Methodology for the Calculation and Evaluation of Efficiency, of Water and Energy Saving Technologies, that are Implemented in Residential Type Buildings Metodología para el Cálculo y Evaluación de Eficiencia, de Tecnologías de Ahorro de Agua y Energía, que se Implementen en Edificaciones Tipo Residencial

Abstract

The research proposes a methodological framework to calculate and evaluate the technical and economic efficiency of photovoltaic energy generation systems and greywater recycling systems in single-family homes. Since in Colombia there is no technical standard or specifications for a typical greywater recycling system, a greywater reuse design is proposed, which allows the collection of wastewater from sinks, showers and washing machines, for reuse in toilet flushing, garden irrigation and car washing, with savings of up to 50% in drinking water consumption. “About 50% of water uses in residences do not require strictly potable water, so alternative water of lower quality could be used for these uses.” (Meléndez-Pérez et al., 2019). For the evaluation of energy saving systems, photovoltaic energy generation systems were chosen as viable for implementation in homes "methodological tools for evaluating analysis of systems such as solar photovoltaics, encourage acceptance and interest in the implementation of these technologies by citizens" (Travesset-Baro et al., 2021). For both water and energy saving systems, a methodological evaluation framework is developed based on the operation of the system and criteria for efficient use of resources, satisfaction of demands and capacity to generate economic savings, achieving real evaluations that allow generating meetable expectations, building trust among system users, impacting the growth of sustainable buildings, and contributing to the global goal of a clean energy transition. "Reducing energy consumption and, consequently, mitigating greenhouse gases are global goals due to the global problem of climate change" (Vallejo et al., 2024).