Avaliação e proposições sobre consumo eficiente em usos finais de energia elétrica em um ambiente hospitalar

Abstract

Due to the energy crisis and the scarcity of natural resources, the necessity of energy conservation, as well as the financial benefits of this activity, has been highlighted. According to this scenario, health care facilities, mainly hospitals, are the institutions which widely make use of electricity in their activities. Therefore, this study aims to estimate potential energy savings from the development of an energy efficiency project in a small hospital (which has about 150 beds). This paper analyzes the technical feasibility of specific performance in lighting, air conditioning and hospital equipment. From energy audits, the case study done in CASSEMS Hospital Association included, besides the simple exchange of equipment and analysis of the thermal load, the analysis of the tariff framework and the viability of alternative generation at peak hours. The results indicate potential power conservation of 47.6% in the lighting system, 23% in the air conditioning system and, concerning specific hospital equipment, it was estimated a 6% potential conservation in the sterilization system and 0,74% in the X-ray machine. In general, it is estimated an electrical energy saving around 20% compared to current consumption. This work shows the great importance of avoiding the waste of energy in the hospital sector and the benefits that energy conservation actions would bring to society.