Análise da viabilidade técnica e econômica do aproveitamento da água proveniente dos drenos dos aparelhos de ar condicionado do campus do sertão da Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Abstract

The utilization of alternative sources of water conservation, like the use of water from air conditioner devices, is a way to minimize the issue of fresh water availability and consequently, reduce its demand. It is essential that methods are developed and applied to reduce excessive consumption, establishing a balance between supply and demand, and certifying sustainability of economic and social development. The purpose of the present study is therefore to make a technical and economical viability analysis of the installation of an air conditioning condensate recovery system in the Universidade Federal de Alagoas - Campus Sertão, located in Delmiro Gouveia, Alagoas, Brazil. The first step consisted in characterizing the study area and the irrigation water demand. Subsequently, it was estimated the quantitative of water produced by all devices in the university and dimensioned a capture and storage system. Lastly, the implementation cost survey was carried out and the economic feasibility analysis was accomplished through the return on investment. Because of the implementation of condensate harvesting and condensate recovery systems, there must be a decrease of approximately 32.87% in water used for irrigation. Through the study the variation of volume between 1.2 and 1.8 m3 produced per day, it was possible to verify that the implementation of the project at the university was technically and economically viable, since the total cost was R$ 6,227.31, which it will bring monthly savings on the water bill of R$ 790.10, a quick return on investment between 7 and 10 months depending on daily production.