Residential Energy Savings Research Articles

Research on Residential Interior Design and Energy Saving Optimization with Sustainable Low-carbon Development

The escalating crisis of global warming, driven by the emission of greenhouse gases, poses a formidable challenge for humanity as a whole. Notably, the construction industry contributes significantly to the global greenhouse gas inventory. Consequently, prioritizing low-carbon construction assumes paramount importance in mitigating the pervasive impact of the greenhouse effect on a global scale. Such an endeavor stands as a crucial safeguard for ensuring the sustainable development of human civilization. Therefore, from the perspective of low- carbon building design optimization research is an important part of low-carbon building. From the perspective of architectural design, this paper summarizes that low-carbon building design should pay attention to following aspects: reasonable use of natural lighting and natural ventilation, reduce the carbon emission value of building use stage; Taking the transformation project of the former engineering Institute of Southeast University as an example, this paper probes into the effect of design optimization on reducing carbon emissions, and quantitatively studies the relationship between the design optimization of lighting, ventilation and envelope structure materials and the reduction of building carbon emissions. The Angle selection of roof skylight is studied from the Angle of day- lighting optimization, the size and position of facade opening and the strategy of natural ventilation path are studied from the Angle of ventilation optimization. The indoor ventilation further reduces the refrigeration energy consumption, which is 22.1% less than before the renovation, and the roof reduces the heat gain by 22%-32%.e.

Evaluating Reinforcement Learning Algorithms in Residential Energy Saving and Comfort Management

The challenge of maintaining optimal comfort in residents while minimizing energy consumption has long been a focal point for researchers and practitioners. As technology advances, reinforcement learning (RL)—a branch of machine learning where algorithms learn by interacting with the environment—has emerged as a prominent solution to this challenge. However, the modern literature exhibits a plethora of RL methodologies, rendering the selection of the most suitable one a significant challenge. This work focuses on evaluating various RL methodologies for saving energy while maintaining adequate comfort levels in a residential setting. Five prominent RL algorithms—Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), Deep Q-Network (DQN), Advantage Actor-Critic (A2C), and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC)—are being thoroughly compared towards a baseline conventional control approach, exhibiting their potential to improve energy use while ensuring a comfortable living environment. The integrated comparison between the different RL methodologies emphasizes the subtle strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm, indicating that the best selection relies heavily on particular energy and comfort objectives.

Awareness and Utilization of Incentive Programs for Household Energy-Saving Renovations: Empirical Findings from Greece

The Greek policy targeting residential energy efficiency has launched the “Residential Energy Saving” financial incentives program to assist in achieving the goals related to reducing energy use and GHG emissions. Considering the research gaps of previous work, the present study examines the sociodemographic, dwelling, and geographical characteristics, and the environmental awareness and behavior that affect individuals’ (a) actual decision to perform an energy-saving renovation of their dwelling; this has been previously examined, but not in the Greek context, (b) awareness of the incentives program; this has not been addressed in previous research, and (c) utilization of the program; this has not been addressed in previous research. Accordingly, we performed a questionnaire-based survey in Greece in 2019 (n = 451). Based on the development of three binary logistic regression models, it is indicated that the decision to perform an energy-saving renovation is affected by ownership status, year of construction, income, and environmental behavior; awareness is affected by education level, environmental awareness, and residence location; use of the incentives program is affected by residence ownership and year of construction, presence of senior citizens and education level. The study’s results, indicating the determinants of energy-saving renovation decisions and awareness and utilization of financial incentives programs, can assist policymakers in planning financial incentives adapted to different characteristics, thus achieving improved awareness and utilization of such tools.

Home Energy Management Systems Adoption Scenarios: The Case of Italy

The 2030 zero-net emission target in the E.U. demands a significant improvement in the energy performance of the building stock. This study analyses the adoption of connected thermostats and Home energy-management system solutions (HEMS) as an effective means to tackle the residential energy footprint. It reviews the main features of HEMS systems in terms of technology, cross-study performances, and the obstacles to widespread adoption; the study adopts the case-study methodology to examine the impact on the Italian real estate stock at a regional level. A matrix of adoption scenarios assesses the potential benefits of global residential energy savings, weighted by local climatic variations, dimension, number of single dwellings, and average primary energy reduction per household. Results demonstrate that all adoption scenarios dramatically reduce residential energy consumption, outperforming the E.U. targets for Italy by 2030.

