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Eco-Sustainable Energy Production in Healthcare: Trends and Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Domenico Mazzeo

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, 34 La Masa, 20156 Milan, Italy)

  • Cristina Baglivo

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Simone Panico

    (Institute for Renewable Energies, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Matteo Manieri

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Nicoletta Matera

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, 34 La Masa, 20156 Milan, Italy)

  • Paolo Maria Congedo

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

Abstract

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems represents a pivotal step toward the realization of a sustainable society. This study aims to analyze representative scientific literature on eco-sustainable energy production in the healthcare sector, particularly in hospitals. Given hospitals’ substantial electricity consumption, the adoption of renewable energy offers a reliable, low-CO 2 emission solution. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for energy-efficient and environmentally-responsible approaches. This brief review analyzes the development of experimental, simulation, and optimization projects for sustainable energy production in healthcare facilities. The analysis reveals trends and challenges in renewable energy systems, offering valuable insights into the potential of eco-sustainable solutions in the healthcare sector. The findings indicate that hydrogen storage systems are consistently coupled with photovoltaic panels or solar collectors, but only 14% of the analyzed studies explore this potential within hospital settings. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) could be used to meet the energy demands of healthcare centers and hospitals. However, the integration of HRES in hospitals and medical buildings is understudied.

Suggested Citation

  • Domenico Mazzeo & Cristina Baglivo & Simone Panico & Matteo Manieri & Nicoletta Matera & Paolo Maria Congedo, 2023. "Eco-Sustainable Energy Production in Healthcare: Trends and Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:21:p:7285-:d:1268331
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ascione, Fabrizio & Bianco, Nicola & De Stasio, Claudio & Mauro, Gerardo Maria & Vanoli, Giuseppe Peter, 2016. "Multi-stage and multi-objective optimization for energy retrofitting a developed hospital reference building: A new approach to assess cost-optimality," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 37-68.
    2. Yashar Haghighi Bardineh & Fatemeh Mohamadian & Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi & Nazila Akbarianrad, 2018. "Medical and dental applications of renewable energy systems," International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Oxford University Press, vol. 13(4), pages 320-326.
    3. Nastasi, Benedetto & Mazzoni, Stefano & Groppi, Daniele & Romagnoli, Alessandro & Astiaso Garcia, Davide, 2021. "Optimized integration of Hydrogen technologies in Island energy systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 850-864.
    4. Maggio, G. & Squadrito, G. & Nicita, A., 2022. "Hydrogen and medical oxygen by renewable energy based electrolysis: A green and economically viable route," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).
    5. Isa, Normazlina Mat & Das, Himadry Shekhar & Tan, Chee Wei & Yatim, A.H.M. & Lau, Kwan Yiew, 2016. "A techno-economic assessment of a combined heat and power photovoltaic/fuel cell/battery energy system in Malaysia hospital," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 75-90.
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