Design of a bus shelter based on Green Energy technologies for extreme weather conditions in Astana

Abstract

Nowadays the contribution of renewable energy sources to the worldwide energy demand is already significant and the trend is expected to be accentuated. The reasons are the numerous benefits such as reduction in greenhouse gas emission and dependence on fossil fuels. The Republic of Kazakhstan is also concerned with the development of the renewable energy sector. Moreover, green energy technologies in combination with conventional technologies can result in more economic solutions for various applications. The transportation segment has recently experienced rapid development in Astana and one of the popular projects in the city is the construction of “warm” bus shelters. Nevertheless, there are several problems with current bus shelters such as insufficient space for passengers and the high costs of existing technologies. Thus, this project proposes the modernization of the shelter at “Cardiac Surgery Center” bus stop by using an optimal combination of clean and conventional energy sources. Three types of green energy technologies: ground source heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbines, are assessed for technical and financial viability. Thermal heating loads, originally served by electric heaters, are planned to be served in our proposal by combined geothermal and conventional electric heater system, whereas wind turbines and solar panels are intended to partly feed electric load.