Case analysis of utilizing alternative energy sources and technologies for the single family detached house

Abstract

The new energy policy in Japan is implemented by renewable energy resources which are given a large slice of the total for their contribution to energy sources. In addition, there is a government plan to minimize, if not to eliminate nuclear power sources. Building sector energy consumption is increasing every year, hence, utilization and development of alternative energy sources and technologies to support the requirements of every house are important. Numerical performance evaluation of the alternative energy and technologies supported single family detached house was conducted in a transient system simulation (TRNSYS) program to evaluate its performance and energy requirements, and to test the cases for a possible upgrade to an energy generating house. The evaluation of the house performance is compared for possible application to the situation in different areas of Japan. 82.6% of the total primary energy supply could be supported by renewable energy sources – solar energy and biomass fueled auxiliary heater. 69.7% of the consumed energy is electricity; grid line electricity is still needed in the present installed photovoltaic roof tiles of the house. Solar energy collection can support up to 26% of the primary thermal energy requirement of the single family detached house. The remaining 70% should be supported by the back-up water heater of which fuel can be sourced from different sources such as biomass, kerosene, etc. In general, making a house yield higher thermal performance by employing energy conservation measures (ECM) coupled with the utilization of different alternative energy sources readily available in the house’s vicinity has an impact on the reduction of the house’s energy consumption. In addition, application of new technologies which could be supported by different energy sources has an impact on the diverse utilization of the available energy sources in the house’s vicinity.