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Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1984"


Journal ArticleDOI
31 Aug 1984-Science
TL;DR: A series of hypotheses is presented about the relation of national energy use to national economic activity (both time series and cross-sectional) which offer a different perspective from standard economics for the assessment of historical and current economic events.
Abstract: A series of hypotheses is presented about the relation of national energy use to national economic activity (both time series and cross-sectional) which offer a different perspective from standard economics for the assessment of historical and current economic events. The analysis incorporates nearly 100 years of time series data and 3 years of cross-sectional data on 87 sectors of the United States economy. Gross national product, labor productivity, and price levels are all correlated closely with various aspects of energy use, and these correlations are improved when corrections are made for energy quality. A large portion of the apparent increase in U.S. energy efficiency has been due to our ability to expand the relative use of high-quality fuels such as petroleum and electricity, and also to relative shifts in fuel use between sectors of the economy. The concept of energy return on investment is introduced as a major driving force in our economy, and data are provided which show a marked decline in energy return on investment for all our principal fuels in recent decades. Future economic growth will depend largely on the net energy yield of alternative fuel sources, and some standard economic models may need to be modified to account for the biophysical constraints on human economic activity.

781 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the long-term relationships linking energy use, energy efficiency, and productive efficiency in the United States and build upon, and update, research originally reported in the 1960 Resources for the Future (RFF) book, Energy in the American Economy by the author and associates.
Abstract: This paper explores the nature of the long-term relationships linking energy use, energy efficiency, and productive efficiency in the United States. It builds upon, and updates, research originally reported in the 1960 Resources for the Future (RFF) book, Energy in the American Economy by the author and associates.

60 citations


01 Jul 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a quantitative analysis of the behavior of the market for the purchase of energy efficiency in residential appliances and heating and cooling equipment and conclude that the market is not performing well.
Abstract: This paper provides a quantitative analysis of the behavior of the market for the purchase of energy efficiency in residential appliances and heating and cooling equipment. We examine the historical efficiency choices over the period 1972 to 1980 for eight consumer products: gas central space heaters, oil central space heaters, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, electric water heaters, gas water heaters, refrigerators, and freezers. We characterize the behavior of the market for these products by an aggregate market discount rate. Except for air conditioners, the observed discount rates are much higher than real interest rates or the discount rates commonly used in life-cycle cost analysis of consumer choice. They appear to be relatively constant, even though fuel prices escalated rapidly over the time period. We conclude from these results that the market for energy efficiency is not performing well. Several explanations of the under investment in efficiency are proposed: (1) lack of information about the costs and benefits of energy efficiency; (2) prevalence of third party purchasers; (3) unavailability of highly efficient equipment without other features; (4) long manufacturing lead times; and (5) other marketing strategies.

46 citations


Book
01 Feb 1984

34 citations


ReportDOI
TL;DR: Hekmat et al. as discussed by the authors presented at the 35th International Appliance Technical Conference, Ohio State University, May 15-16, 1984 LBL-17501 EEB-Vent 84-4 IMPROVING THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF RESIDENTIAL CLOTHES DRYERS Dariusch Hekmat and William J. Fisk Building Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Program Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory University of California Berkeley, California 94720 February 1984 This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Office of Building
Abstract: Presented at the 35th Annual International Appliance Technical Conference, Ohio State University, May 15-16, 1984 LBL-17501 EEB-Vent 84-4 IMPROVING THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF RESIDENTIAL CLOTHES DRYERS Dariusch Hekmat and William J. Fisk Building Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Program Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory University of California Berkeley, California 94720 February 1984 This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Office of Building Energy Research and Development, Building Systems Division of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF00098.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most common type uses air as the source of thermal energy as mentioned in this paper, and since their efficiencies and capacities decrease with outside temperature they are usually designed to operate with auxiliary heating sources.
Abstract: Heat pumps have reached a level of maturity and acceptability as cost effective heating devices. They are applicable to both residential and commercial buildings. The most common type uses air as the source of thermal energy. Since their efficiencies and capacities decrease with outside temperature they are usually designed to operate with auxiliary heating sources. Research is still needed for improved designs, more descriptive methodology, prediction of seasonal energy utilization, control strategies, and use of thermal sources other than ambient air. The competitive nature of heat pumps and their increased acceptability will drive some of these improvements into the marketplace.

