Optimization of the energy system of Operating Theaters of the Portuguese Red Cross

Marta Sofia Peres Bárbolo

Key information

Authors:

Marta Sofia Peres Bárbolo (Marta Sofia Peres Bárbolo)

Supervisors:

João Filipe Pereira Fernandes (João Filipe Pereira Fernandes); Hugo Gabriel Valente Morais (Hugo Gabriel Valente Morais)

Published in

June 27, 2025

Abstract

The Portuguese Red Cross plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid, particularly by assembling field hospitals during planned and unplanned events. Currently, the primary energy sources for these field hospitals are the national electricity grid, when available, and diesel generators. However, issues such as inadequate generator capacity and unreliable grid connections lead to the need to explore alternative solutions. This study aims to address the challenges associated with the energy supply, specifically focusing on implementing renewable energy units in the system and on optimizing the system’s energy management strategy and the temperature regulation of the tents. This work proposes a comprehensive review and improvement of the existing energy supply system, incorporating renewable energy sources. An optimization system for regulating the temperature within the hospital tents is also suggested to manage energy consumption better and ensure thermal comfort. The research includes the simulation models used, the thermal modulation of the tents, the development of an optimization algorithm for the energy system and the temperature regulation. Two solutions were analyzed. The first demonstrates a 4M€ reduction in cost and a 50% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the baseline scenario. The second solution represents a knee point on the Pareto front, allowing for a further reduction of fuel consumption.