Influence of advertisement control to residential energy savings in large networks

User awareness and behaviour have a strong impact on energy savings especially through large-scale mass rollout programmes for new energy products. Such energy programmes are mostly funded by government with specific energy saving targets. In this work, we aim to investigate the influence of advertisement control to residential energy savings in large population networks. A mathematical model is established to predict the expected energy savings (EES) in a network where advertisement is used to influence user adoption rate of energy efficient product. The proposed dynamic network model consists of information diffusion, EES calculation, and advertisement control. It can be applied to mass rollout programmes to forecast the EES and the adoption rate of new energy products, based on which the advertising investment required to accelerate energy savings can be determined by optimisation design. The proposed approach is tested first with a small population network involving 40 participants, then applied to a large population network with one million internet users. Case studies for different scenarios consider various optimisation targets including adoption rate, time cost, advertisement cost, and total energy savings subject to programme budget and time constraints. The optimisation results show that 32.21 % and 18.15 % of EES are achieved for the small- and large-scale networks, respectively, suggesting the potential benefits of taking advertisement as a means to promote energy efficient product through social networks.

The evolution and future perspectives of energy intensity in the global building sector 1971–2060

Energy efficiency plays an essential role in energy conservation and emissions mitigation efforts in the building sector. This is especially important considering that the global building stock is expected to rapidly expand in the years to come. In this study, a global-scale modeling framework is developed to analyze the evolution of building energy intensity per floor area during 1971–2014, its relationship with economic development, and its future role in energy savings across 21 world regions by 2060. Results show that, for residential buildings, while most high-income and upper-middle-income regions see decreasing energy intensities and strong decoupling from economic development, the potential for further efficiency improvement is limited in the absence of significant socioeconomic and technological shifts. Lower-middle-income regions, often overlooked in analyses, will see large potential future residential energy savings from energy intensity reductions. Harnessing this potential will include, among other policies, stricter building efficiency standards in new construction. For the commercial sector, during 1971–2014, the energy intensity was reduced by 50% in high-income regions but increased by 193% and 44% in upper-middle and lower-middle-income regions, respectively. Given the large energy intensity reduction potential and rapid floor area growth, commercial buildings are increasingly important for energy saving in the future.

Can reversible room air-conditioner be used for combined space and domestic hot water heating in subtropical dwellings? Techno-economic evidence from Hong Kong

Residential buildings represent a predominant source of energy consumption in most subtropical cities. To enhance the energy performance of this sector, the use of reversible room air-conditioners (RRACs) for combined space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) production is proposed. The idea arises from the fact that in subtropical regions RRACs sized for cooling always have excessive heating capacities to allow a parallel production of DHW. In order to assess the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed initiative, a representative housing estate in Hong Kong consisting of 12,800 residential units was selected for an extensive simulation study. Results confirmed the technical viability of the proposed system. It was found that a wide adoption of the technology has the potential to reduce 7.7% of Hong Kong residential energy consumption and 744,192 t of CO2e emissions. The tolerable capital cost (TCC) approach was adopted for yearly economic viability analysis. The average TCC for individual residential units was found ranging from HK$2,241 to HK$26,286 depending on the household size, electricity price, and economic settings. This study provides preliminary evidence to confirm the viability of the proposed technology and opens a new way for residential energy savings in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the subtropical.

Mineralized supramolecular hydrogel as thermo-responsive smart window

Everlasting pursuit of the high energy efficiency as well as meeting fluctuant temperature causes various lighting requirements over the day, which is driving the demand for creating a multifunctional smart window (SW) system. Here, an upper critical solution temperature (UCST)- and/or lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type SW system (denoted as SWU, SWL and SWU+L, respectively) was fabricated through a simple bio-inspired physical cross-link process between amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Series of mineralized hydrogel-based chromic layers were first in situ formed by sealing the composite of ACC in PAA matrix into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) “sandwich structure” to fabricate the SW system. As expected, the SWU system exhibited a typical UCST transition process, bringing about a luminous transmittance (Tlum) of 40.70% at 25 °C and a Tlum of 74.76% at 45 °C. The high scattering of the initial state as well as large optical contrast (ΔTlum $$=$$ 34.06%) of the SWU system guarantees residential privacy and energy savings. Also, a thermochromic SWL system with a relatively high luminous transmittance (Tlum) of 47.81% at 25 °C and an acceptable solar modulation property (ΔTlum $$=$$ 16.06%) was constructed. A conceptual SWU+L system was fabricated, that is, a sharp UCST transition followed by a LCST process. This reversible two-stage optical switch process subsequently occurs by continuously increasing temperature, endowing this SW system highly suitable for SW or logic gate. The SW system with multi-thermo-responsiveness brings more flexibility in building facade design.