14 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a commercially successful ultrasonic lighting control system and demonstrate the use of this system as an alternative to conventional wall switches for control of lighting and other occupancy related loads in new and remodeled spaces.
Abstract: A novel application of ultrasonic technology is the control of lighting within a space. Using this technology, a sensing device may be designed that will detect the motion of a person and control lighting, achieving significant energy cost avoidance without sacrificing the quality of ilumination. The design of a commercially successful ultrasonic lighting control system is described. Reasons for selecting ultrasonic technology over other motion-sensing methods, as well as significant differences from intrusion detection systems, are discussed. Applications to existing building wiring systems pre illustrated with an explanation of the significance of each. Data accumulated from several gstallations of this system are presented to verify tie actual energy reduction achieved using this ultrasonic system. The use of this system is justified as an alternative to conventional wall switches for control of lighting and other occupancy related loads in new and remodeled spaces because of its demonstrated energy management (cost avoidance) capabilities.

12 citations


01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, a broad presentation of concepts, measures and issues relevant to achieving improvements in energy efficiency in the steel industry based on experience in both industrialized and developing countries is presented.
Abstract: The recent experience of the industrialized countries has shown that energy costs per unit of output of steel can be reduced significantly through a variety of measures ranging from energy management and improvement of operating conditions through better housekeeping, to more capital-intensive investments in modifications to existing plant and equipment and conversion to more energy-efficient processes. The report aims at a broad presentation of concepts, measures and issues relevant to achieving such improvements in energy efficiency in the steel industry based on experience in both industrialized and developing countries.

12 citations


Book
31 Jul 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, a broad presentation of concepts, measures and issues relevant to achieving improvements in energy efficiency in the steel industry based on experience in both industrialized and developing countries is presented.
Abstract: As a result of the sharp increase in the price of energy during the 1970s and the associated changes in the relative costs of alternative energy resources, all countries need to conserve energy and to replace expensive sources of energy with cheaper ones. The subject of energy efficiency improvement has therefore assumed increasing importance worldwide. The steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries with energy-related costs accounting for a major portion of the costs of producing steel. The recent experience of the industrialized countries has shown that energy costs per unit of output of steel can be reduced significantly through a variety of measures ranging from energy management and improvement of operating conditions through better housekeeping, to more capital-intensive investments in modifications to existing plant and conversion to more energy-efficient processes. This report aims at a broad presentation of concepts, measures and issues relevant to achieving such improvements in energy efficiency in the steel industry based on experience in both industrialized and developing countries.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed that careful planning is needed if buildings are to be energy efficient and cheap to run throughout their expected life-spans, while regulations have been introduced recently requiring the values of the thermal transmittances (i.e., the U-values) for walls and roofs of industrial and domestic buildings to be less than specified limits.

11 citations


01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of commercial production and utilization alternatives were proposed for biomass energy available from short rotation Populus plantations, and the first rotation production results from the biomass plantations were analyzed on a commercial scale basis.
Abstract: A series of commercial production and utilization alternatives were proposed for biomass energy available from short rotation Populus plantations. This report analyzes the first rotation production results from the biomass plantations. Data was obtained from research plantations established under four management strategies (control, irrigation, fertilization and fertilization-irrigation) and on two sites representing favorable and unfavorable inherent growth conditions. The rotation length was 4 years and the trees were spaced at .6 m x .8 m intervals. All aspects of plantation establishment and maintenance were cost analyzed on a commercial scale basis. These specifications involved energy and financial data from the prototype plantations and engineering evaluations of related agricultural systems. The proposed size for a working unit was 924 hectares, with 4 such units operated as a total supply system. A linear programming model of a working unit determined the most financial and energy efficient approach among the various strategy/site options. The model used the technical parameters involved in each option and the financial and energy costs for capital, labor, land and material inputs. Biomass output was priced on the basis of an energy equivalent value derived from commercial coal prices. The model indicated the optimal strategy to be fertilization onmore » the best site. This option provided a three fold increase of energy input to output and recovered over 90% of the first rotation financial costs. 19 references, 8 tables.« less

