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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Goal and Scope
- Energy Matrix of Chile
- SIC Grid
- Transmission losses
- Energy required per functional unit
- Heating systems in Chile
- Air Pollution from wood burning
- Types of heating systems and emissions
- Scenarios and Inventory Analysis
- Residential heating
- Electricity
- Environmental Impact Results
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Particulate Matter
- Sensitivity Analysis GWP
- Sensitivity Analysis PM
- Conclusions and Recommendations
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to compare the environmental impact of current residential heating systems in central and southern Chilean cities with alternative energy sources, such as electricity. The study also investigates the impact of increased solar energy integration within the Central Interconnected System (SIC). A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is employed to evaluate the environmental impact.
- Environmental impact of different residential heating systems in Chile
- Assessment of alternative energy sources for residential heating, particularly electricity
- Analysis of the impact of increased solar energy contribution within the SIC
- Evaluation of the environmental impact of different heating scenarios using LCA methodology
- Identification of key pollutants and their impact on human health
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 outlines the objectives and scope of the study. It introduces the LCA methodology that will be used to assess the environmental impact of different heating systems. Chapters 2 and 3 provide detailed information on the current energy matrix in Chile, including the SIC grid, transmission losses, and the most common heating technologies used in the country. The study focuses on the impact of these heating systems on air quality, particularly the generation of fine particles (PM 2.5). Chapters 4 and 5 describe the proposed scenarios for integrating alternative energy sources into the heating system, and present the environmental impact results obtained from the LCA.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This study focuses on the environmental impact of residential heating systems in Chile, using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate different scenarios involving alternative energy sources like electricity and increased solar energy integration in the Central Interconnected System (SIC). Key areas of focus include PM 2.5 pollution, Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), renewable energy sources, and the impact of energy production methods on human health.
- Quote paper
- Selva Calixto (Author), 2016, Life Cycle Analysis of Residential Heating Alternatives for Fine Particulate Matter Reduction in Central and Southern Cities in Chile, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1234984