The National Electric System Operator (ONS) recorded this Monday (13) a new record in the instantaneous load demand of the National Interconnected System (SIN): at 2:40 pm, the level of 100,955 megawatts (MW) was reached. It was the first time in the history of SIN that the load exceeded the 100 thousand MW mark. The previous record was 97,659 MW, measured on September 26 this year.
At the time the new level was registered, the load was served by 61,647 MW of hydraulic generation (61.1%), 10,628 MW of thermal generation (10.5%), 9,276 MW of wind generation (9.2 %), 8,506 MW of centralized solar generation (8.4%) and 10,898 MW of solar generation from micro and mini distributed generation – MMGD (10.8%). The main reason for this load behavior is the significant increase in temperature seen in much of Brazil.
The heat wave arrived at a time of year when, normally, the rainy season is already established and when clouds act as a kind of temperature control. The absence of this defense, according to meteorologist at the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) Anete Fernandes, increases the effects of the climate phenomenon.
Air conditioning or fan?
Fans consume less energy than air conditioners. It is worth noting that air conditioning units offer thermal comfort and stability in air conditioning the environment, while fans only circulate the air, but do not cool it.
Before purchasing, calculate the effect on energy savings, using the Inmetro label that is stuck to the equipment, informing the annual energy consumption per year, in kilowatt-hours (kWh/year).
To find out the consumption, multiply the energy consumed by the device in kWh by the energy tariff charged in your region. For example: the residential tariff worth R$0.754 per kWh. Thus, if the air conditioning consumes, for example, 600 kWh per year, the annual expense will be 600 x 0.754, which will result in R$452.4 per year.
When in doubt between two models, compare the consumption of both and choose the one that consumes less energy. Eventually, if this product is a little more expensive, the price difference may be paid for over the months by savings on the electricity bill.
Avoid opening and closing doors in refrigerated environments and only leave the device on while you are in the room.
Close the windows and insulate the room well so that cold air does not escape.
Curtains and awnings reduce the incidence of sunlight into the environment, which also contributes to thermal insulation.
On the floor, ceiling or wall, they are always a more affordable option to refresh spaces.
Observe the amount of wind the fan is capable of producing. On the Inmetro label, you are informed about the fan flow rate. Therefore, if two models consume the same amount of energy, choose the one with the higher flow rate, as it will certainly be able to ventilate more than the other.
The energy efficiency index on the label shows this relationship between flow (amount of wind) and energy consumed: therefore, choose products with greater efficiency.
Regardless of the fan model, it is important to clean and maintain it to facilitate air circulation.
The screws must always be tight, the propellers balanced and, in the case of the ceiling model, check that the lamp is the one indicated by the manufacturer.
Properly size the device for the size of the room and only leave it on while you are in the space.
Article expanded at 2:08 pm to include air conditioning and fan comparison information.
