Journal of Engineering and Architecture

Creation of zero CO2 Emissions Hospitals Due to Energy Use A Case Study in Crete-Greece
John Vourdoubas

Abstract
Hospitals consume a lot of energy for various operations compared with other buildings. They have complex energy systems and use conventional energy sources, mainly electricity, heating oil and natural gas. However various renewable energies can be used in order to cover their energy requirements resulting in low or zero CO2 emissions from them. Solar energy, solid biomass and geothermal energy can be used for that generating electricity, heat and cooling. A case study of a hospital in Crete-Greece proves that the combined use of solar thermal, solar-PV, solid biomass and low enthalpy geothermal energy with heat pumps can cover all the energy needs of it resulting in zero CO2 emissions. These renewable energy technologies are reliable, cost effective and present many environmental benefits. For a 300 beds hospital in Crete, Greece the investment cost for using solar thermal, solar PV and solid biomass in order to cover all its energy needs is estimated at 7, 434 € per bed and for using solar thermal, solar PV and low enthalpy geothermal energy with heat pumps 8, 679 € per bed. Annual CO2 emissions savings due to use of the abovementioned renewable energies are estimated at 10.9 tons per bed.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jea.v3n2a9