Energy saving and renewable energy sources in residential buildings Automatic translate

Modern residential buildings consume a significant share of the world’s energy. According to international data, the residential sector accounts for 21% of total final energy consumption, more than twice the share of non-residential buildings. Direct and indirect emissions from residential buildings reach 17% of total energy emissions. These figures highlight the critical importance of energy conservation in the household.

Energy efficiency in residential buildings is developing more slowly than in the industrial sector. Over the past decades, the share of industry in electricity consumption has decreased, while the residential sector has increased its share from 23.1% to 26.9%. A similar trend is observed with natural gas - the share of industry has fallen from 54.7% to 37%, while the residential sector has increased from 22.7% to 29.9%.

The main reason for the slow progress in home energy conservation is the lack of basic knowledge about household energy consumption. Families use different types of energy in their daily lives, but it is often unclear what each type of energy is used for.

Smart home technologies and automation

Smart homes integrate various devices to optimize energy consumption. Modern technologies include sensors, actuators, and advanced control systems. Research shows that the use of smart home technologies can reduce energy consumption by an average of 30% and reduce peak demand by up to 20%.

Smart home energy management systems integrate controllable loads, such as washers and dryers, with distributed renewable generators and energy storage devices. These systems optimize energy consumption based on the time of day and the availability of renewable sources.

Smart sockets with energy analysis function are becoming an important monitoring tool. These devices take into account the influence of environmental parameters – temperature, humidity, illumination – on energy consumption. This approach allows for more accurate forecasting and management of energy consumption.

Home automation systems

Home automation combines coordination technologies, intelligent agents, ambient intelligence technologies, and ubiquitous computing. Modern systems are able to adapt to the behavior of residents and automatically adjust energy consumption.

Multi-agent systems allow different devices in the home to interact with each other to achieve common energy-saving goals. For example, the system can automatically reduce heating power when it detects open windows or adjust appliances based on the availability of solar energy.

Gamification of energy saving motivates residents to be more conscious of their energy consumption. Systems display consumption data in a game form, creating a competitive element and encouraging economical behavior.

Solar energy in residential buildings

Solar panels for home use work based on photovoltaic technology, which converts sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells, usually made of silicon, are grouped into larger modules or arrays. When light interacts with these cells, electrons begin to move, creating an electric current.

Homeowners who install solar energy systems reap many benefits: lower electricity bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and potential increases in property value. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that cannot be depleted, unlike fossil fuels, which have limited reserves.

Tax credits make solar installations more affordable. Homeowners can receive a 30% tax credit on the cost of installing a solar system. Electricity from solar systems is usually cheaper than traditional utilities.

Economic aspects of solar energy

Solar panels with batteries provide a stable power supply even during power outages, saving money on generators or temporary housing. Many buyers view solar panels as an improvement and are willing to pay more for a home with a solar system.

In many areas, homeowners can sell excess electricity produced by solar panels back to the grid. This creates an additional source of income and increases the economic attractiveness of solar installations.

The size of a solar system requires careful planning. A system that is too small will not generate enough energy, while one that is too large will require a powerful energy storage system. Without a high-capacity storage system, the energy produced will be wasted.

Energy efficiency of buildings and health

Energy-efficient buildings have a significant impact on the health of their occupants. Research shows that buildings classified as green can improve people’s health. More efficient heating and increased insulation improve health in energy-poor homes.

However, energy-saving measures in sealed buildings and thermal insulation without installing mechanical ventilation can worsen health. Energy-efficient retrofits can increase indoor radon levels, which can cause lung cancer. Installing mechanical ventilation systems solves many of the negative effects associated with sealed buildings.

Energy conservation reduces air and water pollution, conserves natural resources, and creates a healthier environment. Burning fuels such as coal and oil produces air pollution, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, soot, mercury, and lead.

Impact on air quality

Energy efficiency reduces the need to burn fuel, reducing pollution and saving money. By 2030, improved air quality from new fuel economy standards for cars will save 100 to 300 lives annually, prevent 14,000 lost work days, and provide other health benefits worth $1 billion to $2.5 billion.

Air pollution from burning fossil fuels contributes to lung cancer and asthma, heart attacks and heart disease, and in some cases stroke and impaired brain development. By reducing air pollution, energy efficiency improves public health.

When done correctly, home improvements improve ventilation and indoor air quality. The money saved allows low-income residents to better heat and cool their homes and receive health care.

Renewable Energy Sources: Challenges and Solutions

Renewable energy sources face a number of significant challenges when deployed in the residential sector. High initial installation costs remain a major barrier for many homeowners. Wind and solar energy may be better investments when considering life-cycle costs, but upfront costs often deter consumers.

The lack of infrastructure is a major obstacle to the development of renewable energy. The existing infrastructure is mainly built for fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. The current energy infrastructure is in urgent need of reform, as it is not capable of handling large volumes of renewable energy.

The main problem with the power grid is its age. Most transmission and distribution lines were built in the 1950s and 1960s and have exceeded their 50-year service life. This makes them unable to meet modern needs and cope with severe climate change.

Energy storage

The lack of affordable energy storage is another major drawback. Renewable energy sources generate most of their energy at specific times of the day. Electricity production does not coincide with peak demand hours.

The variability of sunlight and wind cannot provide an on-demand power source 24 hours a week. Solar and wind are unpredictable. There is volatility in generation and volatility in loads.

