scholarly journals Determinants of Electrical and Thermal Energy Consumption in Hospitals According to Climate Zones in Poland

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7585
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Cygańska ◽  
Magdalena Kludacz-Alessandri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Climatic Zone ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Climate Zone ◽  
Hospital Size

Energy use in hospitals is higher than in other public buildings, so improving energy efficiency in healthcare buildings is a significant challenge in this sector of engineering. For this, it is necessary to know the various determinants of energy consumption. Until now, the main factor affecting energy consumption in healthcare facilities studied in the literature was hospital capacity. However, the commonly used variables connected with hospital size and the number of beds do not take into account the medical activities carried out in these buildings. Assuming that energy consumption in hospitals is multiple and shaped by many factors that overlap, not only on an individual level but also on a higher scale level, this study devises a more integrated approach to its determinants. This study aims to investigate the determinants of electrical energy costs (EEC) and thermal energy costs (TEC) in Polish hospitals with regard to factors related to their size, work intensity and climate zones. The analysis was carried out using financial and resource data from all Polish hospitals for the years 2010–2019. The study used a multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis. In order to use climate as a moderating variable, a sample of Polish hospitals from 16 Polish NUTS 2 was divided into four climate zones. This article provides new empirical evidence on the determinants of electricity consumption in Polish hospitals related to their size and medical activity, taking into account climate zone as a moderating variable. The results of the analysis show that both electricity and heat consumption in hospitals are positively related to the number of doctors, beds and the number of medical operations performed. As expected, larger hospitals seem to use more energy. Moreover, there is regional heterogeneity in energy consumption in hospitals related to the climatic zone in which they operate. The conducted analysis shows that Polish hospitals located in the warmest climatic zone are characterized by higher energy consumption than hospitals in the coldest zone. It especially regards EEC in surgery hospitals. The warmer the climate zones, the higher intensity in terms of the number of surgeries, the higher EEC. In terms of nonsurgical hospitals, the influence of climate zone on EEC was not observed. Knowing the factors influencing energy consumption in hospitals can facilitate the correct adoption of an energy-saving strategy in the health sector, which is a reasonable response to climate change and supports a healthy and sustainable future.

scholarly journals Energy Saving Quantitative Analysis of Passive, Active, and Renewable Technologies in Different Climate Zones

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 7115
Author(s):  
Chul-Ho Kim ◽  
Min-Kyeong Park ◽  
Won-Hee Kang
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Outdoor Air ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems ◽  
Active Systems ◽  
High Performance Buildings

The purpose of this study was to provide a guideline for the selection of technologies suitable for ASHRAE international climate zones when designing high-performance buildings. In this study, high-performance technologies were grouped as passive, active, and renewable energy systems. Energy saving technologies comprising 15 cases were categorized into passive, active, and renewable energy systems. EnergyPlus v9.5.0 was used to analyze the contribution of each technology in reducing the primary energy consumption. The energy consumption of each system was analyzed in different climates (Incheon, New Delhi, Minneapolis, Berlin), and the detailed contributions to saving energy were evaluated. Even when the same technology is applied, the energy saving rate differs according to the climatic characteristics. Shading systems are passive systems that are more effective in hot regions. In addition, the variable air volume (VAV) system, combined VAV–energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and combined VAV–underfloor air distribution (UFAD) are active systems that can convert hot and humid outdoor temperatures to create comfortable indoor environments. In cold and cool regions, passive systems that prevent heat loss, such as high-R insulation walls and windows, are effective. Active systems that utilize outdoor air or ventilation include the combined VAV-economizer, the active chilled beam with dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and the combined VAV-ERV. For renewable energy systems, the ground source heat pump (GSHP) is more effective. Selecting energy saving technologies that are suitable for the surrounding environment, and selecting design strategies that are appropriate for a given climate, are very important for the design of high-performance buildings globally.

Estimating buildings' energy consumption and energy costs in early project phases

Facilities ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 187-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Stoy ◽  
Spiro Pollalis ◽  
Dusan Fiala
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Project Phases

Thermal energy and economic analysis of a PCM-enhanced household envelope considering different climate zones in Morocco

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 515-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yassine Kharbouch ◽  
Abdelaziz Mimet ◽  
Mohammed El Ganaoui ◽  
Lahoucine Ouhsaine
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Climate Zones

Understanding the Importance of Capturing Climate and Occupancy Trends During Concept-Stage Sustainable Building Design

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Lin ◽  
Bahaa Albarhami ◽  
Salvador Mayoral ◽  
Joseph Piacenza
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Actual Energy Consumption

