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.
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 language | English |
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Number of pages | 9 |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2013 |
Event | International Conference on Applied Energy - Pretoria, South Africa Duration: 1 Jul 2013 → 4 Jul 2013 |
Conference
Conference | International Conference on Applied Energy |
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Abbreviated title | ICAE 2013 |
Country/Territory | South Africa |
City | Pretoria |
Period | 1/07/13 → 4/07/13 |
Keywords
- condensing boiler; energy savings calculation; dwellings; heating system; cost-effectiveness