Energy, economic and emissions avoided contribution of domestic solar water heating systems for Mexico, Costa Rica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

In order to determine the energy, economic and emissions avoided contribution of Domestic Solar Water Heating Systems based on the Thermosyphon Principle (DSWHS-TP) in a country, a detailed methodology was designed. The methodology was applied to three countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)) to show its versatility. Results showed that the annual average energy supplied by a DSWHS-TP (150 L with a collector gross area of 2 m2) in Mexico, Costa Rica, and DRC is 5.27, 4.15, and 4.67 GJ, respectively, which represents a solar fraction of 86.6, 98.9, and 76.1%. Consequently, annual money savings of 428, 249, and 614 USD, respectively could be realized. The CO2 avoided emissions are affected by the conventional energy source used to heat water. Costa Rica and DRC have an annual average of CO2 avoided emissions per house of 0.049 and 0.006 tons due to the use of electricity produced largely by renewable energy sources compared to Mexico with 0.55 tons of CO2 per house due to the use of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Hence, the methodology presented can be an essential tool to establish the benefits of using DSWHS-TP and the avoided emissions of CO2 in the environment.