Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1994"
163 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how residential energy consumers measure and analyze their own energy consumption and energy costs using in-depth interviews and find more extensive data collection and analysis by residential consumers than has been previously documented in the energy literature, but the conclusions consumers can draw from their analytical efforts are restricted by the form in which they receive price and consumption data and their limited analytic capabilities.
150 citations
31 Dec 1994
TL;DR: The importance of optical technology in this context has been clearly realized by some individuals for more than a century as mentioned in this paper, however, shortsighted political and business-oriented decisions have tended to obscure the view, and solar energy materials research and development have only rarely received the status and funding they deserve.
Abstract: The limited availability of fossil and nuclear fuels and their environmental impacts make it urgent that technologies for energy efficiency and solar energy be investigated and promoted. In a long-term global perspective, the proper use of such technologies is a matter of survival. The importance of optical technology in this context has been clearly realized by some individuals for more than a century. However, shortsighted political and business-oriented decisions have tended to obscure the view, and solar energy materials research and development have only rarely received the status and funding they deserve. In fact, the interest in solar energy research, seen from an international perspective, has fluctuated strongly during the past two decades. During the latter half of the 1970s, interest in solar energy was high as a consequence of the oil crisis. In the 1980s, interest faded in most parts of the world. The early 1990s have seen yet another trend, and it is now widely recognized that solar technology and energy efficiency can alleviate the imminent environmental crisis manifested by global heating through the greenhouse effect and by hazardous increases of ultraviolet radiation through ozone holes. The present conference is a clear testament to the, increased interest inmore » this subject. Separate abstracts were prepared for most of the papers.« less
101 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, trends in energy efficiency over the 17 year period from 1973-1974 to 1990-1991 are analyzed using a more precise technique than those previously employed, and it was found that energy efficiency gains in Australia may have been earlier underestimated.
88 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the findings of a monitoring campaign in 186 office buildings in Greece and report the specific energy consumption of the buildings for heating, cooling, and lighting purposes, as well as the consumption of office equipment.
75 citations
TL;DR: In 1991, the European Commission proposed a new carbon/energy tax as part of a package of measures intended to reduce energy use and to help the Community meet international targets for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other $lsquo;greenhouse gases.
Abstract: Over the past three years, policy towards the taxation of energy has been debated vigorously. In 1991 the European Commission proposed a new carbon/energy tax as part of a package of measures intended to reduce energy use and to help the Community meet international targets for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other $lsquo;greenhouse gases’. This would have applied to both domestic and industrial users of energy and motor fuels. Also, in the area of UK domestic policy, the Chancellor’s 1993 Budget announced the phased extension of the standard rate of value added tax to domestic energy, which had hitherto been zero-rated in the UK. The extension of standard-rate VAT to domestic energy was primarily motivated by the need for increased tax revenues, but, at the same time, the Government maintained that the measure would have the valuable byproduct of reducing energy consumption, and hence contributing to achievement of targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
73 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider wireless broadcasting of data as a way of disseminating information to a massive number of users, and they consider organizing and accessing information on wireless communication channels is different fr...
Abstract: We consider wireless broadcasting of data as a way of disseminating information to a massive number of users. Organizing and accessing information on wireless communication channels is different fr...
73 citations
01 Mar 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a framework for evaluating engineering-economic evidence on the diffusion of energy efficiency improvements and provide evidence of market failures related to energy efficiency, which may impede the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency.
Abstract: This paper presents a framework for evaluating engineering-economic evidence on the diffusion of energy efficiency improvements. Four examples are evaluated within this framework. The analysis provides evidence of market failures related to energy efficiency. Specific market failures that may impede the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency are discussed. Two programs that have had a major impact in overcoming these market failures, utility DSM programs and appliance standards, are described.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main structural factors (e.g., primary or secondary production, product types) that affect energy efficiency of industrial sub-sectors and production processes are investigated.
56 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a short monitoring campaign was performed with on-site visits of a trained panel of engineers to each building, in order to register all information relevant to the buildings' construction, heating, cooling, lighting, systems and all other mechanical and electrical systems.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present some of the evidence supporting the Pareto-optimum equilibrium state from an economic perspective, and conclude that most technological systems now in place are optimum, or nearly so.
