Search

This paper investigates economic and environmental benefits of usage of renewable energy for hot water preparation system in elementary school in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Case study includes field measurements on hot water preparation system which consist of conventional electric water heaters, commonly found in educational facilities in region. Values from long-time measurements of system electrical energy and water consumption, along with simultaneously measured thermal energy supplied to the hot water, are presented. Measured values of solar radiation on the exact location are presented and compared with local meteorological data. Based on the measurements, actual energy and water consumption of system as well as related expenses are calculated. It is shown that actual water and energy consumption of system is substantially low when compared to the values prescribed by standard. This shows that hygienic standards are not met in the object, which is a common situation in many educational facilities in the region. In order to meet the minimum energy and water needs for hot water system and to prevent high operational costs, solar-based system for hot water preparation is proposed. New system provides better technical performance with reduced operational costs, primary energy consumption and CO2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]