Energy consumption for heating and rebound effects

When comparing calculated heating consumption in residential buildings assuming standard usage with standardized measured data, then the two typically does not fit. In fact, measured consumption may be a fraction only of what was calculated. The reason is direct rebound behavior by the inhabitants. The paper shows the importance of direct rebound through measured results. First the temperatures, recorded in daytime and sleeping rooms in a sample of dwellings, are commented. Then follows a discussion of the indoor temperatures found when calculated energy consumptions for heating were forced to give the same numbers as measured. Next, two small scale analyses of energy data gained in low-income estates are commented, followed by test results on direct rebound in two dwellings, one non-insulated, the other well insulated. These data prove that the benefits of direct rebound are much larger in non-insulated than in well insulated homes. That fact is used to construct a rebound curve, starting from the normalized consumption data gained in 964 houses. The paper ends by showing the effect of energy price on direct rebound.     

Energy-saving potential by improving occupants’ behavior in urban residential sector in Hangzhou City, China

Besides technical measures, occupants’ behavior is one of the most important issues with respect to energy efficiency in households. This paper will discuss the relationship between electricity consumption and household lifestyle and evaluate the energy-saving potential by improving occupants’ behavior in domestic life through energy-saving education. After 124 households in three typical residential buildings in Hangzhou city of China being selected as research subjects, a series of surveys were conducted: (1) recording of the monthly electricity uses of all subject households from March 2007 to July 2008; (2) energy-saving education to the half of the households before July 2008; (3) a comprehensive survey about the household lifestyle of all subject households in the beginning of August 2008. By comparison analysis of the survey data, major findings are as follows: (1) residential electricity consumption will increase continually in the next years in China, because of the improvement of people's living standard and more dependency on electric appliances; (2) improving occupants’ behavior in domestic life can save more than 10% household electricity use; and (3) some effort on residential energy savings should be shifted from technological measures to improving occupants’ behavior in ordinary domestic life.     

Poverty and environmental impacts of electricity price reforms in Montenegro

The creation of the Energy Community of South Eastern Europe in 2005 committed countries in South Eastern Europe to liberalize their energy markets in accordance to EU regulations. The Government of Montenegro is thus in the process of reforming its energy sector, which includes an electricity tariff reform. This paper analyzes the environmental and social impacts of an increase in residential electricity tariffs contemplated – which is expected to range anywhere from 40 to over 100% increase. As this analysis shows, such a significant price rise will impose a heavy burden on the poor households and it may adversely affect the environment. In an ex ante investigation of the welfare impact of this price increase on households in Montenegro, we show that the anticipated price increase will result in a very significant increase in households' energy expenditures. A simulation of alternative policy measures analyzes the impact of different tariff levels and structures, focusing on the poor and vulnerable households. Higher electricity prices could also significantly increase the proportion of households using fuelwood for space heating. Thus the level of fuelwood consumption should be carefully monitored under the electricity tariff reforms and the Government of Montenegro should combine the tariff reforms with a carefully evaluated set of policy measures to mitigate the effect of the electricity price increase on the poor.     

长江流域住宅分体式空调全年使用特性分析

为了明晰长江流域住宅居民采用分体式空调供暖供冷的行为特性,选取了4个典型城市的19户住户(均为新建住宅小区,家庭结构相似,采用一级能效房间空调器),对其空调房间全年温湿度和耗电量进行了连续一年的监测.结果 显示:住户采用空调供暖多集中在12月,夏季供冷集中在7月中下旬至8月中上旬,空调开启比例高于50％,且多发生在20...     

