| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this study is to increase the efficiency of Lithuanian University of Health sciences Clinics’ heating system. During the time of this study the existing heat consumption and operating conditions of the existing boiler house of the Clinics’ were analysed, thus showing that the heating system is not working optimally. In this final study the market analysis was done in order to review the existing and possible heat energy sources. This showed that the price of the main fuel – natural gas – is estimated to rise in the future, whereas the price of the heat in the Kaunas central district heating (CDH) network is due to decrease. In order to properly evaluate the impact of these price deviations to the final heat price for the Clinics’ a calculational model was introduced, which took into account different proportions of natural gas and CDH network in the making of the required heat amount. This model has enabled the evaluation of different scenarios. The end results indicated that in order to decrease the end price of the heat the most rational decision would be to take the most of the heat required form the CDH network, and only prepare the necessary steam in the existing boiler house. Taking into consideration of the prevailing trends, the heat sources from renewables was also accounted for making a share of the Clinic’s need for heat. As the existing and available renewable energy sources were identified, the solar energy collectors and a heat pump soil – water was opted as best options. Both systems were selected to produce two thirds of the annual heat required for preparation of hot water during the warm season. After a technical and economic analysis was done, the results emerged, that the heat pumps were able to produce more energy than solar collectors would. This is influenced by the annual number of clear days on different months. However, after some optimisation was introduced to the study, the results showed that a better option is to install solar collectors on top of the Clinic’s array of buildings. This makes a more dramatic decline in heat price and makes way for a faster return of investment. An interaction in various proportions of the existing heat energy sources with the renewable energy sources has also been done in search for the most optimal alternative to the existing heat system. This showed that pricewise, the best effect is to supply all of the Lithuanian University of Health sciences Clinics’ required heat form the Kaunas CDH network. |
