Applicability assessment of central and solar hot water systems integration in Serbia

Energy systems for consumers’ supply with sanitary hot water (SHW) can be considered as a separate category of the system with many similar functions, performances and integral elements. This similarity of energy systems for SHW supply and the way in which they are used enable systemic planning, proposing and undertaking measures for improvements and advancements. This is possible not only by the reconstruction and modernization of existing technological solutions but also by their replacement with new, modern and more efficient solutions. The basic idea and the aim of this paper is the development of a concept for integrated and upgraded system of SHW supply for different types of buildings from residential to more complex buildings intended for different purposes. The analysis is based on the application of a systemic approach adapted to the conditions in urban communities and includes only modern but commercial technologies. This paper presents the results of a net energy analysis of integrated central and solar hot water supply system and compares it with the conventional sanitary hot water system in the City of Novi Sad, Serbia. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through a simulation example. It is shown that 23% reduction in the total system’s costs can be achieved as compared to the existing solution. Also, the methodology is applied to a residential block as a unit and obtained results indicate that investments in the development and construction of integrated systems are justified.