Development of an energy model for the residential sector: Electricity consumption in Andalusia, Spain

Electrical energy consumption in the residential sector has soared over the years. This is largely due to the growing number of residential housing units. The development of models allows us to estimate and predict the evolution and behavior of electricity consumption in this sector as well as its end-uses. The data thus obtained are extremely useful for the elaboration of energy-saving measures that can enhance energy efficiency. In June 2008 the Spanish government approved a set of guidelines in the document titled, Estrategia Española de Cambio Climático y Energía Limpia [Spanish Strategy for Climate Change and Clean Energy]. Its main objective was to replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving light bulbs in the residential sector. This process would be carried out over a three-year period.This article describes the design, development, and application of a model capable of calculating electricity consumption for lighting in the residential housing sector. These results were reinforced by data from questionnaires administered to a representative sample of households. Finally, this energy model was applied to Andalusia. This allowed us to obtain the savings in electricity consumption for lighting when the objectives in the Spanish strategy for energy conservation had been achieved.     

我国城镇住宅节能空调器适用性研究

对节能空调器在我国主要城市城镇住宅中应用的寿命周期能耗状况进行了定量分析,并分析了住户空调运行模式的差异对空调器寿命周期能耗的影响。研究结果表明,对于夏季气候炎热、经济发达的地区和空调能耗较高的住户,采用节能空调器的节能效果显著;但对于北方地区的许多住户和其他气候区空调能耗较低的住户,采用节能空调器会使空调器寿命周期能耗增加,同时使材料资源消耗增加,因此应针对不同的气候条件、不同经济发展水平和不同建筑类型,制定不同的空调器能效标准。     

Benchmarking electricity consumption

The building stock is one of the largest energy consumers and simultaneously represents a relevant cost driver for most companies. Thus, buildings should be optimally planned, constructed and used from both an environmental and from an economic perspective. Benchmarking electricity consumption in the usage phase is a tool for achieving this objective. This requires a uniform collection of key usage indicators on the one hand, and on the other hand it is necessary to be cognisant of the factors that drive these key indicators and how they do so. This alone makes it possible to satisfy the benchmarking principle of comparing like or similar objects. Uniformly collected key indicators for electricity consumption (kWh/m² usable floor area and year) are presented on the basis of 109 Swiss office buildings. This is broken down into further groupings on the basis of the relevant drivers. The analysis of the drivers relies on regression analysis. This demonstrates above all the great relevance of technical installation (e.g. the share of mechanically vented and ventilated as well as air‐conditioned areas), given that the coverage area of such systems has a significant effect on the electricity consumption of office buildings. Accordingly, special attention should be paid to the planning, construction and use of technical installations, in order to be able to provide optimally energy‐efficient buildings.     

Relationship between possession of electric appliances and electricity for lighting and others in Japanese households

A questionnaire survey on the possession of electric appliances and on its influence upon the energy consumption in Japanese households was conducted in 1996. It was found that the increase in the consumption of residential electricity was due to the use of higher number of electric appliances. This reflects the higher economic status of the householders and their lifestyle. The relationship between electric consumption for lighting and others and the influencing factor is evaluated by using the multivariate analysis. The results of this study are expected to provide fundamental information in order to enhance residents’ awareness on the importance of energy conservation. It is also expected that the results will be helpful for Asian developing countries.     

Estimating energy savings from behaviours using building performance simulations

Occupants’ behaviours are a major determinant of energy use in buildings. The related savings potential has been insufficiently exploited. Although research has addressed behavioural savings through real-world interventions and quantitative modelling approaches, it has not yet explored the full variety of household activities. This work proposes an integrative modelling approach of energy behaviours in the residential setting as a tool to estimate the behavioural impact of households on energy consumption. It uses building energy performance simulation (BEPS) tools to exploit the behavioural savings potential associated with usage and investment energy behaviours when using different energy services in daily household activities. Simulations have estimated significant behavioural savings potential associated with energy behaviours, which may be materialized if some forms of behaviour are induced. Investment behaviours have higher savings potential than usage behaviours, and the behavioural savings potential per energy service is proportional to the energy consumption breakdown. BEPS tools enable a quantitative estimate of the behavioural impact on energy consumption, but further improvements to these tools are needed to incorporate the complexity of behavioural dimensions. Estimating the behavioural savings potential is important for a more effective design of behaviour change interventions, which in turn will support more effective energy efficiency policies.     