Abstract: There is a sharp disagreement between mainstream economists and advocates of energy efficiency as regards the potential for “free lunches” or “no regrets” policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions. From an economics perspective, the critical question is whether the economic system is — or is not — close to a Pareto-optimum equilibrium state. If so, it follows that most technological systems now in place are optimum, or nearly so, from an economic perspective. If not, there may be many sub-optimal technologies in place, with corresponding opportunities for very high returns on appropriate investments. This paper presents some of the evidence supporting the latter thesis.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of energy management policies on the Kenyan economy using a computable general equilibrium model were analyzed using simulations and they showed that an increase in energy efficiency leads to reduced dependence on foreign energy sources, promotion of reliable domestic energy sources and promotion of conservation of all forms of energy, saves scarce foreign currency and preserves the environment.
01 Oct 1994
TL;DR: ICARUS as discussed by the authors is a database containing data on energy conservation techniques, energy improvement potentials and cost data, which is used to evaluate the possible effects of financial policy instruments and to determine the cost-effectiveness of energy conservation.
Abstract: It is generally accepted that improvement of energy efficiency is an important option to reduce the total energy consumption of an economy and hence its emission of CO[sub 2]. In order to pursue an effective conservation policy it is necessary to have data on the potential of energy efficiency improvements in the various economic sectors and on the costs associated with it. ICARUS is a database containing data on energy conservation techniques, energy improvement potentials and cost data. ICARUS stands for Information system on Conservation and Application of Resources Using a Sector approach. By means of ICARUS it is possible to evaluate the possible effects of financial policy instruments and to determine the cost-effectiveness of energy conservation. In this report the measures to update ICARUS are described. The reference year is shifted from 1985 to 1990 and two view years are included: 2000 and 2015. Each chapter is dedicated to one economic sector: agriculture; food, beverages and tobacco industries; paper and board industries; petroleum industry; chemical industry; building materials industry; metal industries; other industries; services; households; transportation; and the energy supply sector. 7 figs., 106 tabs., refs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a methodology and several indices for the economic comparison of lighting alternatives, and illustrate these for the replacement of common incandescent lamps, of non-electric lamps with electric ones, and for improvement in fluorescent lighting systems appropriate to office buildings.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simplified but sufficiently accurate simulation procedure for passive buildings was recently developed and implemented in the computer program, EASY, which provided a sound basis for the development of a design tool with the aid of which any type of evaporative cooler can be analysed.
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of a class of latent heat storage systems (LHSSs) is presented based on a lumped model that allows a broad class of LHSSs to be completely specified, with only two parameters and a set of operating temperatures, while still retaining the main thermodynamic aspects associated with its operation.
Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of a class of latent heat storage systems (LHSS). The analysis is based on a lumped model (the basic model) that allows a broad class of LHSSs to be completely specified, with only two parameters and a set of operating temperatures, while still retaining the main thermodynamic aspects associated with its operation. Characterization of the performance in this manner permits the broad base application potential of such systems to be viewed.
TL;DR: In this article, the characteristics of the building's energy consumption in Southern Europe were analyzed and the energy potential of solar energy for heating and lighting purposes as well as the potential of passive energy for passive energy saving.
Abstract: The characteristics of the building's energy consumption in Southern Europe are analysed. The energy potential of solar energy for heating and lighting purposes as well as the potential of passive ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors distinguish between energy efficiency and the economically efficient use of energy resources, and argue that policies that enhance the economic efficiency with which resources are used may increase or decrease energy efficiency, or leave it unaffected.
Abstract: This article distinguishes between energy efficiency and the economically efficient use of energy resources. Policies intended to enhance energy efficiency are unlikely to contribute to the economically efficient use of energy and are therefore likely to waste resources. Policies that enhance the economic efficiency with which resources are used may increase or decrease energy efficiency, or leave it unaffected. The implication is that energy efficiency and economic efficiency are different policy goals, one promoting the use of fewer energy resources, the other promoting the efficient use of all resources.
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of building thermal mass has been investigated in the context of air-conditioning in buildings and the potential of using a building's fabric as a thermal buffer to reduce summertime temperature swings.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the role of daylighting in modern architecture is discussed and a number of case study examples are presented to demonstrate the application of technology in case studies of modern architecture.
TL;DR: In this article, the principles of fuel cells are discussed, underlining electrocatalytic problems to be overcome to increase their energy efficiency, and power density, and different kinds of fuel cell are then presented, with their advantages and disadvantages, and their possible uses, particularly as power sources for electric vehicles.