Static analysis of technical and economic energy-saving potential in the residential sector of Xiamen city

Abstract Based on a household energy use survey, this paper explores the technical and economic potential of residential energy savings in a Chinese city, Xiamen. The survey adopted a similar questionnaire used by the U.S. EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), covering the end-uses of cooking, water heating, plug-in appliances, lighting and space cooling. The analysis shows that the technical potential of energy savings in Xiamen's residential buildings is significant, around 20%. Of the technical potential, about two-thirds to four-fifths are cost-effective from a whole society perspective. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the Levelised Cost of Conserved Energy (LCOCE) of advanced technical measures with the actual cost of conserved energy. The actual cost of energy is defined by adding the carbon emission cost and hidden government subsidies over the retail prices of energy. About three-quarters of the technical energy-saving potential in Xiamen come from adopting efficient household appliances, therefore, further tightening the energy efficiency standards for key household appliances and promoting wide diffusion of efficient models of appliances by various effective financial incentives are essential for achieving residential energy savings in China's “Hot Summer and Warm Winter” region where Xiamen locates.

Research on Quantitative Relationship between Body Design Parameters of Residential Buildings and Energy Saving in Cold Regions

Research on Quantitative Relationship between Body Design Parameters of Residential Buildings and Energy Saving in Cold Regions

Drivers of Residential Energy Saving

One of the main strategies in dealing with the problem of global warming in today’s world is saving energy or employing an efficient use of energy. It is the intention of this study to investigate the determinants of residential energy saving. Seven motives for residential energy saving have been identified: the benefits of saving money, and solving the global warming problem, as well as accepting responsibility for energy, knowing how to save energy, committing to the saving of energy saving through pledges, having a role model for energy saving, and comparing the current energy bill with the previous months’ bills. A total of 350 responses were collected from self-identified adult energy saving shoppers in Bangkok. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the positive factors affecting residential energy saving were commitment to energy saving through making pledges, saving money, accepting saving energy as the person’s responsibility, knowing how to save energy, and comparing one’s current energy bill with that of the previous months. The analysis of the effective strategies for residential energy saving will be discussed.

Impact of climate change on U.S. building energy demand: Financial implications for consumers and energy suppliers

Based on the impacts of climate change on U.S. building energy consumption, we quantify the financial implications to consumers and suppliers at finer space (state) and time (monthly) scales than previously reported. For the U.S. as a whole, we find building energy costs decrease by ∼7 billion $/year in the residential sector, while costs increase by ∼2.2 billion $/year in the commercial sector. For cold-weather states (e.g., Vermont), there are residential energy savings of up to 340 $/year, while warmer states (e.g., Florida) see increased residential energy costs of up to 231 $/year per household. The increased summertime cooling demand poses important questions for the electricity supply system. Electricity reserve margins fall below 10% in all North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regions by the end of this century. In order to maintain a reliable electricity supply, an additional 80.6 gigawatt (GW) of capacity is needed, which we estimate to cost between 19.2 and 72.1 billion $/year for construction and operation. These estimates are also sensitive to changes in population distribution. Compared to a 2010 population distribution, results based on a 2090 population distribution show reduced savings nationally.

Greenhouse gas mitigation benefits and cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments for low-income, American, urban housing stocks

This paper investigates how greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation benefits and cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments vary geographically due to differences in climate, energy production mix, and housing stock. Using a treatment cost database and methods that estimate the residential energy savings from weatherization, we estimated energy cost savings, GHG savings, and measurements of cost-effectiveness. Combinations of three weatherization treatments were modeled: replacing a standard thermostat with a programmable thermostat, installing attic insulation, and envelop air sealing. These treatments were modeled for the low-income housing stock of six contrasting American urban areas: Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles-Long Beach, California; Seattle, Washington; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Results show that (1) regional variations have high impact on the cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments, (2) housing stocks with substantial electric space conditioning tend to offer greater energy cost and GHG savings, (3) the effect of a GHG price is small compared to energy cost savings when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments, and (4) installing programmable thermostats is the most cost-effective treatment. This study highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration of weatherization program goals when selecting cities or regions to prioritize because different goals suggest different weatherization strategies.

Predicting residential energy savings using known energy characteristics and historical energy consumption

Predicting residential energy savings using known energy characteristics and historical energy consumption

Energy Saving Alignment Strategy: Achieving energy efficiency in urban buildings by matching occupant temperature preferences with a building’s indoor thermal environment

Existing strategies for residential energy savings through physical renovation or motivating occupant energy conservation behavior can be costly and/or have transitory effects. Focusing on multi-family dwellings, an important subset of the urban residential sector, we propose an Energy Saving Alignment Strategy (ESAS) that has advantageous cost-effectiveness and a long-lasting influence. By aligning the distribution of residents’ thermostat preferences with the indoor temperature, ESAS aims to maximize thermal comfort and, accordingly, energy savings in multi-family buildings where indoor temperatures vary between apartments as a function of apartment orientation and floor level. Using a case study of a 1084-apartment public housing complex in New York, we classify both occupants’ thermostat preferences and apartments’ operative temperatures into five groups, and optimize energy efficiency by assigning each group of occupants to the group of apartments that best aligns with their thermostat preference. We test ESAS in eight cities representing all four U.S. census regions and six climate zones. Simulation results reveal 2.1–42.0% in energy savings compared to random apartment assignments depending on geographic location, with the highest energy reductions occurring in cities with mild climates, where the range of occupant thermostat preferences coincides with the natural indoor temperature range. We conclude by providing suggested guidelines on how ESAS might work in practice, and recommendations for extending ESAS research.