长沙市冬季居住建筑能耗的实测分析

在对长沙市70户居住建筑住户的能耗进行为期1年跟踪调查的基础上,从中选择了2户具有代表性的住户,从2006年12月19日至2007年2月27日进行了总能耗及各终端能耗的实测,将总能耗分解成照明、供暖空调、炊事热水、其他家用电器能耗4项终端能耗。居住建筑总能耗主要为供暖空调能耗与炊事热水能耗。导致住户终端能耗分布不同的原因主要为娱乐功能进入居住建筑,其次为住户的能耗设备种类及生活习惯和生活方式的不同。     

Electricity savings from implementation of minimum energy efficiency standard for TVs in Malaysia

The popularization of 24 h pay-TV, interactive video games, web-TV, VCD and DVD in Malaysia are poised to have a large impact on overall TV electricity consumption in the country. With the increasing of overall TV energy consumption, energy efficiency standards are one of highly effective policies for decreasing electricity consumption in the residential sector. Energy efficiency standards are also capable of reducing consumer's electricity bill and contribute towards positive environmental impacts. This paper attempts to predict the amount of energy that can be saved in the residential sector by implementing minimum energy efficiency standard for television sets in Malaysia. Over the past 30 years, television ownership in Malaysian residents has increased from 186,036 units in 1970 to 2,741,640 units in 1991. This figure is expected to reach 6,201,316 units in the year 2010. Hence, efficiency improvement for this appliance will have a significant impact on the future of electricity consumption in this country.     

Characterization of the household electricity consumption in the EU, potential energy savings and specific policy recommendations

Although significant improvements in energy efficiency have been achieved in home appliances and lighting, the electricity consumption in the European Union household has increased by 2% per year during the past 10 years. Some reasons are associated with an increased degree of basic comfort and level of amenities and with the widespread utilisation of new types of loads. Wishing to increase the understanding of the energy consumption in the EU households for the different types of equipment including the consumers’ behaviour and comfort levels, and to identify demand trends, an energy monitoring campaign, was carried out in 12 geographically representative EU countries, accompanied by a lifestyle survey. From the measurements carried out it was concluded that Information Technologies and entertainment loads are key contributors to the power demand. In basically all types of loads there is wide range of performance levels in the models available in the market. Available technology, associated with responsible consumer behaviour, can reduce wasteful consumption. Based on a bottom up approach the European residential sector potential electricity savings that can be implemented by existing technologies and improved behaviour can reach 48%. The paper presents policy recommendations promoting market transformation and behavioural changes in the equipment selection and operation.     

北京市某住宅楼夏季空调能耗调查分析

对北京市1栋普通住宅楼夏季空调能耗进行逐周调查分析,结果表明,目前北京市住宅空调器装得多、用得少,平均能耗水平较低,并且各住户空调能耗的差异很大、集中度很高,20%的空调能耗大户消耗了全楼约70%的空调能量。该楼空调能耗分布的基尼系数为0.64,因此空调运行模式是影响住宅空调能耗的最重要因素,住宅空调行为节能的潜力和“耗能”潜力均很大。     

Consumer preferences and electricity pricing reform in Western Australia

Australia's electricity prices are high, driven by rising peak demand that is forcing significant levels of infrastructure investment. Compounding these factors is the lack of transparent price signals for consumers, with uniform pricing structures providing no incentive to change consumption behaviours.This research surveyed residential electricity consumers in Western Australia about their perceptions of solar, consumption behaviour, and electricity pricing structures.The results suggest that customers in Western Australia may be willing to change behaviour, reduce electricity usage, and be rewarded for use of renewable technologies, highlighting an opportunity for policies such as retail tariff reform to be further explored.     

Estimating the electricity savings effect of ceiling insulation

In South Africa, households contribute 20% to the peak energy demand and consume 29% of municipal electricity. Ceiling insulation was found to be a viable passive design option to reduce winter electricity consumption and peak demand. Electricity savings due to ceiling insulation were estimated by computer simulation. Verification results using a typical three-bedroom house are also presented. Savings in different regions of South Africa were then determined, based on the results of a home-owner survey to obtain key inputs.Anaverage household can save up to R260 ($60) on electricity consumption annually by installing ceiling insulation. A period of five to six years should then cover the cost of the installation. On a national scale, R359-million could be saved and greenhouse gas production reduced by almost 600,000 tons per year.     

