a sustainable alternative, capable of collecting rainwater and using it for non-potable purposes. This research focused on the design of a SCALL for the LIM and CTT building of the Technical University of Ambato, with the objective of supplying water to the sanitary equipment, reducing the consumption of potable water and taking advantage of solar energy as a backup source. The meteorological process included an initial phase of qualitative analysis, based on documentary review and diagnosis of the intervention site, followed by a quantitative approach for the estimation of essential technical parameters, such as runoff flow, storage and pipe sizing estimation. With this data, the construction drawings of the system were prepared, specifying components such as gutters, downspouts, storage tanks, centrifugal pump, hydropneumatics tank, and the photovoltaic energy installation. In addition, a reference budget was prepared bases on the unit price analysis, which allowed us to evaluate the required investment. The proposed design complies with current technical regulations and was developed using specialized software, which ensured accuracy in the water modeling. The results show that the system in capable of covering the monthly demand of the building, representing an investment with environmental benefits in the medium term. Finally, the implantation of SCALL is technically, economically and environmentally feasible, and can be applied in other institutional buildings as a measure of sustainable management of water resources.