Abstract: After a short historical survey, the principles of fuel cells are discussed, underlining electrocatalytic problems to be overcome to increase their energy efficiency, and power density. The different kinds of fuel cells are then presented, with their advantages and disadvantages, and their possible uses, particularly as power sources for electric vehicles. Different means of fuel and hydrogen storage are also discussed. Finally the two types of fuel cells, which appear the best candidates for an electric vehicle, are presented in details, i.e. the H 2 /air Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, and the Direct Methanol/air Fuel Cell
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe two developments which shall lead to prototype systems of a heat transformer for industrial use and a thermal energy store for small-scale solar energy stations, which can contribute significantly to an environmentally clean energy technology.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the evolution of energy use in Sweden since the early 1970s to shed light on the future, with emphasis on the role of energy efficiency, and found that Sweden was well behind Denmark, FRGermany, Japan and the USA in energy savings during this period.
Abstract: This paper reviews the evolution of energy use in Sweden since the early 1970s to shed light on the future, with emphasis on the role of energy efficiency. Between 1973 and 1989 improvements in end-use energy efficiency saved 8% of Sweden's primary energy use and 24% of Sweden's delivered energy use. These savings were concentrated in the residential and manufacturing sectors, with important savings also occurring in air travel and the heating of commercial buildings. Despite these accomplishments, we found that Sweden was well behind Denmark, FRGermany, Japan and the USA in energy savings during this period. At the beginning of the 1990s Sweden exhibited one of the most energy intensive economic structures in the OECD. Sweden now faces many dilemmas that will influence future energy use: the role of nuclear power, pricing and taxation policies for fuels and electricity, the future of subsidies for housing and travel, the role of Sweden's energy intensive exports, and indeed the very lifestyle of the Swedes.
TL;DR: A sectoral analysis of how energy use has changed in Poland since the 1970s, with particular emphasis on changes since the country began its transition from a centrally planned to a market economy in 1990.
02 Oct 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented the latest development and the results obtained from a project of an integrated renewable energy and energy storage (IREES) system, which is a total renewable energy based electricity supply system.
Abstract: Energy continues to be an essential key to worldwide development approaching higher standard of life. The main source of energy in the past and present in industrial nations has been fossil energy and in the next century these countries will need to depend more on coal, nuclear and renewable energy. Generation of energy from fossil fuels is always associated with loss of thermal energy as well as undesired by-products and polluting materials. Twenty years ago nuclear energy was widely believed to be the energy of the future but today because of some unsolved problems in this field there is a large question mark on the whole nuclear industry. Overcoming these energy problems requires developing new energy systems which are environmentally friendly. In this paper, the author presents the latest development and the results obtained from a project of an integrated renewable energy and energy storage (IREES) system. The IREES system, which is a total renewable energy based electricity supply system, finds so many applications as it can be used as a large scale power supply being connected to national grids as well as a small scale power supply for remote areas. Findings and results arising from this research project will be of practical value for both power suppliers and people as energy users as this system not only conserves energy but also helps preserve the environment. >
Book•
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: Decher as mentioned in this paper discusses the need for increased efficiency of energy conversion, and the technology and the costs required, focusing on the practical application of the underlying principles of the energy conversion.
Abstract: The energy crisis and environmental concerns have made society and scientists aware of the need for more efficient energy. This awareness is reflected in the curricula of engineering and science. Decher addresses his textbook to the need for increased efficiency of energy conversion, and the technology and the costs required. The book emphasizes models of the elementary processes to allow assessment of performance potential, and for a determination of the sensitivity of design choices. Fluids and gases are emphasized, since many conversion processes manipulate them. The book attempts to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge usually presented to students, and the practical implementation of theory to the performance of engines for propulsion. Most of the numerical calculations have fully developed equations to enable the reader to implement them on a computer and to adapt them to other problems. The problems are specifically focused on the practical application of the underlying principles of energy conversion. Students and professional researchers and engineers will benefit from the book's extensive coverage of basic principles, applied thermodynamics, the economics of power plants, turbomachinery, and lucid discussion of the environmental impact of energy conversion.
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed Extended O&M Measures (EOMM) which reset the cooling deck or heating deck temperature according to the ambient temperature such that maximum energy efficiency can be achieved without compromising indoor air quality.
Abstract: Building energy consumption can be substantially reduced after implementing what we call Extended O&M Measures. The Extended O&M Measures are a scientific refinement of traditional O&M measures. Specifically, they involve resetting the cooling deck or heating deck temperature according to the ambient temperature such that maximum energy efficiency can be achieved without compromising indoor air quality
TL;DR: In this paper, the optimal sizing values for seasonal energy storage for low-energy buildings with active solar heating and photovoltaics are presented. But, storage remains, in practice, the major technical constraint to achieve high solar fractions.