Life cycle assessment of concentrated solar power (CSP) and the influence of hybridising with natural gas

Purpose Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants based on parabolic troughs utilize auxiliary fuels (usually natural gas) to facilitate start-up operations, avoid freezing of HTF and increase power output. This practice has a significant effect on the environmental performance of the technology. The aim of this paper is to quantify the sustainability of CSP and to analyse how this is affected by hybridisation with different natural gas (NG) inputs. Methods A complete Life Cycle (LC) inventory was gathered for a commercial wet-cooled 50 MWe CSP plant based on parabolic troughs. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the environmental performance of the plant operating with different NG inputs (between 0 and 35% of gross electricity generation). ReCiPe Europe (H) was used as LCA methodology. CML 2 baseline 2000 World and ReCiPe Europe E were used for comparative purposes. Cumulative Energy Demands (CED) and Energy Payback Times (EPT) were also determined for each scenario. Results and discussion Operation of CSP using solar energy only produced the following environmental profile: climate change 26.6 kg CO2 eq/KWh, human toxicity 13.1 kg 1,4-DB eq/KWh, marine ecotoxicity 276 g 1,4-DB eq/KWh, natural land transformation 0.005 m2/KWh, eutrophication 10.1 g P eq/KWh, acidification 166 g SO2 eq/KWh. Most of these impacts are associated with extraction of raw materials and manufacturing of plant components. The utilization NG transformed the environmental profile of the technology, placing increasing weight on impacts related to its operation and maintenance. Significantly higher impacts were observed on categories like climate change (311 kg CO2 eq/MWh when using 35 % NG), natural land transformation, terrestrial acidification and fossil depletion. Despite its fossil nature, the use of NG had a beneficial effect on other impact categories (human and marine toxicity, freshwater eutrophication and natural land transformation) due to the higher electricity output achieved. The overall environmental performance of CSP significantly deteriorated with the use of NG (single score 3.52 pt in solar only operation compared to 36.1 pt when using 35 % NG). Other sustainability parameters like EPT and CED also increased substantially as a result of higher NG inputs. Quasilinear second-degree polynomial relationships were calculated between various environmental performance parameters and NG contributions. Conclusions Energy input from auxiliary NG determines the environmental profile of the CSP plant. Aggregated analysis shows a deleterious effect on the overall environmental performance of the technology as a result of NG utilization. This is due primarily to higher impacts on environmental categories like climate change, natural land transformation, fossil fuel depletion and terrestrial acidification. NG may be used in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner in combined cycle power plants, which achieve higher energy conversion efficiencies.

Hybridizing concentrated solar power (CSP) with biogas and biomethane as an alternative to natural gas: Analysis of environmental performance using LCA

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants typically incorporate one or various auxiliary boilers operating in parallel to the solar field to facilitate start up operations, provide system stability, avoid freezing of heat transfer fluid (HTF) and increase generation capacity. The environmental performance of these plants is highly influenced by the energy input and the type of auxiliary fuel, which in most cases is natural gas (NG). Replacing the NG with biogas or biomethane (BM) in commercial CSP installations is being considered as a means to produce electricity that is fully renewable and free from fossil inputs. Despite their renewable nature, the use of these biofuels also generates environmental impacts that need to be adequately identified and quantified. This paper investigates the environmental performance of a commercial wet-cooled parabolic trough 50 MWe CSP plant in Spain operating according to two strategies: solar-only, with minimum technically viable energy non-solar contribution; and hybrid operation, where 12 % of the electricity derives from auxiliary fuels (as permitted by Spanish legislation). The analysis was based on standard Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology (ISO 14040-14040). The technical viability and the environmental profile of operating the CSP plant with different auxiliary fuels was evaluated, including: NG; biogas from an adjacent plant; and BM withdrawn from the gas network. The effect of using different substrates (biowaste, sewage sludge, grass and a mix of biowaste with animal manure) for the production of the biofuels was also investigated. The results showed that NG is responsible for most of the environmental damage associated with the operation of the plant in hybrid mode. Replacing NG with biogas resulted in a significant improvement of the environmental performance of the installation, primarily due to reduced impact in the following categories: natural land transformation, depletion of fossil resources, and climate change. However, despite the renewable nature of the biofuels, other environmental categories like human toxicity, eutrophication, acidification and marine ecotoxicity scored higher when using biogas and BM.