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The paper discusses long-term trends in relationships between energy use and the overall productive efficiency of the American economy, in which the quality of particular energy forms such as electricity and liquid fuels played a critical part in leveraging the overall efficiency of production.
Abstract: The paper discusses long-term trends in relationships between energy use and the overall productive efficiency of the American economy While total energy consumption grew strongly during the twentieth century, the intensity of energy use (ie the energy/GNP ratio) fell persistently much of the time Thus, there were simultaneous long-term improvements in labor productivity, total factor productivity,and energy productivity The historical record appears to be at odds with conventional beliefs that gains in productive efficiency depend upon the rising intensity of energy use in production processes A key role in bringing about these counter-intuitive results is assigned to what is referred to as the energy-technology-productivity nexus, in which the quality of particular energy forms such as electricity and liquid fuels (along with closely linked changes in energy-using technologies) played a critical part in leveraging the overall efficiency of production As a result of these energy form-dependent improvements in productive efficiency, outputs grew more rapidly than all inputs, including the inputs of energy The more recent past stands in sharp contrast to the long-term record While energy efficiency (as measured by energy/GNP) showed strong gains during the late 1970's and early 1980's, the growth in overall productive efficiency was severely retarded Implications for the future of suggested linkages between the quality of particular energy forms and technological progress are considered


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an opportunity for user participation in the design of energy efficient buildings is discussed. But, the authors focus on the energy efficiency of the buildings and do not consider the user participation.
Abstract: (1984). Energy Efficient Buildings: An Opportunity for User Participation. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 37, Energy, pp. 26-31.



01 Aug 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the advantages of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) over other energy-storage technologies, including its high net round-trip energy efficiency.
Abstract: Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) has potential for use in leveling electric utility loads on a large scale. The advantage of SMES over other energy-storage technologies is its high net round-trip energy efficiency. In 1981, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) commissioned Bechtel Group, Inc. (Bechtel), in association with GA Technologies, Inc. (GA), to identify and detail an appropriate SMES configuration for the purpose of establishing a baseline capital cost. This paper briefly summarizes the overall design, tabulates costs, and discusses potential cost reductions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Home Heating Index (AIP) as mentioned in this paper was defined and proposed as an accurate measure of home energy efficiency, and was used as a measure of energy efficiency in the home heating index.
Abstract: The Home Heating Index is defined and proposed as an accurate measure of home energy efficiency. (AIP)

Book
01 Jun 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed measures for increasing the railways' energy efficiency and showed that significant gains may be achieved through operational improvements and discussed railway electrification, and an analysis suitable for prefeasibility studies is presented for estimating the traffic at which electrification becomes economically viable.
Abstract: A railway vehicle requires substantially less propulsive energy than a road vehicle of the same weight moving at the same speed However, other factors favor road transport As a result, the ratio of energy consumption by the two modes varies widely depending on service conditions including vehicle characteristics Railways have a substantial energy advantage for large volumes of bulk commodities Part one of this paper reviews measures for increasing the railways' energy efficiency and shows that significant gains may be achieved through operational improvements Part two discusses railway electrification Its economic viability depends on the opportunity cost of capital, the costs of diesel fuel and of electric power, the traffic mix and the nature of the terrain, as well as on the capital and maintenance costs of railway works and equipment needed with electric and with diesel traction A series of examples are given, and an analysis suitable for prefeasibility studies is presented for estimating the traffic at which electrification becomes economically viable

