Renewable Energy in Historic Buildings; The Capitol of Puerto Rico and its Annexes

Abstract

The Puerto Rico State Capitol Superintendence (CS) is aligned with the new energy management challenges that the world is facing in order to reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emissions levels. A payback period of a 5 year minimum is required. The improvements options should be focused on the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse emissions by the integration of new energy efficient technologies, including Renewable Solar Energy, and Feedback of the existing systems. The CS conducted an energy audit Level II ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) at the Capitolio facilities which consisted on the evaluation of all installed systems that make use of available energy sources. The main objective of the energy audit is the identification of new improvement opportunities that can be deployed within the facilities by making use of efficient and reliable energy systems. Finally the installation of a 168 kW Solar Energy System using the latest solar energy methodology and technologies could be done and the achievement of more than 30% of energy cost reduction with a payback less than five year.