The goal of this study was to compare the environmental impact of the current residential heating systems in Central and Southern cities in Chile, with alternative energy sources such as electricity, as well as the impact of a higher contribution of solar energy in the Central Interconnected System (SIC). A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was conducted in order to compare its environmental impact.
The study is divided into 4 parts: Chapter 1 describes the goal and scope of the LCA, Chapters 2 and 3 provides information of the current electricity matrix in the locations where the study is developed, as well as the most common heating technologies. Chapters 4 and 5 describes the proposed scenarios and environmental impact results.
Projections of economic growth in Chile in the following years involve higher energy demand and therefore, the need of an efficient energy supply in order to ensure both sustainable and economic growth. In that context, consumption of firewood represents an important role, considering the high availability of this energy source in Chile. In the entire country, the capacity of energy generation from biomass is estimated to be from 310 MW to 470 MW.
The main use of firewood is for residential heating, however, firewood is associated not only with environmental issues, but also with public health problems. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is an air pollutant that are two and one half microns or less in width, that is an issue when reaches high levels. These particles are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs, exposure to fine particles can produce asthma and hearth disease. Long term exposure to fine particulate matter could be related with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. Other alternatives commonly used are liquefied natural gas (LNG), electric heaters, refined oil, etc. Data from the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) shows the low air quality of various cities in the Center and South of Chile.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Goal and Scope
2. Energy Matrix of Chile
2.1 SIC Grid
2.2 Transmission losses
2.3 Energy required per functional unit
3. Heating systems in Chile
3.1 Air Pollution from wood burning
3.2 Types of heating systems and emissions
4. Scenarios and Inventory Analysis
4.1 Residential heating
4.2 Electricity
5. Environmental Impact Results
5.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
5.2 Particulate Matter
5.3 Sensitivity Analysis GWP
5.4 Sensitivity Analysis PM
6. Conclusions and Recommendations
7. References
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to assess the environmental impact of current residential heating systems in Central and Southern Chile and evaluate the potential benefits of transitioning to electric heating alternatives, particularly when integrated with increased solar energy contributions in the Central Interconnected System (SIC).
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of diverse residential heating technologies.
- Evaluation of particulate matter (PM 2.5) reduction potential via fuel switching.
- Assessment of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission profiles under different energy scenarios.
- Analysis of the impact of integrating solar energy into the Chilean electrical grid.
- Sensitivity analysis regarding energy grid decarbonization and heating efficiency.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Air Pollution from wood burning
According to the Ministry of the Environment (MMA), in Chile 68% of the household energy consumption per month is for heating (MMA, 2016). Most of the current heating technologies are responsible for reaching harmful emissions levels, which affects not only the environment but also the human health; only in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, it accounts for 30% of the pollutants (MMA, 2016).
Electric heating is one of the cleanest systems but the high cost of electricity discourages families to prefer this technology, while wood has been broadly used in Chile.
The government has implemented some initiatives to mitigate this situation:
• Restriction in the use of firewood systems when the pollutants concentration exceeds the permitted levels. This temporary solution affects the life quality of people because the indoor temperature does not reach the minimum standard of comfort.
• Prohibition of physical activity in open spaces.
• Children, pregnant women, older adults and chronically ill people must use masks when walking outside.
• General recommendations for the correct use of heating devices based on firewood: buying from certified sellers, ensure a correct combustion, etc.
• Subsidies in the replacement of heating systems under the program "Sustainable Heating", and improvement in the façade of homes in order to reduce heat losses.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of energy demand and current air quality issues in Chile, justifying the need for cleaner residential heating alternatives.
1. Goal and Scope: Outlines the three research scenarios and defines the functional unit and boundaries of the Life Cycle Analysis.
2. Energy Matrix of Chile: Details the structure of the SIC electrical grid, transmission losses, and the current energy profile used in calculations.
3. Heating systems in Chile: Describes the current reliance on wood burning and the various heating technologies proposed by government programs.
4. Scenarios and Inventory Analysis: Presents the fuel mixes and consumption data required for the comparative environmental impact assessment.
5. Environmental Impact Results: Analyzes the GHG and Particulate Matter emissions, complemented by sensitivity analyses on solar energy contribution.
6. Conclusions and Recommendations: Synthesizes the findings and advocates for transitioning to electricity powered by cleaner energy matrices to protect human health.
7. References: Lists the academic, government, and technical sources utilized for this analysis.
Keywords
Life Cycle Analysis, Chile, Residential Heating, PM 2.5, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, SIC Grid, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Firewood, Sustainable Heating, Air Pollution, Environmental Impact, Decarbonization, Electricity, Energy Matrix
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating the environmental impacts of replacing wood-based residential heating systems in Chile with electric alternatives, considering the national electricity grid's current and future composition.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work covers air quality improvement, particle matter (PM 2.5) pollution, GHG emission reduction, and the role of solar energy in diversifying the Chilean energy mix.
What is the main research objective?
The goal is to analyze how switching to electric heating systems and increasing the share of solar energy can contribute to reducing the environmental and health impacts caused by current heating practices.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study employs a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to compare heating systems, measuring energy input, GHG emissions, and particulate matter releases per unit of heat (functional unit).
What is covered in the main section of the document?
The main section includes an analysis of the Chilean energy matrix, details on various heating technologies, inventory analysis of fuel per scenario, and results regarding carbon footprint and air pollutant emissions.
How are the key themes characterized?
The themes are characterized by the trade-off between local air quality improvements (from switching to electricity) and the potential for increased grid-related GHG emissions from fossil fuel dependency.
How does solar energy integration affect the results?
Increasing the solar contribution to the SIC grid significantly reduces both CO2-eq emissions and PM levels, shifting the environmental profile toward a more sustainable outcome.
Why is conventional hydro considered controversial in this study?
Despite being renewable, conventional hydro in this context is noted for high GHG emissions due to methane generation from decaying organic matter in flooded areas behind dams.
What is the significance of the "Scenario 3" projection?
Scenario 3 demonstrates the hypothetical potential of a significantly cleaner electricity grid, showcasing how high solar penetration can offset the emissions associated with electricity generation.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Selva Calixto (Autor:in), 2016, Life Cycle Analysis of Residential Heating Alternatives for Fine Particulate Matter Reduction in Central and Southern Cities in Chile, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1234984