This paper presents a comparison of concept stage computational model predictions to capture how building energy consumption is affected by different climate zones. The California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) Student Housing Phase III, which received a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the Building Design and Construction category, and its performance in a LEED California Nonresidential Title 24 (NRT24) and ASHRAE 90.1 climate zones is used as a case study to illustrate the method. Through LEED approved simulation software, the standard compliant energy simulation models are compared to the occupancy scheduled models along with the actual energy consumption in different climate zones. The results provide insight to how variables within student dormitory life affect total building energy usage. Total amount of energy consumed per area is one new factor providing understanding into occupancy trends. This new data set reveals more understanding regarding how and where the energy is consumed to maintain a comfortable learning environment.

scholarly journals Research on the Defrosting System of Refrigerated Containers Combining Air and Electro-Thermal Energy and the Controlling Strategy

2021 ◽  
Vol 248 ◽  
pp. 02058
Author(s):  
Kaitai Hua
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Pressure Change ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Wind Pressure ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Low Energy Consumption ◽  
High Energy Consumption

Considering the problems such as long duration of defrosting, low working reliability and high energy consumption of refrigerated containers, this paper put forward a new defrosting method combining air and electro-thermal energy, and designed a new defrosting structure system based on the structural features of refrigeration modules of refrigerated containers. The two-variable method of wind pressure change and temperature difference change on both sides of the evaporator was used to detect frosting, and the specific controlling strategy supporting the new defrosting system was provided to realize the effect of intelligent defrosting. It can provide references for fast defrosting, intelligent defrosting and low energy consumption defrosting of refrigerated containers.

scholarly journals Long-Term Prediction of Weather for Analysis of Residential Building Energy Consumption in Australia

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4805
Author(s):  
Shu Chen ◽  
Zhengen Ren ◽  
Zhi Tang ◽  
Xianrong Zhuo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Space Heating ◽  
Building Energy Consumption ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
The Impact

Globally, buildings account for nearly 40% of the total primary energy consumption and are responsible for 20% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Energy consumption in buildings is increasing with the increasing world population and improving standards of living. Current global warming conditions will inevitably impact building energy consumption. To address this issue, this report conducted a comprehensive study of the impact of climate change on residential building energy consumption. Using the methodology of morphing, the weather files were constructed based on the typical meteorological year (TMY) data and predicted data generated from eight typical global climate models (GCMs) for three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) from 2020 to 2100. It was found that the most severe situation would occur in scenario RCP8.5, where the increase in temperature will reach 4.5 °C in eastern Australia from 2080–2099, which is 1 °C higher than that in other climate zones. With the construction of predicted weather files in 83 climate zones all across Australia, ten climate zones (cities)—ranging from heating-dominated to cooling-dominated regions—were selected as representative climate zones to illustrate the impact of climate change on heating and cooling energy consumption. The quantitative change in the energy requirements for space heating and cooling, along with the star rating, was simulated for two representative detached houses using the AccuRate software. It could be concluded that the RCP scenarios significantly affect the energy loads, which is consistent with changes in the ambient temperature. The heating load decreases for all climate zones, while the cooling load increases. Most regions in Australia will increase their energy consumption due to rising temperatures; however, the energy requirements of Adelaide and Perth would not change significantly, where the space heating and cooling loads are balanced due to decreasing heating and increasing cooling costs in most scenarios. The energy load in bigger houses will change more than that in smaller houses. Furthermore, Brisbane is the most sensitive region in terms of relative space energy changes, and Townsville appears to be the most sensitive area in terms of star rating change in this study. The impact of climate change on space building energy consumption in different climate zones should be considered in future design strategies due to the decades-long lifespans of Australian residential houses.

The applicability of nearly/net zero energy residential buildings in Brazil – A study of a low standard dwelling in three different Brazilian climate zones

2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2096115
Author(s):  
Jaime Resende ◽  
Marta Monzón-Chavarrías ◽  
Helena Corvacho
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Performance Standard ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Net Zero Energy ◽  
Net Zero

Buildings account for 34% of world energy consumption and about half of electricity consumption. The nearly/Net Zero Energy Building (nZEB/NZEB) concepts are regarded as solutions for minimizing this problem. The countries of Southern Europe, which included the nZEB concept recently in their regulatory requirements, have both heating and cooling needs, which adds complexity to the problem. Brazil may benefit from their experience since most of the Brazilian climate zones present significant similarities to the Southern European climate. Brazil recently presented a household energy consumption increase, and a growing trend in the use of air conditioning is predicted for the coming decades. Simulations with various wall and roof solutions following the Brazilian Performance Standard were carried out in a low standard single-family house in three different climate zones in order to evaluate thermal comfort conditions and energy needs. Results show that in milder climate zones, achieving thermal comfort with a low energy consumption is possible, and there is a great potential to achieve a net zero-energy balance. In the extreme hot climate zone, a high cooling energy consumption is needed to provide thermal comfort, and the implementation of a nearly zero-energy balance may be more feasible.

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