Towards Carbon-Neutral Housing in Scotland - New-Build and Retrofit

2008 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 70-87
Author(s):  
Colin D. A. Porteous ◽  
Rosalie Menon
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Housing Associations ◽  
Total Consumption ◽  
Zero Carbon ◽  
Electrical Loads ◽  
Barriers To Achievement ◽  
Electrical Demand ◽  
The Uk

Taking its cue from the UK government's declaration that every new home should be ‘zero-carbon’ by 2016, this paper explores how close a flexible, prototype-housing model might come to meeting this target (accepting that there is currently some ambiguity between the respective official ‘zero-carbon’ definitions regarding off-site renewable supply). The prime aim is to design economically (affordable by housing associations) to the European ‘passive house’ standard of no more than 15 kWh/m2 for space heating and a maximum total consumption of 70 kWh/m2 adding in hot water and electricity. The model also prioritizes generous access to sunlight and daylight, as well as realistic levels of air change in a low-volume, intensively occupied scenario. Associated aims are: a) to meet thermal loads without use of fossil fuels such as gas or oil; and b) to employ architecturally integrated active solar thermal and electrical arrays to respectively meet at least one third of the water heating and electrical loads. Micro-wind generation is excluded from the study as too site-dependent. A subsidiary agenda is to achieve a flexible plan in terms of orientation and access, and to provide utility facilities that support the environmental strategy (e.g. drying clothes without compromising energy use or air quality). The paper goes on to address equivalent prospects for retrofit, briefly discusses institutional and other barriers to achievement, and muses on how much of the balance of the electrical demand can be met renewably in Scotland in the near future.

scholarly journals Design of Power Monitoring and Electrical Control Systems to Support Energy Conservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (S) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Fransiscus Yudi Limpraptono ◽  
Eko Nurcahyo ◽  
Mochammad Ibrahim Ashari ◽  
Erkata Yandri ◽  
Yahya Jani
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Raspberry Pi ◽  
Power Monitoring ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Electrical Loads ◽  
Control And Monitoring System

The increasing demand for electrical energy and the decreasing supply of fossil fuels in recent years have increased the cost of electrical energy. So that the culture of saving electrical energy is a habit that must be cultivated in the community. On the other hand, energy-saving behavior cannot be realized massively without a support system that can control energy use. With these concerns, it is necessary to develop a method that encourages a culture of saving electrical energy. This paper proposes a system that supports active energy efficiency methods that can support an energy-efficient culture. This system is an electric power monitoring system that is integrated with a smart electrical panel that continuously monitors the use of electrical energy and can control electrical loads automatically, record electricity usage, provide comprehensive reports and analyze energy usage. The method used to carry out this research is research and development. This research has produced a prototype of electrical power control and monitoring system that has a smart panel based on a raspberry PI 3 and PZEM-004t power energy meter. The monitoring system performs and executes automatic control of electrical loads. The system can also provide reports in the form of data monitoring in daily, weekly, monthly or annual period. From the test results, it can be concluded that the system can work well. This research is expected to contribute to providing a system that can support government efforts in saving energy.

scholarly journals Assessing the Importance of Biomass-Based Heating Systems for More Sustainable Buildings: A Case Study Based in Spain

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan E. Pardo ◽  
Ana Mejías ◽  
Antonio Sartal
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Co2 Emission Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Buildings ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
Reduction Of Co2

Climate change, other environmental impacts due to increased energy use worldwide, and the exhaustion of energy resources are some of the major challenges facing today’s society. Considering this, this paper assesses the importance of biomass-based heating and hot-water systems in the achievement of more sustainable buildings. Using a simplified calculation method, we jointly analyzed the potential operational cost savings and reduction of CO2 emissions that would be achieved when the traditional energy model, based on the use of fossil fuels, is replaced by biomass-based heating systems. Evidence stems from a case study in public buildings in the province of Pontevedra, in the northwest of Spain. The results of this research not only show a huge impact on CO2 emission reduction just by adapting the kind of fuel use, but also considerable annual cost reduction without compromising activity development and workers’ comfort. Thus, the findings obtained should encourage governments to support the transition toward cleaner sources of energy, acting as first movers toward a locally produced and renewable-based energy supply.

scholarly journals How much energy can optimal control of domestic water heating save?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJ Booysen ◽  
J.A.A. Engelbrecht ◽  
Michael Ritchie ◽  
Mark Apperley ◽  
Andrew Cloete
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Water Heaters ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
The Impact