Energy production from burning fossil fuels is more stable. On the other hand, intermittent energy production from renewable sources creates the need for an efficient battery storage system. A battery storage system helps to store excess energy for later use and prevent power outages.

Technological advances have improved the durability and capacity of battery storage systems. High costs have prevented their widespread adoption. Battery prices must come down to make solar energy storage more cost-effective.

Heat pumps and alternative heating

Heat pumps are an efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. Air source heat pumps, for example, are typically larger and require more air space to operate properly, which can be a problem in smaller buildings or buildings with limited space.

These systems can impact the aesthetics of the building and surrounding areas, as the equipment must be placed in the garden, albeit hidden behind an acoustic barrier. Green technologies also require more commissioning and maintenance than standard systems, meaning people are prepared to put in extra effort to ensure the technology is operating at optimum efficiency.

Geothermal heat pumps typically operate at lower temperatures than gas heating systems and take longer to heat a building to the desired temperature. Hot water from storage heaters takes a long time to heat up and requires a recharging period after hot water use, unlike a gas boiler, which provides a constant supply of hot water.

Adaptation to new technologies

The biggest challenge that green technologies pose is a change in thinking. It is important to understand that green technologies sometimes require compromises compared to standard installations, which can affect the quality of life.

You cannot expect to take powerful showers several times a day, have a constant supply of hot water and still achieve energy savings. However, by using a professional engineer to calculate water loads and usage, you can install the right size hot water tank, low flow shower heads and taps to suit your individual needs.

Proper planning and a professional approach can maximise the benefits of alternative heating systems while minimising the inconveniences. A realistic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of new technologies is key to success.

Behavioural aspects of energy saving

Consumer behavior plays a critical role in the effectiveness of energy-saving measures. Even when the benefits of energy conservation are clear, some consumers do not buy energy-efficient appliances. The product-choice behavior of such people cannot be fully described by a simple economic model that assumes a rational economic man.

Research shows that achieving a carbon-neutral household by reducing energy consumption costs at the household level is a challenging task. Along with the use of energy-efficient products, alternative energy sources such as renewable energy sources are recommended.

Public policies and energy prices play a decisive role in the context of the crises occurring in each country. In Vietnam, for example, household energy consumption has increased sharply, accounting for 30.8% of total consumption after industry.

Digital transformation of households

Digital transformation of households is vital to realizing green and low-carbon development. Carbon emissions from household consumption constitute a significant part of global energy consumption, and digital transformation of households is critical to improving energy efficiency.

The use of digital technologies in the home can significantly improve energy efficiency through process automation, consumption monitoring and system optimization. Smart meters, automatic lighting and climate control systems, smart home appliances - all these technologies help reduce energy consumption.

Educational programs and campaigns to promote energy conservation help raise consumer awareness of the importance of efficient energy use. Governments launch various educational programs to shape citizens’ energy-saving behavior.

Economic and social consequences

Energy efficiency in buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 6 to 11 percent and significantly reduce premature deaths. Consulting firm McKinsey & Company found that the United States could reduce carbon emissions by more than 1 billion tons per year through energy efficiency, saving more than $1 trillion.

Energy efficiency can deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, saving consumers money and achieving other benefits — a no-regret strategy. Generating electricity, heating your home, driving your car, and running industrial plants all contribute to carbon pollution.

Well-designed communities provide a variety of transportation options and encourage walking and biking instead of driving, which can counter the obesity epidemic by promoting active lifestyles for residents while reducing vehicle pollution.

Impact on household welfare

Clean household energy consumption has a significant impact on residents’ well-being. Research shows that health status and depression played a mediating role in the effect of clean household energy consumption on well-being, while social contacts played a moderating role.

Some families may benefit financially from lower energy bills, while others will need help transitioning to greener energy habits. Governments should adopt price control programs that target a diverse audience.

The availability of various household appliances facilitates entertainment, climate control, and increases the well-being of people. The use of electricity has additional benefits such as less labor and time savings. It also provides women with additional opportunities in the workforce, such as the ability to work independently.

Global trends and development prospects

Renewable energy is experiencing rapid growth around the world. In the UK, renewable power capacity surpassed fossil fuel capacity for the first time in 2019. Over the past five years, renewable capacity has tripled, while fossil fuel use has fallen by a third.

The UK government has announced plans to ban gas boilers in all new homes by 2025 in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. It represents a significant shift in energy policy and highlights the growing importance of alternative heating systems.

Home energy efficiency programmes operate in many countries under different names: Warm Front in England, Warm Deal and Central Heating Programme in Scotland, Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales and Warm Homes in Northern Ireland. These programmes are often assessed in terms of energy savings, reduction of fuel bills and fuel poverty.

International cooperation

Sustainable development has become a common goal around the world. The United Nations agreed on 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Goal 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy,” and Goal 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” focus on energy and buildings, respectively.

International studies show the positive impact of controllable loads, distributed renewable generators and distributed energy storage devices on the future residential building. The advantages are evident both in the continental climate regime of Germany and in the Mediterranean climate regime of Algeria, especially when the energy requirements for cooling are taken into account.

Smart home technologies provide an attractive path to achieving energy efficiency goals. The metrics the researchers develop can help policymakers both promote the tangible benefits of energy efficiency for individual homeowners and identify those public investments that best support individual pursuit of national and transnational energy goals.