Analysis of the Behaviour of Biofuel-Fired Gas Turbine Power Plants

The utilisation of biofuels in gas turbines is a promising alternative to fossil fuels for power generation. It would lead to significant reduction of CO2 emissions using an existing combustion technology, although significant changes seem to be needed and further technological development is necessary. The goal of this work is to perform energy and exergy analyses of the behaviour of gas turbines fired with biogas, ethanol and synthesis gas (bio-syngas), compared with natural gas. The global energy transformation process (i.e. from biomass to electricity) has also been studied. Furthermore, the potential reduction of CO2 emissions attained by the use of biofuels has been determined, considering the restrictions regarding biomass availability. Two different simulation tools have been used to accomplish the aims of this work. The results suggest a high interest and the technical viability of the use of Biomass Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (BIGCC) systems for large scale power generation.

Aspectos de la medición dinámica instantánea de emisiones de motores. Aplicación al desarrollo de un equipo portátil y una metodología para estudios de contaminación de vehículos en tráfico real.

Esta Tesis Doctoral se encuadra en el ámbito de la medida de emisiones contaminantes y de consumo de combustible en motores de combustión interna alternativos cuando se utilizan como plantas de potencia para propulsión de vehículos ligeros de carretera, y más concretamente en las medidas dinámicas con el vehículo circulando en tráfico real. En este ámbito, el objetivo principal de la Tesis es estudiar los problemas asociados a la medición en tiempo real con equipos embarcados de variables medioambientales, energéticas y de actividad, de vehículos ligeros propulsados por motores térmicos en tráfico real. Y como consecuencia, desarrollar un equipo y una metodología apropiada para este objetivo, con el fin de realizar consiguientemente un estudio sobre los diferentes factores que influyen sobre las emisiones y el consumo de combustible de vehículos turismo en tráfico real. La Tesis se comienza realizando un estudio prospectivo sobre los trabajos de otros autores relativos al desarrollo de equipos portátiles de medida de emisiones (Portable Emission Measurement Systems – PEMS), problemas asociados a la medición dinámica de emisiones y estudios de aplicación en tráfico real utilizando este tipo de equipos. Como resultado de este estudio se plantea la necesidad de disponer de un equipo específicamente diseñado para ser embarcado en un vehículo que sea capaz de medir en tiempo real las concentraciones de emisiones y el caudal de gases de escape, al mismo tiempo que se registran variables del motor, del vehículo y del entorno como son la pendiente y los datos meteorológicos. De esta forma se establecen las especificaciones y condiciones de diseño del equipo PEMS. Aunque al inicio de esta Tesis ya existían en el mercado algunos sistemas portátiles de medida de emisiones (PEMS: Portable Emissions Measurement Systems), en esta Tesis se investiga, diseña y construye un nuevo sistema propio, denominado MIVECO – PEMS. Se exponen, discuten y justifican todas las soluciones técnicas incorporadas en el sistema que incluyen los subsistema de análisis de gases, subsistemas de toma de muestra incluyendo caudalímetro de gases de escape, el subsistema de medida de variables del entorno y actividad del vehículo y el conjunto de sistemas auxiliares. El diseño final responde a las hipótesis y necesidades planteadas y se valida en uso real, en banco de rodillos y en comparación con otro equipos de medida de emisiones estacionarios y portátiles. En esta Tesis se presenta también toda la investigación que ha conducido a establecer la metodología de tratamiento de las señales registradas en tiempo real que incluye la sincronización, cálculos y propagación de errores. La metodología de selección y caracterización de los recorridos y circuitos y de las pautas de conducción, preparación del vehículo y calibración de los equipos forma también parte del legado de esta Tesis. Para demostrar la capacidad de medida del equipo y el tipo de resultados que pueden obtenerse y que son útiles para la comunidad científica, y las autoridades medioambientales en la parte final de esta Tesis se plantean y se presentan los resultados de varios estudios de variables endógenas y exógenas que afectan a las emisiones instantáneas y a los factores de emisión y consumo (g/km) como: el estilo de conducción, la infraestructura vial, el nivel de congestión del tráfico, tráfico urbano o extraurbano, el contenido de biocarburante, tipo de motor (diesel y encendido provocado), etc. Las principales conclusiones de esta Tesis son que es posible medir emisiones másicas y consumo de motores de vehículos en uso real y que los resultados permiten establecer políticas de reducción de impacto medio ambiental y de eficiencia energética, pero, se deben establecer unas metodologías precisas y se debe tener mucho cuidado en todo el proceso de calibración, medida y postratamientos de los datos. Abstract This doctoral thesis is in the field of emissions and fuel consumption measurement of reciprocating internal combustion engines when are used as power-trains for light-duty road vehicles, and especially in the real-time dynamic measurements procedures when the vehicle is being driven in real traffic. In this context, the main objective of this thesis is to study the problems associated with on-board real-time measuring systems of environmental, energy and activity variables of light vehicles powered by internal combustion engines in real traffic, and as a result, to develop an instrument and an appropriate methodology for this purpose, and consequently to make a study of the different factors which influence the emissions and the fuel consumption of passenger cars in real traffic. The thesis begins developing a prospective study on other authors’ works about development of Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS), problems associated with dynamic emission measurements and application studies on actual traffic using PEMS. As a result of this study, it was shown that a measuring system specifically designed for being on-board on a vehicle, which can measure in real time emission concentrations and exhaust flow, and at the same time to record motor vehicle and environment variables as the slope and atmospheric data, is needed; and the specifications and design parameters of the equipment are proposed. Although at the beginning of this research work there were already on the market some PEMS, in this Thesis a new system is researched, designed and built, called MIVECO – PEMS, in order to meet such measurements needs. Following that, there are presented, discussed and justify all technical solutions incorporated in the system, including the gas analysis subsystem, sampling and exhaust gas flowmeter subsystem, the subsystem for measurement of environment variables and of the vehicle activity and the set of auxiliary subsystems. The final design meets the needs and hypotheses proposed, and is validated in real-life use and chassis dynamometer testing and is also compared with other stationary and on-board systems. This thesis also presents all the research that has led to the methodology of processing the set of signals recorded in real time including signal timing, calculations and error propagation. The methodology to select and characterize of the routes and circuits, the driving patterns, and the vehicle preparation and calibration of the instruments and sensors are part of the legacy of this thesis. To demonstrate the measurement capabilities of the system and the type of results that can be obtained and that are useful for the scientific community and the environmental authorities, at the end of this Thesis is presented the results of several studies of endogenous and exogenous variables that affect the instantaneous and averaged emissions and consumption factors (g/km), as: driving style, road infrastructure, the level of traffic congestion, urban and extra-urban traffic, biofuels content, type of engine (diesel or spark ignition) etc. The main conclusions of this thesis are that it is possible to measure mass emissions and consumption of vehicle engines in actual use and that the results allow us to establish policies to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency, but, to establish precise methodologies and to be very careful in the entire process of calibration, measurement and data post-treatment is necessary.

