Household Heating Research Articles

Modeling Energy Access Challenges in Europe: A Neural Network Approach to Predicting Household Heating Inadequacy Using Macro-Energy Indicators

This study explores the use of machine learning models to predict the percentage of the population unable to keep their houses adequately warm in European countries. The research focuses on applying three machine learning models—ElasticNet, decision trees, and neural networks—using macro-energy indicator data from Eurostat for 27 European countries. Neural networks with Bayesian regularization (BR) achieved the best performance in terms of prediction accuracy, with a regression value of 0.98179, and the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.8981. The results demonstrate the superior ability of the BR algorithm to generalize data, outperforming other models like ElasticNet and decision trees, which also provided valuable insights but with lower precision. The findings highlight the potential of machine learning to predict the percentage of the population unable to keep their houses adequately warm, enabling policymakers to allocate resources more efficiently and target vulnerable populations. This research is the result of the application of machine learning models to solve the problem of energy poverty.

Torrefied and pyrolyzed pellets and their environmental impact in household heating

The transition from original feedstock to torrefied and pyrolyzed biofuels was investigated on a small-scale automatic pellet boiler. Thermal treatment significantly improves fuel quality; however, several technological difficulties were encountered. The entrainment of unburnt fuel particles led to severe CO, TOC and PM emissions as well as a drop in power output. All these issues were exacerbated when firing herbaceous biomass. It was found that most of the emitted particles are smaller than 1 μm in aerodynamic diameter, which necessitates additional flue gas filtering. Furthermore, 16 selected PAHs were individually monitored to evaluate the effect of thermal treatment on PAHs emissions and composition. On average, the most abundant PAH was naphthalene (4135 μg·kgfuel−1), followed by phenanthrene (246 μg·kgfuel−1), acenaphthylene (145 μg·kgfuel−1), fluoranthene (97 μg·kgfuel−1) and pyrene (95 μg·kgfuel−1). Benzo(a)pyrene contributed minimally to the total PAHs emissions (on average 16.6 μg·kgfuel−1). The 16 selected PAHs constitute only about 0.1–1.1 % of the total organic carbon emitted from solid biofuel combustion.

Determination of Plastic Pollutants in Solid Biofuels

Many countries widely use biomass for household heating and heat production in district heating systems. Unfortunately, the steady increase in annual plastic waste production has a negative impact on the quality of solid biofuels. This is due to the increasing contamination of these fuels with wastes from plastic and wastes from furniture production, such as laminates and medium-density fiberboard made from wood fibers, among others. The design of specialized biomass combustion systems does not allow for the burning of waste fuel, or the reduction in hazardous organic compounds emitted when burning contaminated biofuels. The study demonstrated the detection of polymeric impurities in solid biofuels through analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC-MS). The study was conducted on model samples that contained increasing proportions of plastic waste, ranging from 0.1 to 10.0% w/w to biomass. Markers were identified and described to indicate contaminated fuel, and the interactions between the sample matrix and plastic were studied. Unique markers were detected that indicate the presence of contamination, even at low concentrations like 0.1% w/w of plastic waste in solid biofuel. These results suggest that direct analytical pyrolysis of solid biofuels, which are already on the market but not covered by the relevant regulatory system and are contaminated with polymeric ingredients, is a method that is not only possible but also gives quick confirmation.

TreeC: A method to generate interpretable energy management systems using a metaheuristic algorithm

Energy management systems (EMS) have traditionally been implemented using rule-based control (RBC) and model predictive control (MPC) methods. However, recent research has explored the use of reinforcement learning (RL) as a promising alternative. This paper introduces TreeC, a machine learning method that utilises the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy metaheuristic algorithm to generate an interpretable EMS modelled as a decision tree. Unlike RBC and MPC approaches, TreeC learns the decision strategy of the EMS based on historical data, adapting the control model to the controlled energy grid. The decision strategy is represented as a decision tree, providing interpretability compared to RL methods that often rely on black-box models like neural networks. TreeC is evaluated against MPC with perfect forecast and RL EMSs in two case studies taken from literature: an electric grid case and a household heating case. In the electric grid case, TreeC achieves an average energy loss and constraint violation score of 19.2, which is close to MPC and RL EMSs that achieve scores of 14.4 and 16.2 respectively. All three methods control the electric grid well especially when compared to the random EMS, which obtains an average score of 12875. In the household heating case, TreeC performs similarly to MPC on the adjusted and averaged electricity cost and total discomfort (0.033 EUR/m2 and 0.42 Kh for TreeC compared to 0.037 EUR/m2 and 2.91 kH for MPC), while outperforming RL (0.266 EUR/m2 and 24.41 Kh). TreeC demonstrates a performant and interpretable application of machine learning for EMSs.