Scheduled control of domestic electric water heaters, designed to cut energy use while minimising the impact on users' comfort and convenience, has been fairly common for some time in a number of countries. The aim is usually load-shifting (by heating water at off-peak times) and/or maximising time-of-use pricing benefits for users. The scheduling tends not to be linked to actual hot water usage and depends largely on stored thermal energy. Heat losses therefore tend to be greater than if the heater ran without a break. The effect of such a control strategy is thus to worsen the energy loss and in most cases increase greenhouse gas emissions. Many developing countries have flat-pricing (no time-of-use incentives) and rely heavily on energy from fossil fuels, making these considerations even more pressing. We explore three strategies for optimal control of domestic water heating that do not use thermostat control: matching the delivery temperature in the hot water, matching the energy delivered in the hot water, and a variation of the second strategy which provides for Legionella sterilisation. For each of these strategies we examine the energy used in heating, the energy delivered at the tank outlet, and issues of convenience to the user. The study differs from most previous work in that it uses real daily hot-water usage profiles, ensures like-for-like comparison in delivered energy at the point of use, and includes a daily Legionella avoidance strategy. We tackled this as an optimal control problem using dynamic programming. Our results demonstrate a median energy saving of between 8\ and 18% for the three strategies. Even more savings would be realised if intended and unintended usage events are correctly classified, and the optimal control only plans for intended usage events.

scholarly journals Results and insight gained from applying the EnergyCat energy-saving serious game in UK social housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-48
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hafner ◽  
Alba Fuertes ◽  
Sabine Pahl ◽  
Rory Jones ◽  
Christine Boomsma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Energy Awareness ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
The Uk

Concerns about climate change associated with the combustion of fossil fuels urge a call for widespread reductions in household energy use. Determining means of achieving this is a key challenge faced by environmental scientists. The current research presents insights gained from a 12-month empirical trial of new serious game for energy, ‘EnergyCat’; which was designed to encourage household energy reductions in the UK social housing sector. Effects of gameplay on consumption behaviours and energy awareness were explored using 82 UK social housing households (versus a no-game control). Results indicated the intervention did not lead to any substantive changes in awareness or consumption practices. However, post-intervention feedback highlighted several issues in terms of game design and usability that may explain why the game failed to change behaviour in this instance. We provide a framework of suggestions as to how the game design process could be improved in order to engage residents in future, including use of adaptive fonts for older residents, and provision of clearer instructions on gameplay objectives at the outset. In addition, researchers should ensure close collaboration is maintained with residents throughout the design process in future efforts, in order to maximise likelihood of ongoing engagement from this population.

Achieving Climate-Positive, Energy-Positive Homes: 60 Years of Northeast Climate Housing

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Borton ◽  
Carl McDaniel ◽  
Howard Stoner
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Water System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Passive Solar ◽  
Solar House ◽  
Climate Neutrality ◽  
Evacuated Tube

We analyze the operating-energy histories of three homes of different ages that have approached or attained net-use of no fossil fuels and climate neutrality. The first house (H-60) with 1,200 ft2 is a conventional 1950s house that has been caulked, insulated and equipped with an airtight woodstove and a 3.3 kW photovoltaic system that reduced its annual use of fossil fuels by 86%. Its total annual energy use excluding any passive gain is ∼57 billion joules. House two (H-30) with 2,300 ft2 is a 1980s, passive-solar house with a recently added 4.0 kW photovoltaic system that reduced its annual use of fossil fuels by 71%. Its total annual energy use excluding any passive gain is ∼58 billion joules. House three (H-1) with 1,300 ft2 is a 1 year old, passive solar house with a 3.1 kW photovoltaic system and an evacuated-tube solar hot water system that uses no fossil fuels, exports annually ∼900 kWh to the grid making it energy and climate positive, and provides all operating energy from on-site sunshine. Its total annual energy use excluding any passive gain is ∼29 billion joules.

scholarly journals CO2 Intensities and Primary Energy Factors in the Future European Electricity System

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2165
Author(s):  
Sam Hamels
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Conversion Factor ◽  
Unit Commitment ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Electricity System ◽  
Energy Factors ◽  
Electrical Loads

