Analysis of the energy and cost savings caused by using condensing boilers for heating dwellings in Greece

Douglas John Harris, V Bonaros, J Gelegenis, G Giannakidis, K Zervas

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

61 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The preference of a condensing boiler instead of a conventional boiler is not only a matter of choice of the heat generator of a dwelling, but it also affects the selection of the heating media, the control and hence the specification of the whole heating system. In the present work the potential energy savings by using condensing boilers are evaluated both from technical and economic points of view. To this aim, detailed calculations are elaborated, taking into consideration the composition of the fuel, the ambient temperature and the consequent variation of the heating media temperatures.
The technology proved to be cost effective for the area of the country (Greece) where natural gas is available, with pay-back periods depending on the site and ranging between 3 to 5 years. Parameters affecting the economy of condensing boilers proved to be the balance temperature of the dwelling, the heating media applied and their nominal operating conditions, the cost of the equipment, the energy prices (for gas and electricity) and last but not least the hours of operation of the heating system. The latter depend on the occupancy pattern but also on the possible installation of a hybrid system (combining the boiler with a heat-pump), which seems to be a suitable technology for the weather conditions of the country and in this way a promising alternative.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2013
EventInternational Conference on Applied Energy - Pretoria, South Africa
Duration: 1 Jul 20134 Jul 2013

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Applied Energy
Abbreviated titleICAE 2013
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityPretoria
Period1/07/134/07/13

Keywords

  • condensing boiler; energy savings calculation; dwellings; heating system; cost-effectiveness

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of the energy and cost savings caused by using condensing boilers for heating dwellings in Greece'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this