Effect of coal type on aerosol optical properties at Ulaanbaatar city

In this study, seasonal characteristics of aerosol optical properties at Ulaanbaatar station of the international network of SKYNET are investigated using ground-based skyradiometer from the years extending from 2017 to 2023. The aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 500nm wavelength and Angstrom exponent (AE) were determined in winter to evaluate the decrease in air pollution in Ulaanbaatar since implementing the government's decision to use coal briquettes for household heating. During the study period, the monthly mean AOT at 500nm varied throughout the year, with the maximum value of 0.178±0.004 obtained in winter due to households burning large amounts of biomass, and the highest AOT (0.183) was obtained in February. The mean AOT was 0.21 in the winter of 2017-2019, which decreased by 15 per cent to 0.18 in the winter of 2019-2023.

The Impact of Residents’ Behaviors and Cognitive Factors on Household Heating Energy Consumption

The Impact of Residents’ Behaviors and Cognitive Factors on Household Heating Energy Consumption

Assessment of Physical and Combustion Properties of Fecal Sludge‐Derived Char Briquettes Bonded by Waste Papers, Cassava, and Banana Peels

ABSTRACTInnovative approaches using biomass and waste for briquette production are needed to address energy deficiencies in household cooking and heating. Fecal sludge (FS) can serve as a feedstock for briquette production. However, the physical and chemical qualities of the briquettes produced using FS and different binding materials are still inadequate. This article examines the physical and combustion properties of carbonized FS bio‐briquettes made using five different binders, namely, waste paper (WP), cooked banana peels (CB), non‐cooked banana peels (NB), cooked cassava peels (CC), and non‐cooked cassava peels (NC). Bio‐briquettes were made at various binder ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) using a locally fabricated manual pressing machine. Overall, the study discovered that all bio‐briquettes fabricated can be utilized for heating and cooking; however, the type and quantity of binders employed influence their quality. The study concluded that FS bio‐briquettes blended with 75% WP binder were the best, outperforming others in many tests including drying rates (6 days), physical tests (passed shattering [95%], water boiling [240 s], and tumbling tests [100%]), and burning/thermal efficiency (19.23 MJ/kg). The study suggests further research to be conducted on combining FS with other biomass feedstocks to decrease volatile matter and emissions in bio‐briquettes made with FS and non‐carbonized binders.

СВОЙСТВА ЭМУЛЬСИЙ ПЕЧНОГО БЫТОВОГО ТОПЛИВА

The features of household furnace heating fuel and its mixture with diesel fuel distillate in various concentrations are considered. By intensively mixing diesel distillate into household heating fuel, emulsions based on household furnace heating fuel were obtained, which contain from 10 to 50 % of secondary distillate diesel distillate. Such parameters as flash point, ignition point, density and viscosity were determined. The results of the study confirmed the efficiency of adding diesel fuel distillate.

Parametric studies on energy utilization of the Chinese medicine residues: Preparation and properties of densified pellet

The depletion of fossil fuels has fueled an increased interest in biomass resources usage for heat and electricity generation. As an important biomass resource, Chinese medicine residues have great potential in substituting fossil fuels. However, that is basically limited by its poor properties, including low bulk density, high moisture content, and inhomogeneous structure. Herein, a safe and sustainable strategy was reported to prepare a high-quality densified pellet derived from Chinese medicine residues to address these worries. In this process, mixed and simple size materials were densified under various moisture content and pressure using a laboratory electronic tablet press machine equipped a single pellet mold. Results showed that higher pressure, ideal moisture content (∼6.5 %), and mixed particle size could densify better quality pellets. These findings pave the way for the safely and efficient resource utilization of Chinese medicine residues, as well as providing theoretical guidance and technical support for the household heating.