Obtención de escenarios de régimen ambiental de caudales (RAC) a partir del régimen natural: una nueva extensión del software IAHRIS

Este método, utiliza los resultados facilitados por la aplicación informática IAHRIS v2.2. (Índices de Alteración Hidrológica en RÍoS) para: - Establecer un conjunto de escenarios de regímenes ambientales, definidos con base hidrológica y tomando como referente al régimen natural. - Valorar ambientalmente mediante los Índices de Alteración Hidrológica la “distancia” de cada escenario respecto al de referencia. - Valorar realizando una simulación plurianual, la demanda en recurso que cada escenario conlleva. - Representar conjuntamente para todos los escenarios estudiados, su valoración ambiental y su demanda. Esta representación constituye una herramienta que permite interpretar fácilmente dos de los principales aspectos implicados en la toma de decisiones a la hora de seleccionar un régimen ambiental: la mejora respecto a la situación actual, en lo que a alteración del régimen se refiere, y la cantidad de agua necesaria. Como ejemplo de aplicación se presenta el caso del río Júcar en el embalse de Alarcón.

CO2 emissions from a spark ignition engine operatin on natural-hydrogen blends (HCNG)

The addition of hydrogen to natural gas could be a short-term alternative to today’s fossil fuels, as greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced. The aim of this study is to evaluate the emissions and performance of a spark ignition engine fuelled by pure natural gas, pure hydrogen, and different blends of hydrogen and natural gas (HCNG). Increasing the hydrogen fraction leads to variations in cylinder pressure and CO2 emissions. In this study, a combustion model based on thermodynamic equations is used, considering separate zones for burned and unburned gases. The results show that the maximum cylinder pressure rises as the fraction of hydrogen in the blend increases. The presence of hydrogen in the blend leads to a decrease in CO2 emissions. Due to the properties of hydrogen, leaner fuel–air mixtures can be used along with the appropriate spark timing, leading to an improvement in engine emissions with no loss of performance.