Proceedings ArticleDOI
27 Mar 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss a number of issues that can help determine the effectiveness of infrared building surveys and present three case stud-ies to illustrate design flaws that were detected through infrared build-ing surveys.
Abstract: Many design and construction details can affect building energy consumption in unex-pected ways. Further, design and construction errors can increase building energy consumption, result in discomfort to building occupants and cause structural damage to the building. Infrared inspections can easily evaluate the energy efficiency of various aspects of a building's design and identify flaws that might otherwise be detected as a result of occupants' complaints or damage to the building's mechanical or structural systems. Infrared thermography can be used by the architect to evaluate his designs and by the contractor to control the quality of construction. This paper discusses a number of issues that can help determine the effectiveness of infrared building surveys. Following this, three case stud-ies will be presented to illustrate design flaws that were detected through infrared build-ing surveys.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the results of computer simulation studies on energy performance of a typical high-rise office building floor module of local design practice at Singapore were presented, and the results indicated that through envelope design alone it is possible to reduce fabric load by 57 percent.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of computer simulation studies on energy performance of a typical highrise office building floor module of local design practice at Singapore. BLAST (Building Loads and Systems Thermodynamics) which is a comprehensive computer programme developed by the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) of US Army Core of Engineers and TRY weather tape of 1967 for Singapore were used in these simulation studies. Hour by hour cooling load components and system and zone energy consumption on a design day and monthly totals for one full year were calculated. As envelope design will have a considerable impact on a building's energy performance, effect of design parameters such as glass area, aspect ratio and orientation, shading devices, and wall exterior surface solar absorptance, on fabric load has been studied, for a design day. An improved energy efficient envelope was arrived at by a combination of the envelope design elements and computer simulation studies of a design day and annual energy performance are repeated. The results indicate that through envelope design alone it is possible to reduce fabric load by 57 percent. However it would bring about only 16 percent reduction in total energy consumption and 15 percent in peak energy demand. As expected latent load forms a fairly high percentage, (37 to 43%) of the cooling energy demand because of high humidity conditions. Annual energy budget for the base and improved design buildings are 698 MJ/m2. Yr and 587 MJ/m2. Yr respectively. Annual average energy demand is found to be about 72 percent of the peak energy demand for the base building and 71 percent for the improved design. This indicates that envelope design has little influence on the ratio of average to peak energy demand in warm humid climates.

01 Jun 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on where, when, and how we light our environment, and the potential savings add up to half the lighting load nationwide, which is a significant amount of electricity consumption.
Abstract: Lights consume 20-25% of the nation's electricity, establishing strong incentives to develop more efficient lighting strategies. Attention is turning to where, when, and how we light our environment, and the potential savings add up to half the lighting load nationwide. Some types of lamp are more efficient than others, but characteristics other than energy consumption may dictate where they can be used. Current lighting strategies consider task requirements, light quality, and the potential for daylighting. Energy management systems that control the timing and intensity of light and new types of energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures are increasingly attractive to consumers. The effort will require continued research and the awareness of decision makers. 4 references, 8 figures.

Book
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a glossary of energy and society principles for energy conservation in the context of cars and other energy-efficient vehicles. But the glossary is limited to cars.
Abstract: 1. Energy and Society. 2. Energy Principles. 3. Fossil Fuels. 4. Electric Energy. 5. Acid Precipitation. 6. Electromagnetic Radiation. 7. Infringements on the Global Atmosphere. 8. Thermodynamic Principles. 9. Automobiles. 10. Nuclear Physics Principles. 11. Radon Radioactivity in Houses. 12. Nuclear Energy. 13. Solar Energy. 14. Other Energy Systems. 15. Solid Waste Management. 16. Energy Conservation. Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Glossary. Index.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of energy consumption analysis in the overall energy management program is described, along with the necessity for increased metering capability as the building is made more efficient.
Abstract: Procedures are presented for deriving the maximum amount of useful information from analysis of a building's energy consumption. Techniques discussed include graphical analysis of metered billing data, direct calculation of equipment consumption, computer analysis, and individual metering. The role of energy consumption analysis in the overall energy management program is described, along with the necessity for increased metering capability as the building is made more efficient. Examples are presented to illustrate the points made.