A comprehensive review of biofuel utilization for household cooking in developing countries: Economic and environmental impacts

The global energy consumption for household cooking is substantial, comprising approximately 90 % of total household energy usage worldwide. Research indicates that in 2002, food-related energy consumption averaged 340 million BTU (approximately 359 million J) per person. With the current global population exceeding 7 billion, this translates to an estimated annual energy consumption for cooking of 2.380×1018 BTU (2.519 ×1021 J). A significant portion of this energy is derived from the combustion of firewood, contributing to deforestation, CO2 emissions, and the release of toxic gases, which in turn, exacerbates environmental pollution and poses health risks. Household cooking, heating, and lighting activities in developing countries account for about 58 % of the black carbon emissions globally. Recognizing clean cooking as a crucial solution to mitigate climate change, there is growing interest in utilizing biomass as a source for biofuels and bioenergy. The comparative diminishing in greenhouse gas emissions from renewable fuels compared to conventional fossil fuels, along with the sustainable nature of these technological advancements, has spurred increased research into biofuel technology. To address energy poverty, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, comprehensive and expedited efforts are needed to expand and enhance access to clean cooking solutions. Consequently, this article explores the potential of biofuels as viable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels for household cooking, focusing on their economic and environmental implications.

Energy transition as a way to improve the welfare of Indonesian society

The shift towards energy is now a priority in Indonesia's efforts to promote sustainable development. With a growing recognition of the effects of climate change and the limitations of energy sources, the urgency to transition to clean and renewable energy options is on the rise. This study aims to investigate how transitioning to energy can enhance the well-being of communities. We aim to highlight critical insights by examining and thoroughly reviewing the literature. Firstly, ensuring energy practices is crucial for attaining development objectives. Energy plays a role in providing services like electricity, transportation, and household heating. Secondly, challenges related to infrastructure and energy accessibility remain hurdles in Indonesia's journey towards an energy transition. Despite advancements in energy initiatives, many remote areas still need access to electricity. Lastly, governmental intervention plays a role in steering a transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Private sector investment in renewable energy sources must be supported and directed through relatively strict policies, fiscal incentives, and regulations. Finally, the energy transition is an essential social and economic event, and appropriate policies need to be developed to promote a just transition and ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders and society. To conclude, the energy transition in Indonesia requires a combination of government, private sector, civil society, and international stakeholder involvement. By working together across sectors, investing in renewable energy gen technology, and implementing advanced policies, Indonesia promotes transitioning to a more sustainable energy system and improving the overall welfare of society.

Implications of fuel poverty for indoor black carbon concentrations from space heating

Despite the global transition towards cleaner energy sources observed over the last decade, disparities in access persist worldwide. The dependence on biomass for household heating exacerbates fuel poverty, as economically vulnerable households face challenges in obtaining certified firewood and often resort to using contaminated biomass as a substitute, either partially or completely. We examined black carbon (BC) particle concentrations —a marker for combustion— during wood stove operation through a five-day case study in a typical Chilean household. BC increased rapidly following the ignition of the stove, with the combustion of dry Eucalyptus globulus logs yielding a substantially lower peak (5.29 μg/m3) than when using unclean biomass: 35.75 μg/m3 with demolition wood and painted furniture, and 87.11 μg/m3 with the addition of a blend of particleboard with polystyrene foam. During the latter two events, BC particles remained indoors for about 20 h before the concentrations reverted to pre-spike levels. The slow decay in BC concentrations was further influenced by the infiltration of outdoor air. The mean indoor BC concentrations were comparable to or even exceeded those observed on busy roads in major cities worldwide. These results highlight the risks associated with limited access to clean fuels for indoor heating, alongside inadequate insulation. This study sheds light on the problem of fuel poverty and its adverse effects on health and well-being.

