Comparison of Space Heating Energy Consumption of Residential Buildings Based on Traditional and Model-Based Techniques

Degurunnehalage Perera,Nils-Olav Skeie

doi:10.3390/buildings7020027

Degurunnehalage Perera, Nils-Olav Skeie

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings7020027

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Journal: Buildings	Publication Date: Mar 23, 2017
Citations: 14	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of South-Eastern Norway

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of different scenarios in controlling the space heating systems in residential buildings. The space heating energy consumption of a three-storey residential building is estimated using traditional control methods (fixed-temperature schedule and fixed-time schedule) and a mathematical model-based control strategy. The model-based control technique takes the usage pattern of the building into account and operates the heaters based on the calculated heating time of the building. The results from the experiments confirm that the use of a model in heating control is the best option, which can save up to 1400 kWh and 320 kWh per year compared to a fixed-temperature schedule and fixed-time schedule, respectively.

Highlights

World energy use is rapidly growing and there are raised concerns over supply difficulties, depletion of energy resources, and heavy environmental impacts [1]
The objective of this study is to demonstrate how much space heating energy can be saved by using a dynamic model of the building for control
This paper presents the application of a dynamic modelling approach for determining the space heating energy consumption of buildings

Summary

Introduction

World energy use is rapidly growing and there are raised concerns over supply difficulties, depletion of energy resources, and heavy environmental impacts [1]. The global contribution from buildings towards energy consumption has regularly increased the figures by between 20% and 40% in developed countries [1]. The building sector in the Europe accounted for nearly 41% of the total energy consumption in 2010 [2]. The energy use of these residential buildings is highly dependent on climate conditions, physical characteristics, appliances, occupant behaviors, and ownership [3]. The energy efficiency of buildings has been a relatively low priority. With the increase and awareness of energy use concerns and the advances in cost-effective technologies, energy efficiency is becoming a major concern to building owners both in commercial and residential sectors

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