Technical-economic analysis of solar water heating systems at Batna in Algeria

Abstract

The solar water heater (SWH) is one of the most important applications of solar energy because it affects several major hot water consumer sectors, such as houses, hotels, hospitals, barracks, etc.., where it can satisfy up to 70% of the needs and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saving energy. To do this, Algeria has established a major program for the development of SWH for the different sectors. The aim of this work is to study the technical-economic feasibility of SWH integration in Hospital Centers (HC) in the province of Batna, and the possibility of reducing GHG emissions. SWH installations analysis was done by RETScreen software, a mathematical model for clean energy projects analysis. The analysis showed the possibility of significant energy savings with SWH installation in the HC (Total annual provided energy (MWh) = 1427,1) and a considerable reduction in GHG (Total annual net reduction of GHG = 905,84 tCO2, which corresponds to 2106,1 barrels of not consumed crude oil). However, the main barriers to the development of such projects are the low cost of fuel in Algeria and, conversely, the exorbitant cost of SWH installations. This highlights the need for government subvention for this type of project. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.