The Bacharach Method: A Low-Cost Tool for Small-Scale Combustion Units’ Flue Gas Quality Control

Although current EU regulations, such as EU Directive 2015/1189 on the eco-design of solid fuel boilers and Directive 2015/1188, in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, require manufacturers to meet specific emission requirements for CE marking, the routine and regular onsite testing of household heating appliances is still not mandatory in many EU countries. This research endeavour addressed this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of the Bacharach method as a rapid and cost-effective tool for assessing flue gas quality, particularly in terms of particulate matter mass concentration. This study also compared the results of the Bacharach method with those obtained from two commercially available portable analysers. The research outcomes demonstrate that the Bacharach method, in combination with an innovative evaluation approach, offers a viable solution, enabling the swift and economical assessment of flue gas quality with the primary objective of determining the boiler class according to the limits specified by standard EN 303-5 under operating conditions. The modified Bacharach method for measuring TSP in solid fuel-fired boilers provides qualitatively similar results to the commercially used SM500 and STM225 instruments. The modified Bacharach methodology was primarily developed for comparison to the boiler class 3 limit (i.e., 125 and 150 mg/m3). The study revealed that the modified Bacharach method, when applied to biomass-based boilers, exhibited higher accuracies in the case of classification into classes 3 and 4, whereas fossil fuel-based boilers demonstrated higher accuracy in the case of class 5 limits.

Turn down for watt: Community fit and thermal comfort habituation predict average household heating energy consumption

Lowering average household heating energy consumption plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change and has been central to policy initiatives. Strategies proposed so far have included commitments, incentives/ disincentives, feedback, and social norms. Yet, findings so far have been mixed and fail to explain the mechanism that drives energy conservation behavior. Using a sample of 2,128 participants across the United States, we collected survey data matched with archival temperature data to investigate the influence of past experiences on current energy conservation behaviors. Our findings indicate that childhood home temperatures significantly predict current home temperature settings. Importantly, community fit moderated this relationship. Individuals with high community fit were more likely to align their home temperature settings to those of their community. These insights not only shed light on the underlying mechanisms driving energy consumption behavior but also suggest that fostering a sense of community fit might be a more effective strategy for promoting sustainable energy practices.

Combustion-Derived Pollutants Linked with Kidney Disease in Low-Lying Flood-Affected Areas in the Balkans.

Tens of thousands of people in southern Europe suffer from Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), and four times as many are at risk. Incidental ingestion of aristolochic acids (AAs), stemming from the ubiquitousAristolochia clematitis(birthwort) weed in the region, leads to DNA adduct-induced toxicity in kidney cells, the primary cause of BEN. Numerous cofactors, including toxic organics and metals, have been investigated, but all have shown small contributions to the overall BEN relative to non-BEN village distribution gradients. Here, we reveal that combustion-derived pollutants from wood and coal burning in Serbia also contaminate arable soil and test as plausible causative factors of BEN. Using a GC-MS screening method, biomass-burning-derived furfural and coal-burning-derived medium-chain alkanes were detected in soil samples from BEN endemic areas levels at up to 63-times and 14-times higher, respectively, than in nonendemic areas. Significantly higher amounts were also detected in colocated wheat grains. Coexposure studies with cultured kidney cells showed that these pollutants enhance DNA adduct formation by AA, - the cause of AA nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. With the coincidence of birthwort-derived AAs and the widespread practice of biomass and coal burning for household cooking and heating purposes and agricultural burning in rural low-lying flood-affected areas in the Balkans, these results implicate combustion-derived pollutants in promoting the development of BEN.

Ageism, welfare, and the energy transition: a comparative analysis of the perceptions among the elderly in Poland and Norway

BackgroundOne of the potential dimensions on which exclusion and injustice may occur in energy transitions is age. Age-based patterns of exclusion—ageism—has recently been conceptualized in the context of decarbonization as energy ageism. This paper offers a comparative empirical analysis of the senior citizens’ outlook towards an imminent energy transition as well as the impact of energy poverty in two European countries: Norway and Poland.ResultsDrawing on interviews and focus groups with Polish and Norwegian seniors, we present the differences and similarities between the two countries, and the determinants of energy ageism, as well as the concept’s overall applicability and empirical usefulness. We find that socioeconomic conditions outweigh ageism, that is, the resilience of senior citizens in dealing with energy poverty during a transition is conditioned by their material standing and welfare state robustness rather than age based. An important factor is household heating technology, combined with economic vulnerability can push some individuals into energy poverty, while others using alternative sources of heat can navigate through energy crises unscathed.ConclusionsWe note the importance of mainstreaming social inclusion considerations in energy policy and of targeted digital competence building which can enhance senior citizen integration in the energy transition. Lower levels of digital competences among senior citizens certainly play a role and need to be addressed with education programs to increase participation. In both countries, household heating is a major issue and heating sources are strong predictors of energy poverty and regulatory measures and subsidies should be designed at national, regional, and municipal level to assist vulnerable groups in this area.

