Using bottom-up model to analyze cooling energy consumption in China's urban residential building

Abstract

Cooling is a major end-user in building energy consumption and is becoming increasingly important with economic development and climate change. China's government has given attention to cooling energy conservation. However, a nationwide fundamental building energy database, identification of the key features of cooling energy intensity in urban families, or a review or discussion of current technologies and cooling policies are still lacking. This study collected data on cooling in urban residential buildings and established an engineering-based bottom-up model of cooling energy consumption in urban residential China. From data analysis and discussion, the following conclusions are obtained. Total urban residential cooling energy consumption of electricity was around 85 billion kWh in 2015, having increased by more than ten times over the last two decades. Single-split AC is the primary AC type and the most commonly used cooling equipment. Cooling behavior distribution also varies significantly with region and cooling type. Cooling behavior diversity also causes a huge difference in cooling operation hours and energy intensity. Based on this quantitative analysis, a technology outlook and policy suggestions are provided.