Strategy Support of Residential Energy Saving Investments in Hungary with the Method of Technology Roadmapping

This paper discusses residential energy saving market in Hungary, applying a relatively new method. The study is a comprehensive presentation of the results of an extensive research, exploration of relationship systems and system-based processing, in the framework of which the design, the implementation and the operation of the energy investments of buildings takes place. The market is examined with strategic approach and the reseach findings are systematized in intuitive ways with the method of technology roadmapping (TRM). These aspects of analysis give new and original contribution to the Hungarian building energetics sector and energy policy. The results are obtained from interviews and questionnaire survey with representatives of stakeholder groups and experts. The establishment of residential energy saving investments is highly influenced by environmental factors, technological development of building energy market and stakeholders interests and the interrelation of all these. The problems originate mostly in the long-standing lack of the comprehensive strategic plans and marketing tools of building energetics enterprises and concrete objectives and state's guidelines for the residential market of building energetics.The aim of the study is to serve as a practical instrument for the decision-makers, it can promote more efficient planning, support and implementation of residential energy saving investments.

Turkey's energy efficiency assessment: White Certificates Systems and their applicability in Turkey

The last decade has seen an increase in the importance of energy efficiency and the sustainable use of energy resources due to their significant benefits for reducing a country's dependence on foreign energy resources and increasing awareness on environmental problems. Turkey aims to reduce its energy intensity by 20% up to 2023, and in order to accomplish this target, the country plans to use energy more effectively in various industries and develop financial mechanisms for energy efficiency. Although much effort has been made to improve energy efficiency, additional policies such as marked-based incentives are still necessary. This article deals with one of the many market-based energy efficiency policies, called Tradable White Certificates (WhC) or Energy Efficiency Obligations. The current situation of the energy field in Turkey and energy consumption by industries is presented first in this paper, followed by potentials for energy efficiency in each industry and energy efficiency policies. Furthermore, the theory and applicability of a WhC System is introduced and discussed in terms of market conditions, choice of obligated participants and market mechanisms and barriers for the Turkish electricity and natural gas market to benefit from the residential and industrial energy savings potential.

Research on the Structure of Traditional Residential Energy-Saving in Hot- Summer and Cold-Winter Zone

According to the climate feature and the energy-saving requirements of traditional residential in hot- summer and cold -winter zone in china, we proposed the transformation scheme for the external structure of residential. The main points of the appropriate technical measures for the project also have illustrated clearly.

Dynamic mechanism for the decline of China’s energy intensity during the 11th FYP (Five-Year Plan)

From 2006 to 2009, the aggregate energy intensity of China fell by 14.38%,1) which means that China has made substantial progress towards its goal of achieving approximately a 20% reduction in energy intensity during the period of the 11th FYP (Five-Year Plan). This paper describes some new properties of the mechanism for the decrease in China’s energy intensity since the beginning of the 11th FYP. First, compared with the period of the 10th FYP, technical, structural, and residential energy-savings have been improved to a certain extent. Secondly, unlike the dynamic mechanism before 2000, technical energy savings have been the main driver of momentum since the beginning of the 11th FYP. Next, although structural energy savings are not the main factor, they are still a key factor for the decrease in energy intensity. Finally, residential energy savings are still a stable driver of momentum for the decline in China’s energy intensity.

Energy-saving potential by improving occupants’ behavior in urban residential sector in Hangzhou City, China

Besides technical measures, occupants’ behavior is one of the most important issues with respect to energy efficiency in households. This paper will discuss the relationship between electricity consumption and household lifestyle and evaluate the energy-saving potential by improving occupants’ behavior in domestic life through energy-saving education. After 124 households in three typical residential buildings in Hangzhou city of China being selected as research subjects, a series of surveys were conducted: (1) recording of the monthly electricity uses of all subject households from March 2007 to July 2008; (2) energy-saving education to the half of the households before July 2008; (3) a comprehensive survey about the household lifestyle of all subject households in the beginning of August 2008. By comparison analysis of the survey data, major findings are as follows: (1) residential electricity consumption will increase continually in the next years in China, because of the improvement of people's living standard and more dependency on electric appliances; (2) improving occupants’ behavior in domestic life can save more than 10% household electricity use; and (3) some effort on residential energy savings should be shifted from technological measures to improving occupants’ behavior in ordinary domestic life.