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decent return on investment when you consider that steam will
be used for all heating, cooking, and sterilisation. Gas or coal is
often used as a water heating medium, as you can put together
a large high-kilowatt system at a fraction of the cost of any
other heating system.
Impact
Steam as a heating source is not seen as an eco-friendly water
heating system and is usually used where energy consumption is
greater than what the municipality can provide. However, modern
technology has allowed for more efficient fossil fuel water heating
with steam. Hot water boilers show efficiency rates of up to 93%
and with economisers and heat exchanges, all the heat from the
combustion process is used. LPG and compressed natural gas (CNG)
running costs as well as the carbon footprint of steam and hot water
boilers are significantly lower than traditional resistance element
heating systems, falling within the 50% alternative heating criteria.
Maintenance
Boilers generally have a long life, but require regular servicing by
a qualified technician to keep the steam traps and pressure relief
valves functioning.
Challenges
It is difficult to set up the infrastructure required for a steam
water heating system in energy-remote areas. Other factors to be
considered are the quantity of water to be used, electrical supply,
temperature required, and the layout of the facility. While most
government and private sector hospitals and prisons use steam as
their primary heating source, gas and coal are often used for large-
scale water heating systems. For example, Egoli gas is piped to many
streets of the Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas, and high-
rise buildings often make use of this effective fuel source. Military
bases also use gas for water heating.
THE VERDICT
It may be a ‘50% regulation’, but there are no half measures when
it comes down to it. Compliance is mandatory, and all tradespeople,
installers, and technicians should be well trained, fully registered,
and accredited. NBR aside, water heating is estimated to be one
of the top five household electricity consumers, according to Parry,
and the shift to alternative energy sources benefits not only cash-
strapped consumers, businesses, and industries, but maps the
way forward for an environmentally friendly and sustainable water
heating solution. PA
Compliance is mandatory,
and all tradespeople,
installers, and technicians
should be well trained, fully
registered, and accredited.
February 2018 Volume 23 I Number 12