Atmospheric and remote sensing surveys evaluated at the natural analogue "Campo de Calatrava" and its relation with isotopic Radon activity and CO2 flux as strategy for CCS projects

C0 capture and storage (CCS) projects are presently developed to reduce the emission of anthropogenic co2 into the atmosphere. CCS technologies are expected to account for the 20% of the C0 reduction by 2050.The results of this paper are referred to the OXYCFB300 Compostilla Project (European Energy Program for Recover). Since the detection and control of potential leakage from storage formation is mandatory in a project of capture and geological storage of C02 (CCS), geophysical , ground deformation and geochemical monitoring have been carried out to detect potentialleakage, and, in the event that this occurs, identify and quantify it. This monitoring needs to be developed prior, during and after the injection stage. For a correct interpretation and quantification of the leakage, it is essential to establish a pre-injection characterization (baseline)of the area affected by the C02 storage at reservoir level as well as at shallow depth, surface and atmosphere, via soil gas measurements.

Análisis exploratorio de firmas espectrales e índices de vegetación para la monitorización de emisiones de CO2 en un análogo natural.

Se ha analizado el problema de la detección de fugas de CO2 en reservorios naturales utilizados como almacenes de este gas. Los trabajos han sido realizados sobre un área del Campo de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, España, donde a causa de la actividad volcánica remanente se pueden encontrar puntos de emisión de CO2. Se han utilizado imágenes QuickBird y WorldView-2 para la generación de firmas espectrales e índices de vegetación. Estos índices han sido evaluados para obtener los más idóneos para la detección de fugas de CO2. Palabras clave: teledetección, CO2, vegetación, satélite. ABSTRACT The problem of detecting CO2 leaks in natural reservoirs used to store the gas has been analyzed. The works have been done over an area where, because of the residual volcanic activity, CO2 delivery spots can be found. This area is located in Campo de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Spain. QuickBird and WorldView-2 imagery has been used to generate spectral signatures and vegetation indexes. These indexes have been evaluated in order to obtain the most suitable ones to detect CO2 leaks. Keywords: remote sensing, CO2, vegetation, satellite.

El análogo natural de almacenamiento y escape de CO2 de la cuenca de Gañuelas-Mazarrón: implicaciones para el comportamiento y la seguridad de un almacenamiento de CO2 en estado supercrítico

La cuenca terciaria de Gañuelas-Mazarrón se caracteriza por la existencia de un acuífero salino profundo (mayor que500m) sobresaturado en CO2 que puede considerarse como un análogo natural de un Almacenamiento Geológico Profundo (AGP) de CO2 de origen industrial. El CO2 de dicho acuífero ha permanecido oculto desde su almacenamiento hasta 1960-70, época en que comenzó la sobreexplotación de los acuíferos más someros de la cuenca con fines agrícolas . Actualmente este análogo natural está siendo objeto de estudio con el fin de determinar: i) las principales características de la citada cuenca y acuífero salino, incluyendo el origen del CO2; ii) los principales procesos de interacción agua/gas/roca que controlan la evolución de dicho sistema natural, y las principales analogías entre estos procesos naturales y los esperables en un AGP de CO2; iii) el comportamiento del sistema como almacenamiento natural de CO2; y iv) el comportamiento y la seguridad, a largo plazo, de un AGP artificial de CO2, aplicando los resultados del estudio del sistema natural citado.

An Empirical Analysis of the Spanish Gas Price Structure

We can say without hesitation that in energy markets a throughout data analysis is crucial when designing sophisticated models that are able to capture most of the critical market drivers. In this study we will attempt to investigate into Spanish natural gas prices structure to improve understanding of the role they play in the determination of electricity prices and decide in the future about price modelling aspects. To further understand the potential for modelling, this study will focus on the nature and characteristics of the different gas price data available. The fact that the existing gas market in Spain does not incorporate enough liquidity of trade makes it even more critical to analyze in detail available gas price data information that in the end will provide relevant information to understand how electricity prices are affected by natural gas markets. In this sense representative Spanish gas prices are typically difficult to explore given the fact that there is not a transparent gas market yet and all the gas imported in the country is negotiated and purchased by private companies at confidential terms.

