Introduction of Solar Thermal System in SOS Tbilisi Children’s Village

On January-June 2012 Union “Energy Efficiency Center Georgia” with partnership and financial support of BP Georgia and its partners has been implemented the project “Introduction of Solar Thermal System in SOS Tbilisi Children’s Village”.

The main aim of the project was:

To demonstrate of clean energy solutions application in in SOS Tbilisi Children’s Village in order to meet its energy demand resulting energy bill and emissions’ reduction;

In order to achieve mentioned aim was installed 16 (sixteen) individual each 300 L capacity pressurized split solar thermal system at SOS Tbilisi Village in June, 2012 decreasing the consumption of natural gas used for hot water supply for showers and kitchens, improving life conditions about 90 persons.

The physical implementation of the installation of solar thermal systems started on May, 2012 and continued till June, 2012. The installation works included: installation of 16 (sixteen) individual each 300 L capacity pressurized split solar thermal system consisting of 70 mm diameter super vacuum tubes, double-loop 300 L water tank and electric heating elements, electronic controllers to meter thermal energy output.

In parallel with the site works Operation & Maintenance Guidelines for installed solar thermal system for local staff were developed. The guidelines were delivered upon completion of the installation works, testing of the equipment and relevant training in O&M of solar thermal systems. The relevant training to the technical staff was provided by the sub-contractor “Caucasus-Solar” Ltd.

The training in the operation of the solar water heaters for the end users-educators (mothers) of Tbilisi SOS children village was conducted by the EEC Georgia and sub-contractor. The main aim of training was to familiarize the end-users in every building with operation of solar thermal systems. The training was conducted in questions and answers format.

In addition for children residing in Tbilisi SOS Children’s Village the representative of EEC Georgia conducted training. The main aim of the training was the introducing of solar energy and the applications (technologies) related to the solar energy, benefits and priorities of using of mentioned technologies. Also on the training was discussed the environmental issues such as climate change and other renewable energy sources. For better understanding after multimedia presentation were showed short movies and cartoons on solar energy, climate change and water saving issues. For visual comprehension of presented material for children was prepared multimedia presentation and was delivered handout and various materials (brochures, leaflets) as well.

In June, 2012 at Tbilisi SOS village was organized commissioned event of solar thermal system. The event were attended representatives of Association “Georgia SOS Children Village”, children and its educators (mothers), the Deputy of Social Service Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Health and Social Affairs of Georgia; representatives of BP Georgia and its partner and other stakeholders. The commissioned event was coincided and dedicated to the Sustainable Energy Week initiated by European commission.

In order to monitor achieved savings in energy consumption the checklist for registration and calculation of ongoing outflow of electricity & natural gas has been prepared. The checklist enables to compare NG and electricity consumption after installation of solar thermal systems. The metering data is monitored on a monthly basis. At present the monitoring data contains the period from July, 2012 through November, 2012 including natural gas, electricity and water consumption. The comparative analysis regarding the same period of the previous year show that (Table 1) both natural gas and electricity consumption has been reduced. It is also notable that in addition the introduction of the solar thermal systems resulted in water consumption reduction. In the below table the archived savings in energy consumption, bill saved and emission reduction for the period July-November 2012 are given.

Updated: February 6, 2013