Energy conservation and electric energy peak reduction potential during peak hours for a group of low-income residential consumers of a Brazilian utility (original) (raw)
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Renewable Energy, 2018
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Latin American Journal of Energy Research, 2018
Several countries have reduced their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions levels in buildings by promulgating laws, formulating standards and instituting certification programs. In this context, Brazil launched an energy efficiency certification for buildings in 2009. This study aimed to analyze the economic viability and potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions associated with the use of solar water heaters in a typical Brazilian dwelling. Solar thermal systems were simulated at different energy efficiency levels and shower water flow rates. It was found that the use of solar water heater, as compared with electric heater without a hot water storage, presented internal return rate of approximately 26% per year, simple payback around 4.5 years; net present value about US$ 2,194.00 and cost of conserved energy around US$ 0.12 kWh-1. This study also verified that solar water heater use in a typical Brazilian dwelling reduced emissions compared with electric and gas heating by approximately 95 and 256 kgCO2equivalentyear-1 , respectively. The total reduction potential of greenhouse gas emissions by use solar water heaters for the Brazilian residential sector was substantial, around 5.75 million tCO2equivalentyear-1 .
Energy Efficiency of Water Heating Systems in Single-Family Dwellings in Brazil
Water, 2019
The objective of this paper was to compare primary energy consumption and energy efficiency during the operation phase of different types and combinations of water heating systems in single-family dwellings. Systems with an electric shower, liquefied petroleum gas heater, and solar heater with electric backup were analysed. The analysis was performed by means of computer simulation using EnergyPlus. Three Brazilian cities with different climates were assessed, i.e., Curitiba, Brasília and Belém. The systems were compared in terms of final energy and primary energy consumption. Results showed that systems with an electric shower, which have a lower water flow rate, led to lower primary energy consumption. The solar heating system combined with an electric shower was the option with the lowest energy consumption, and the solar heating system with a heating element in the storage tank was the option that consumed more energy. The systems were sized according to the requirements of the ...
Savings related to solar water heating system: A case study of low-income families in Brazil
Energy and Buildings, 2016
The inclusion of solar water heaters available through subsidies of the Brazilian government has benefited more than 300,000 low-income families. Although these subsidies are important for wide implementation of this technology, the actual system performance is unclear. Moreover, it is unclear whether the performance is affected by user behavior in the context of complex socioeconomic issues. The objective of this research is to assess the influence of human behavior on the potential savings induced by solar water heaters. The research strategy integrated qualitative and quantitative measurements. We applied the cluster analysis technique to identify five homogeneous subgroups for a case study in Londrina, Brazil, in which a detailed measurement procedure was implemented to gather data on these subgroups over one year. The measurements were conducted to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting electricity consumed by showering. This study shows that the benefits of solar heaters vary according to the user and use of the technology. The annual energy savings averaged 9.51-18.6 kWh per person. A lack of technological understanding and the difficulty in effectively mixing hot and cold water were the main factors contributing to the inefficient use of the system.
Solar Energy, 2018
Domestic water heating in Brazil is commonly done by electric showerheads, characterized by a large installed capacity and a low load factor. In that regard, consumers and utility companies present opposite interests, the first aim to reduce their electricity bill, while companies are interested on shaving on-peak consumption. Solar technologies offer significant potential for domestic applications, but the implementation is commonly hindered by economic issues. The present work shows a methodology for addressing the impact of promotion policies in terms of the benefits for consumers and utility companies. It is proposed a weighting procedure that allows to examine both interests in a single objective function. It enables determining a trade-off curve and optimizing the design parameters of the solar system (collector area, storage volume and set point temperature). Two policy scenarios were analyzed: a rebate program and the implementation of a time-of-use tariff (TOU) scheme. The results derived from the first policy scenario show the existence of a trade-off curve between the initial investment and the yearly electricity consumption, which is useful for addressing the impact of the monetary incentive considered for rebating the initial cost of the solar system. The second policy scenario shows a trade-off curve between the annualized life cycle cost of the system and the yearly on-peak electricity consumption. That curve can be used for assessing the influence of the TOU tariff on the on-peak electricity utilization, allowing to measure the impacts of the tariff scheme, and providing the basic parameters for negotiation strategies between company planners and relevant consumers.
Energy, 2001
This paper summarizes the methodological approach and the results of a study aimed at assessing the potential for electricity conservation and peak load reduction in the Brazilian residential sector. The study splits the residential sector into 15 subsectors, considering five different geographical regions and three household income classes. Technical, economic and market potentials are determined both for electrical energy conservation and peak load reduction in the period from 2000 to 2020. The main findings show an electricity conservation technical potential for the residential sector of 28%, an economic potential of 14% and market potentials of 12% and 8%. The corresponding results found for the peak load reduction in 2020 were a technical potential of 21%, an economic potential of 4% and market potentials of 3% and 2%, with the large reduction in percentage savings for peak demand in the economic and market scenarios explained in particular by the omission of solar water heating from those scenarios. Finally, carbon dioxide emission reductions associated with the electricity conservation potentials and peak load reductions are also estimated.
Solar water heating technical-economic potential in the household sector in Brazil
Renewable Energy, 2019
Solar energy is a promising source for water heating in the household sector in Brazil. However, despite its large potential, its use is still limited in the country. This study explores the technical-economic potential of Solar Water Heating (SWH) systems in the household sector in Brazil, dividing the country in different climate zones and using a variety of parameters and site-specific conditions. The analysis considers several parameters from household electricity consumers to assess their willingness to install a SWH system in their homes. The model proposed is based on a parametric tool and is supported by the RETScreen model. A Geographical Information System (GIS) is used for spatial analysis. Results indicate the best sites to implement SWH systems in Brazil, as well as their technical-economic potential until 2050. The analysis shows that SWH systems are economically feasible for 17.9% of considered cases by 2020, leading to savings of up to 15.54 TWh/yr. Despite not having the best solar resources, the South region of the country has the best sites while the Southeast region has the best economic potential. Family size, equipment installation costs and energy costs play major roles in the economic feasibility of SWH systems deployment in Brazil.
Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 2001
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The Use of Solar Energy in Brazilian Residences
International Conference on Renewable Energies and Power Quality (ICREPQ’18) , 2018
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