Análisis de ciclo de vida de una nueva solución arquitectónica que mejora el rendimiento térmico de la envolvente del edificio: Fachada Natural Aljibe.

El objetivo de este trabajo, que supone la mejora del rendimiento térmico de la envolvente del edificio, es dar a conocer los impactos ambientales asociados a una nueva solución de fachada vegetada mediante la metodología de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida con límites del sistema de la cuna a la tumba. El análisis pretende también generar información relevante de ciclo de vida como material de partida para la redacción de una futura Declaración Ambiental de Producto. La etapa de fabricación de los componentes de la fachada es la que más contribución presenta en todas las categorías de impacto analizadas, siendo la capa vegetada la de mayor impacto. En cambio, la etapa de transporte es la que presenta menor contribución, pudiendo ser considerado despreciable para todas las categorías de impacto analizadas. Tras el análisis de los resultados, se ha obtenido información útil de los aspectos y componentes más problemáticos en el desempeño ambiental de la fachada evaluada, abriendo el camino hacia posibles acciones de reducción de impactos por parte del fabricante. Palabras clave: Sostenibilidad; impacto ambiental; análisis de ciclo de vida; Declaración Ambiental de Producto (DAP); aislamiento térmico; envolvente del edificio; fachada vegetal aljibe.

CO2and Rn degassing from the natural analog of Campo de Calatrava(Spain): Implications for monitoring of CO2storage sites

Natural analogs offer a valuable opportunity to investigate the long-term impacts associated with thepotential leakage in geological storage of CO2.Degassing of CO2and radon isotopes (222Rn?220Rn) from soil, gas vents and thermal water dischargeswas investigated in the natural analog of Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field (CCVF; Central Spain) todetermine the CO2?Rn relationships and to assess the role of CO2as carrier gas for radon. Furthermore,radon measurements to discriminate between shallow and deep gas sources were evaluated under theperspective of their applicability in monitoring programs of carbon storage projects.CO2flux as high as 5000 g m?2d?1and222Rn activities up to 430 kBq m?3were measured;220Rn activi-ties were one order of magnitude lower than those of222Rn. The222Rn/220Rn ratios were used to constrainthe source of the Campo de Calatrava soil gases since a positive correlation between radon isotopic ratiosand CO2fluxes was observed. Thus, in agreement with previous studies, our results indicate a deepmantle-related origin of CO2for both free and soil gases, suggesting that carbon dioxide is an efficientcarrier for Rn. Furthermore, it was ascertained that the increase of222Rn in the soil gases was likely pro-duced by two main processes: (i) direct transport by a carrier gas, i.e., CO2and (ii) generation at shallowlevel due to the presence of relatively high concentrations of dissolved U and Ra in the thermal aquiferof Campo de Calatrava.The diffuse CO2soil flux and radon isotopic surveys carried out in the Campo de Calatrava VolcanicFields can also be applicable to geochemical monitoring programs in CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)areas as these parameters are useful to: (i) constrain CO2leakages once detected and (ii) monitor both theevolution of the leakages and the effectiveness of subsequent remediation activities. These measurementscan also conveniently be used to detect diffuse leakages.

Alojamientos y bienestar. Aspectos principales

El bienestar de los animales no se restringe a una alimentación y manejo adecuados, sino que empieza en el propio diseño y concepción de la explotación en su conjunto. Cuestiones como la orientación de los edificios, la disposición entre ellos, su emplazamiento en la parcela, etc., cobran gran relevancia cuando pensamos en las patologías que se derivan de una mala calidad del aire por una falta de renovación del mismo. Debemos pensar también en el comportamiento natural de las vacas a la hora de diseñar el interior de los alojamientos y evitar soluciones que provocan malestar, incomodidad o lesiones al animal y que, en muchas ocasiones, son difíciles y/o costosas de corregir. En modelos intensivos de producción de leche, el suelo habitual de hormigón se ha convertido en una de las principales causas de problemas podales de las vacas y en origen de no pocos accidentes. Conocer cómo debe ser el suelo sobre el que caminan los animales es un asunto vital para el bienestar económico de la explotación.