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The energy demand and generalized fuel choice model developed for the primary metals industry shows that, in the long run, the aggregate demand for energy is unitary elastic with respect to own price, yet overall energy demand may increase because of non-price determinants such as natural gas curtailments as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The energy demand and generalized fuel-choice model developed for the primary metals industry shows that, in the long run, the aggregate demand for energy is unitary elastic with respect to own price, yet overall energy demand may increase because of non-price determinants such as natural gas curtailments. Significant third-price effects influence the share, aggregate demand, and conventional price elasticities, but a structural change that occurred between the pre- and post-embargo periods modified these interfuel relationships. Forecast of energy demand to the year 2000 indicate an overall increase in energy efficiency. Putting a tax on a fuel such as natural gas would further decrease energy use, but would increase use of fuel oil. 11 references, 9 tables.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the authors deal with the forest biomass as a renewable source of energy and make some suggestions to get maximum fuelwood to fulfill the requirement of energy for cooking and heating purposes.
Abstract: The present paper deals with the forest biomass as a renewable source of energy. The coal, gas and oil reserves caonot continue indefinitely to meet the major part of the energy needs, therefore an emphasis bas been made on a renewable source of energy i.e. forest biomass which is one of the alternative sources of energy. Some suggestions have also been made to get maximum fuelwood to fulfill the requirement of energy for cooking and heating purposes.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the use of an architectural enclosure opaque to solar and temperature effects, and use of lighting systems utilizing footcandle levels not exceeding that required for the purpose intended and utilizing efficient lighting fixtures.
Abstract: Present-day design of energy efficient buildings involves particular attention to 1) the use of an architectural enclosure opaque to solar and temperature effects, 2) the use of lighting systems utilizing footcandle levels not exceeding that required for the purpose intended and utilizing efficient lighting fixtures (which should result in installed electrical power for lighting of less than two watts per square foot for typical general office use), implemented where possible by intelligent day-lighting (intelligent in that the daylighting facility should save more energy by minimizing electrical lighting than is expended due to any resultant additional heating and cooling requirement), 3) the use of a minimum quantity of ventilation outside air consistent with health requirements and odor removal, 4) the installation of air conditioning systems minimizing air pressure drops and water pressure drops and minimizing air quantities and water quantities (by the use of maximum temperature differences between maintained room temperature and supply air temperature, consistent with good draftless diffusion, and by utilizing the maximum possible temperature spreads for water systems), 5) the proper zoning and volume control of air and water systems to permit efficient part load and overtime operation, and 6) the use of modern energy management systems to achieve optimum control, except that care should be exercised that capital expenses not be made which cannot be clearly shown to justify themselves in terms of operating cost savings, and that such systems not be so sophisticated as to preclude proper operation and repair and maintenance by the available labor quality.

Book ChapterDOI
Avi Jain1
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present guidelines for economic evaluation of high-efficiency motors, lighting systems, transformers, and cable sizing for new and retrofit applications in electrical power systems.
Abstract: Energy-efficient applications in the electrical power systems are discussed with reference to the energy losses in the electrical equipment. Simple guidelines for economic evaluation of high-efficiency motors, lighting systems, transformers and cable sizing are presented. Energy-efficient equipment is recommended for all new installations and can also be justified for some retrofit applications. Operating conditions requird for running inplant generators at reduced frequency are discussed and the potential for energy savings is quantified.