Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Space heating is by far the most important energy user in the residential building.
Space heating fuel shares vary signi
cantly from country to country. In many
countries the natural gas is the main fuel for space heating, followed by oil
(including oil products such as lique
ed petroleum gas). Recently, in most coun-
tries, both the oil and renewable sources has fallen, and has been replaced by natural
gas or electricity. The main drivers behind higher natural gas consumption include
increased energy use for space heating by gas boilers in decentralized system. A
boiler is the heating plant used to create domestic hot water and to supply with hot
water in radiant heating systems. Hot water boilers can be small, compact, energy
ef
cient, and low maintenance, and can use a variety of fuels including natural gas,
propane, oil, or electricity.
To room air conditioning there are various cooling systems from portable
appliances to mini-split systems. At present all these systems are multifunction
units that combine air conditioning with dehumidi
cation or heating and an air
circulating fan, all in one. Their operation requires power supply.
Electricity is used for space heating, in particular, in Nordic countries that are,
generally, large producers of electricity from renewable sources (wind and hydro-
power). In many countries, for example Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and partially
Romania, district heating represents the most important energy commodity for
space heating.
Strong growth in electricity consumption was largely driven by increases in the
ownership and use of electrical appliances and, in particular, a wide range of
smaller appliances and cooling systems to air conditioners.
A house owner plays an important role in choice of heating, cooling, and
electricity supply systems. Occupant behavior plays an important role in deter-
mining the total energy use in the residence. However, other factors, such as the
household incomes and the cost of energy, are also important. For instance, higher
incomes allow people to purchase more and larger energy-consuming equipment.
Higher energy costs are likely to restrain household energy consumption to some
extent by encouraging occupants to purchase energy ef
cient equipment.
The home owner in order to reduce the energy bill can opt for a nonconventional
system that includes solar thermal panels, photovoltaic panels, and cogeneration
unit.
The solar thermal panels will contribute to obtaining hot domestic water and to
cooling the residence during summer (by supplying the adsorption chiller with hot
thermal agent). The electricity of the building can be obtained from photovoltaic
panels and cogeneration unit.
Distribution of thermal energy can be made either with two distinct circuits (one
for heating and other for cooling) or with single circuit, namely a turn-return circuit
for the heating/cooling, using ventilator-convectors, running in the cold season with
a thermal agent
—
°
hot water of 80/60
C for heating the residence, and running in
—
°
the hot season with thermal agent
cold water of 5/15
C for cooling the residence.
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