Enhanced radon emission in natural CO2 flows in Campo de Calatrava region (central Spain)

Activity of radon gas in natural soils is commonly low (in the order of few thousands of Bq·m-3) due to the fast decay (half-life= 3.8 days in the case of 222Rn) that prevents accumulation in soil pores. Exceptionally, high Rn soil activity (up to 430 KBq·m-3) is found around point sources of deep CO2 fluxes. These fluxes allow the transport of trace gases (including Rn) to long distances in the geosphere leading to a potential hazard as Rn accumulation in buildings. CO2 degassing is common in active or ancient volcanic fields and occurs as free gas fluxes or dissolved in groundwater. In this work, the occurrence of Rnbearing, CO2 fluxes from the Campo de Calatrava region in Central Spain has been studied in order to determine their (1) magnitude, (2) migration paths and (3) potential impact on the environment, and (4) methodologies to best detection and measurement.

Estrategias, sistemas y tecnologías para el uso de luz natural y su aplicación en la rehabilitación de edificios históricos

La presente tesis investiga sobre la manera en que la arquitectura se ha construido para utilizar la luz natural, con el fin de aplicar estos conocimientos a la rehabilitación de edificios históricos. Para ello es necesario conocer aspectos técnicos en el uso de la luz, partiendo por comprender cuáles son los fenómenos físicos que debiéramos conocer los arquitectos para poder utilizarla adecuadamente. Es necesario también saber cómo es el comportamiento de los materiales frente a la luz y cómo utilizar¬los en el contexto rehabilitación. Dentro de los aspectos técnicos, se establece cuáles son las estrate¬gias, los sistemas y las tecnologías necesarias para la utilización de la luz en arquitectura, y se organiza esta información con el fin de hacerla clara, accesible y útil. Sin embargo, la luz no puede ser empleada en forma adecuada si no se conocen los requerimientos y las necesidades que el ser humano tiene respecto de ella, para habitar en forma confortable y salu¬dable. Es por eso que se establecen a su vez los requerimientos humanos respecto de la luz desde el punto de vista de sus características biológicas, su percepción y sus necesidades ergonómicas. Como la tesis se enmarca dentro de la problemática de la rehabilitación de edificios históricos, es necesario conocer cuál es la relación entre los procesos histórico-culturales y la técnica para utilizar la luz en la historia de la arquitectura. Se busca establecer la correlación entre historia y técnica, con el fin de responder en forma adecuada a los valores patrimoniales de un edificio histórico al alterar un aspecto tan importante como su iluminación natural. Con este conjunto de conocimientos técnicos, humanos e históricos establecidos en la primera parte de la tesis, se propone un protocolo de diseño para un proyecto de rehabilitación en cinco casos de estudio. Esta herramienta analiza el comportamiento actual de la luz para una determinada función, detecta los problemas lumínicos, establece criterios para la elección de soluciones y analiza el compor¬tamiento de estas soluciones. Finalmente compara los resultados lumínicos de las condiciones actua¬les y la solución propuesta. Por último, la investigación genera criterios que pueden ser aplicables a la normativa chilena de plani¬ficación territorial respecto del uso de la luz en contextos urbanos patrimoniales. ABSTRACT This thesis addresses how the architecture has been built to use natural light, in order to apply this knowledge to the historic buildings rehabilitation. This requires knowing technical aspects in the use of light, starting to understand what physical phenomena we, the architects, should know to use it properly. It is also necessary to know how materials behave in regards to light and how to use it in the rehabilitation context. Among the technical aspects, we should define strategies, systems and techno¬logies necessary for the use of light in architecture, and organize this information in order to make it clear, available and useful. However, light cannot be used properly if are not known requirements and needs that human beings have towards it, to live in comfortable and healthy way. That is why light human requirements are determined to know how light influences their cycles, perception and comfort. As the thesis is in frame of rehabilitation of historic building problem, it is necessary to know how is the relationship between historic-cultural processes and technology of light use, in the architecture history. It seeks to establish the correlation between History and technology, in order to give an ade¬quately answer to the heritage values of a historic building by altering an important aspect like its natural lighting. With this set of technical, human and historical knowledge, established in the first part of the thesis, a protocol is proposed for a rehabilitation project design in five study cases. This tool analyzes current behavior of light for a specifically function, detects lighting problems, establishes criteria for the selec¬tion of solutions and analyzes solution behaviors. Additionally, it compares results of current lighting conditions and the proposed solution. Finally this research generates criteria that may be applicable to Chilean territorial planning legislation, regarding use of light in patrimonial urban contexts.