The European Union strives for sharp reductions in both CO2 emissions as well as primary energy use. Electricity consuming technologies are becoming increasingly important in this context, due to the ongoing electrification of transport and heating services. To correctly evaluate these technologies, conversion factors are needed—namely CO2 intensities and primary energy factors (PEFs). However, this evaluation is hindered by the unavailability of a high-quality database of conversion factor values. Ideally, such a database has a broad geographical scope, a high temporal resolution and considers cross-country exchanges of electricity as well as future evolutions in the electricity mix. In this paper, a state-of-the-art unit commitment economic dispatch model of the European electricity system is developed and a flow-tracing technique is innovatively applied to future scenarios (2025–2040)—to generate such a database and make it publicly available. Important dynamics are revealed, including an overall decrease in conversion factor values as well as considerable temporal variability at both the seasonal and hourly level. Furthermore, the importance of taking into account imports and carefully considering the calculation methodology for PEFs are both confirmed. Future estimates of the CO2 emissions and primary energy use associated with individual electrical loads can be meaningfully improved by taking into account these dynamics.

Net zero carbon: Energy performance targets for offices

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-369
Author(s):  
Robert Cohen ◽  
Karl Desai ◽  
Jennifer Elias ◽  
Richard Twinn
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Extensive Consultation ◽  
Operational Energy ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Zero Carbon ◽  
The Uk

The UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework was published in April 2019 following an industry task group and extensive consultation process. The framework acts as guidance for achieving net zero carbon for operational energy and construction emissions, with a whole life carbon approach to be developed in the future. In consultation with industry, further detail and stricter requirements are being developed over time. In October 2019, proposals were set out for industry consultation on minimum energy efficiency targets for new and existing commercial office buildings seeking to achieve net zero carbon status for operational energy today, based on the performance levels that all buildings will be required to achieve by 2050. This was complemented by modelling work undertaken by the LETI network looking into net zero carbon requirements for new buildings. In January 2020 UKGBC published its guidance on the levels of energy performance that offices should target to achieve net zero and a trajectory for getting there by 2035. This paper describes the methodology behind and industry perspectives on UKGBC’s proposals which aim to predict the reduction in building energy intensity required if the UK’s economy is to be fully-powered by zero carbon energy in 2050. Practical application: Many developers and investors seeking to procure new commercial offices or undertake major refurbishments of existing offices are engaging with the ‘net zero carbon’ agenda, now intrinsic to the legislative framework for economic activity in the UK. A UKGBC initiative effectively filled a vacuum by defining a set of requirements including energy efficiency thresholds for commercial offices in the UK to be considered ‘net zero carbon’. This paper provides all stakeholders with a detailed justification for the level of these thresholds and what might be done to achieve them. A worked example details one possible solution for a new office.

scholarly journals Supermarket Energy Use in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 ◽  
pp. 325-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kolokotroni ◽  
Zoi Mylona ◽  
Judith Evans ◽  
Alan Foster ◽  
Rob Liddiard
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
The Uk

An Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Consumption in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Kahn ◽  
Hamidreza Najafi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Annual Growth Rate ◽  
Total Consumption ◽  
The Usa ◽  
End Use ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Lockdown measures and mobility restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19 have impacted energy consumption patterns. The overall decline of energy use during lockdown restrictions can best be identified through the analysis of energy consumption by source and end-use sectors. Using monthly energy consumption data, the total 9-months use between January and September for the years 2015–2020 is calculated for each end-use sector (transportation, industrial, residential, and commercial). The cumulative consumption within these 9 months of the petroleum, natural gas, biomass, and electricity energy by the various end-use sectors are compared. The analysis shows that the transportation sector experienced the greatest decline (14.38%). To further analyze the impact of COVID-19 on each state within the USA, the consumption of electricity by each state and each end-use sector in the times before and during the pandemic is used to identify the impact of specific lockdown procedures on energy use. The distinction of state-by-state analysis in this study provides a unique metric for consumption forecasting. The average total consumption for each state was found for the years 2015–2019. The total average annual growth rate (AAGR) for 2020 was used to find a correlation coefficient between COVID-19 case and death rate, population density, and lockdown duration. A correlation coefficient was also calculated between the 2020 AAGR for all sectors and AAGR for each individual end-user. The results show that Indiana had the highest percent reduction in consumption of 10.07% while North Dakota had the highest consumption increase of 7.61%. This is likely due to the amount of industrial consumption relative to other sectors in the state.

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