Selection of household heating equipment: A case study of Lianyungang city

Abstract Based on the local climate in Lianyungang, this paper analyzes the local heating demand, a comprehensive comparison of mainstream heating equipment and terminal forms, and analysis and discussion, respectively. By simulating the heating situation in Lianyungang in winter, the heating cost of different equipment in Lianyungang in winter is calculated and combined with the operation of existing projects, and the differences in cost, use, installation, and maintenance of different heating equipment are compared. Finally, the most suitable heating form for Lianyungang users is summarized by integrating theoretical data and actual situations.

Impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and chromosome stability: a systematic review.

Indoor air pollution is becoming a rising public health problem and is largely resulting from the burning of solid fuels and heating in households. Burning these fuels produces harmful compounds, such as particulate matter regarded as a major health risk, particularly affecting the onset and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. As exposure to polluted indoor air can cause DNA damage including DNA sd breaks as well as chromosomal damage, in this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and genome stability by reviewing the scientific papers that have used the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays. These methods are valuable tools in human biomonitoring and for studying the mechanisms of action of various pollutants, and are readily used for the assessment of primary DNA damage and genome instability induced by air pollutants by measuring different aspects of DNA and chromosomal damage. Based on our search, in selected studies (in vitro, animal models, and human biomonitoring), we found generally higher levels of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage due to indoor air pollutants compared to matched control or unexposed groups. In summary, our systematic review reveals the importance of the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays as sensitive tools for the evaluation of DNA and genome damaging potential of different indoor air pollutants. Additionally, research in this particular direction is warranted since little is still known about the level of indoor air pollution in households or public buildings and its impact on genetic material. Future studies should focus on research investigating the possible impact of indoor air pollutants in complex mixtures on the genome and relate pollutants to possible health outcomes.

Reduction of gas demand through changes in heating behaviour in households: Novel insights from modelling and empirical evidence

The geopolitical situation and the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine have led to proposals for immediate reduction in energy consumption within the European Union (EU). The REPowerEU Plan of the European Commission proposes behavioural changes as short-term measures to rapidly reduce the EU's dependence on Russian gas and oil. This paper investigates the energy saving potential resulting from changes in household heating behaviour. Through a comparison of modelling results with results of the analysis of empirical data collected in a survey of households in four EU Member States (Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, and Poland), the paper examines the adequacy of the short-term measures proposed by the EU and the instruments needed to leverage such measures and increase their potential impact. Although the reported changes in heating behaviour lead to a 2.0 % to 3.5 % reduction in residential gas demand in the countries studied, the study recognises that the EU targets for reducing the gas demand will not be met under current regulatory conditions, and considers the energy savings observed in this paper and in the literature as a short-term response to unexpected circumstances. The paper proposes a policy package to transform these responses into the long-term behavioural changes needed to achieve climate targets. Promoting uptake of household technical infrastructure, providing financial support and implementing information campaigns are suggested as effective approaches to achieving savings targets.

Interchangeability of various combustible gases and adaptation of gas-using equipment for their efficient combustion

The article presents the results of studies, the purpose of which is to substantiate the possibility of using a wide class of different combustible gases in one gas-using equipment and to develop recommendations for changing the design and operational parameters of such gas-using equipment in the event of a transition from one type of non-interchangeable combustible gases to another. The methodology of the work is based on a critical analysis of the available data on the issue of interchangeability of combustible gases, as well as our own theoretical and experimental studies. Dependencies have been obtained that permit to determine the possibility of switching gas-using equipment from one type of gas to another. Recommendations have been developed on the permissible content of hydrogen in a mixture with natural gas, ensuring the efficient, safe and environmentally friendly use of such fuel in household and industrial heating devices. Scientific and practical results of the work permit to carry out a low-cost reconstruction of gas-using equipment from one gas to another, including the transition to combustible gas containing hydrogen.