Análise econômica e ambiental de um sistema industrial de aquecimento solar de água

Abstract

Brazil is privileged regarding its potential for renewable energy exploitation, especially when considering the solar potential of the Northeast region. However, the contribution of solar energy to the Brazilian energy matrix is still incipient. One of the most common uses of solar energy is the production of sanitary hot water in flat plate collectors. There is a clear need to diversify the national energy matrix, promote the rational consumption of electricity, and introduce energy efficiency schemes in different activity sectors. Recognizing the high energy demands of the industrial sector regarding process heat, the objective of this dissertation is to develop economic and environmental analyses for a solar heating system, proposed for a textile industry located in João Pessoa (Northeast Brazil). The economic analysis employs the payback time, internal rate of return, and present net value. The environmental analysis applies the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to quantify the carbon emissions associated with the solar system, and compares these with a traditional gas-fueled system. The economic analysis confirms the viability of the solar water heating system, with a profitability rate of 29.46 that makes it an attractive investment. The environmental analysis confirms the sustainability associated with the exploitation of solar thermal energy, as the non-utilization of fossil fuels contributes to lower the carbon emissions, which were 194% lower than the traditional system. The development of different analyses provides a global perspective of the proposed solar heating system, and confirms the viability and benefits associated with its installation