Behavioral approaches to residential energy conservation

This article outlines some of the research conducted by social psychologists to reduce residential energy consumption. The results of two attitudinal surveys demonstrated that homeowners' summer electricity consumption could be predicted from their energy-related attitudes. Personal comfort and health concers were the best predictors of consumption. Psychologically derived techniques to reduce summer electricity consumption were experimentally examined in three separate studies. In study 1, almost daily consumption feedback was found to reduce electricity usage 10.5%. In study 2, subjects receiving frequent feedback, who were also asked to adopt a difficult conservation goal, reduced their electricity consumption 13.0%. In study 3, a device that signaled homeowners when they could cool their houses without air conditioning by opening their windows led to a reduction in consumption of 15.7%. It was concluded that the resident can play an important role in energy conservation that complements engineering solutions.     

Discovering residential electricity consumption patterns through smart-meter data mining: A case study from China

With the increasing penetration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in energy systems, traditional energy systems are being digitized. Advanced analysis of the energy production and consumption data and data-driven decision support can be combined to promote the formation and development of smart energy systems. Smart grids are a specific application of smart energy systems. Different electricity consumption patterns of residential users can be discovered and extracted by clustering analysis of the electricity consumption data collected by smart meters and other data acquisition terminals in a smart grid. This research explores daily electricity consumption patterns of low-voltage residential users in China. The service architecture of smart power use and the structure of electric energy data acquisition system of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) are introduced and a process model for mining daily electricity consumption data is presented. The analysis is based on the fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering method and a fuzzy cluster validity index (PBMF). A case study of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China is presented, using the daily electricity consumption data of 1312 low-voltage users within a month.     

Predicting residential electricity consumption patterns based on smart meter and household data: A case study from the Republic of Ireland

We use machine learning algorithms to investigate various aspects of residential electricity consumption for households in the Republic of Ireland. Temperature, day of week, and month of year have an apparent causal effect on consumption. The prevalence of six distinct intra-day load profiles, identified by clustering, changes dramatically between weekdays and weekends as well as seasonally. Key socio-demographic and dwelling characteristics associated with annual load profiles include household makeup and size and occupation of the primary income earner. We further discuss policy and management implications of our findings and propose avenues for future research.     

Modeling water consumption and flow rates for flushing water systems in high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong

The probable maximum flow rates and flushing water consumption of a residential development are two crucial design factors for flushing water plants and evaluation of the risk of overloading them. Flushing water demands are transient and influenced by occupant load variations, occupant usage patterns, installed appliances and system commissioning. This study proposes mathematical expressions to determine the water consumption and flow rates for flushing water systems of residential buildings in Hong Kong. The model parameters were identified from a recent survey on the water closet (WC) usage patterns of 14 high-rise residential buildings. The occupant load factor, diurnal variation of flushing, discharge and refilling durations and volume of the WC cistern recorded from 597 households were used to determine the uncertainties of consumption and flow rates, and hence the risk of overloading a plant. Predictions were made for two typical residential buildings in Hong Kong. Good agreement between the predicted and the measured flushing water consumption was found. This model would be useful in calculating the capacity of a flushing water plant and the associated risk of overloading it.     

长沙市居住建筑能耗调查及偏相关分析

对长沙市70户具有代表性住户的居住建筑概况、生活方式、对热环境的评价及能耗情况进行了调查统计,采用SPSS统计分析软件对长沙市居住建筑能耗的影响因素进行了分析。长沙市居住建筑能耗具有明显的季节性,上一年12月至2月和6月至8月是能耗的高峰期。偏相关分析表明居住建筑总能耗、单位建筑面积能耗与家庭年收入、家庭常住人口密切相关,与建筑面积、建筑总层数、住户所在楼层、建筑朝向、供暖方式、空调方式不显著相关。