Abstract
This work shows the results of a research activity aimed at characterizing the energy habits of Italian residential users. In detail, by the energy simulation of a buildings sample, the opportunity to implement a demand/response program (DR) has been investigated. Italian residential utilities are poorly electrified and flexible loads are low. The presence of an automation system is an essential requirement for participating in a DR program and, in addition, it can allow important reductions in energy consumption. In this work the characteristics of three control systems have been defined, based on the services incidence on energy consumptions along with a sensitivity analysis on some energy drivers. Using the procedure established by the European Standard EN 15232, the achievable energy and economic savings have been evaluated. Finally, a financial analysis of the investments has been carried out, considering also the incentives provided by the Italian regulations. The payback time is generally not very long: depending on the control system features it varies from 7 to 10 years; moreover, the automation system installation within dwellings is a relatively simple activity, which is characterized by a limited execution times and by an initial expenditure ranging in 1000 € to 4000 €, related to the three sample systems.
Highlights
Energy efficiency measures will play a key role in attaining net-zero greenhouse emissions by2050, lessening energy consumptions by 50% approximately, compared to those related to 2005 [1].The energy demand reduction has to be mainly found in both residential and tertiary buildings, which up to date represent 41.7% of energy consumption [2]
The results of the simulations are shown in the charts of Figures 5 and 6, where the variations in heating consumption are expressed by absolute terms and by percentage terms depending on the primary energy consumption for heating; in the same graphs are superimposed the respective trend lines, together with their equations
The results of the simulations are shown in the charts of Figures 5 and 6, where the variations in heating consumption are expressed by absolute terms and by percentage terms depending on the primary energy consumption for heating; in the same graphs are superimposed the respective trend lines, with their equations
Summary
Energy efficiency measures will play a key role in attaining net-zero greenhouse emissions by2050, lessening energy consumptions by 50% approximately, compared to those related to 2005 [1].The energy demand reduction has to be mainly found in both residential and tertiary buildings, which up to date represent 41.7% of energy consumption [2]. Energy efficiency digitalization and home automation will play a key role in the modernization of the building stock. Participation in a DR program necessarily involves the use of control systems to guarantee the coordination and automation of all energy uses. Italian residential buildings are generally lacking in automation systems and the installation of suitable devices is an essential prerequisite for the common user participation in a DR program. The presence of these devices favors the energy uses optimization and can lead to an important energy saving compared to the original situation. For having an evaluation of potential benefits hailing from automation systems adoption, three different configurations of them (called Low kits, Medium kits, and High kits) have been hypothesized, where each one is characterized by a different number of devices and different setups (Table 2)
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