Reduction potential on electric power consumption using solar heaters at state of Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

A technical viability analysis on reduction of the electric power consumption by the substitution of electric showers by the adoption of solar heaters and analysis of monthly savings costs for the municipalities of State of Goiás (Brazil) were performed. Using processing of local weather data, aided by the geographical information applicative SPRING, irradiancy values (MJ m-2 year-1) and the number of annual hours of solar shine on earth surface and on the top of the atmosphere, were calculated. Based on census data, the average monthly electric power consumption per household (kWh month-1) and the total one per year (kWh year-1), and the reduction on the monthly cost per household were estimated. Analyzed is also the reduction of flow that passes in turbine (m3 s-1) from the main hydroelectric power plant of State of Goiás and on the relationship between the total annual power (kW) and that one generated by same plant (kW) were predicted. At last, economic analysis of the results for the proposed substitution showed an average monthly diminution of about R$36.92 (US$17.00) on the energy bill, per household and an average term of 13 months for the return of the invested capital. One concluded by the technical, economical and environmental viability for the substitution of electric showers by thermal heaters/reservoirs systems.