Applications of Distributed Electricity Generation Systems in Hospitals

Abstract

Distributed energy generation systems have currently increasing applications in many sectors due to the resulted benefits. In the current study the application of distributed electricity generation systems in hospitals is investigated. The energy consumption in hospitals in many countries varies between 254.9 KWh/m2 and 738.5 KWh/m2. Various distributed energy generation systems have been examined and their characteristics are mentioned. The fuels used in them are either natural gas or renewable energy sources. Some energy systems generate only power while others co-generate heat and power. Our results indicate that various distributed generation systems are mature, reliable and cost-effective and they are currently used in health care centers. Others could be used in the future after improvements in their technology and reduction of their cost. Use of the abovementioned energy systems in hospitals would result in the increase of their sustainability, decrease of conventional fuels used as well as in lower carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Taking into account that the use of unconventional green energy sources in hospitals is currently rather limited our results could trigger the increasing use of low or zero carbon emission energy sources in them contributing in the global effort for climate change mitigation.