Abstract
Energy consumption rose about 28% over the 2001 to 2011 period in the Spanish residential sector. In this environment, domestic hot water (DHW) represents the second highest energy demand. There are several methodologies to estimate DHW consumption, but each methodology uses different inputs and some of them are based on obsolete data. DHW energy consumption estimation is a key tool to plan modifications that could enhance this consumption and we decided to update the methodologies. We studied DHW consumption with data from 10 apartments in the same building during 18 months. As a result of the study, we updated one chosen methodology, adapting it to the current situation. One of the challenges to improve efficiency of DHW use is that most of people are not aware of how it is consumed in their homes. To help this information to reach consumers, we developed a website to allow users to estimate the final electrical energy needed for DHW. The site uses three estimation methodologies and chooses the best fit based on information given by the users. Finally, the application provides users with recommendations and tips to reduce their DHW consumption while still maintaining the desired comfort level.
Highlights
Nowadays, energy consumption is rising every year in every country
Research results shown in this paper are focused on Domestic Hot Water (DHW), which is the second most important energy consumption, justifying efforts made to reduce it
To continue the study we decide to collect more detailed data and we select 10 apartments of the same building in Alcala de Henares (Spain) where we collect data during eighteen months. We focused on these households because they have solar thermal power equipment with an exclusive meter for DHW consumption
Summary
Energy consumption is rising every year in every country. This permanent increase will not be sustainable in the long run, and energy saving has become an important environmental concern. Industry is the only case of decrease in final energy consumption, while the residential sector had one of the biggest rises, of about 28%. Country Period Spain Total Industry Transport Residential Services. In the case of Spanish residential buildings, energy consumption is divided as follows: space heating 46%, domestic hot water 20%, appliances 16%, cooking 10% and lighting 7% [2]. Research results shown in this paper are focused on Domestic Hot Water (DHW), which is the second most important energy consumption, justifying efforts made to reduce it
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