An analysis of energy conservation possibilities in the residential sector in New Zealand

Abstract

A model which simulates residential energy use in New Zealand until the year 2000 has been developed. This paper describes some of the energy conservation possibilities and their effect on energy use for space and water heating. an engineering analysis made to determine the effect of various factors on energy use for space heating is first described. the information gained from many computer simulations is used to develop a quantitative relationship between space heating energy and major determinants—climatic location, building type and intensity of use. Results from an engineering analysis of a water heating unit are used to establish the energy savings due to improved cylinder insulation and lower storage temperature. A solar space and water heating system is analysed to determine the fraction of total heating load that can be met by harnessing solar energy. the analyses demonstrate that the potential of conservation measures to reduce energy use can be substantial—by raising the insulation level on the building and on the water heating cylinder, by lowering the water storage temperature, and by installing an optimized solar heating system, the energy requirement can be reduced to 0·37 times what it is today for a typical uninsulated home.