Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States

Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 349
Release: 2010-06-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309156866

America's economy and lifestyles have been shaped by the low prices and availability of energy. In the last decade, however, the prices of oil, natural gas, and coal have increased dramatically, leaving consumers and the industrial and service sectors looking for ways to reduce energy use. To achieve greater energy efficiency, we need technology, more informed consumers and producers, and investments in more energy-efficient industrial processes, businesses, residences, and transportation. As part of the America's Energy Future project, Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States examines the potential for reducing energy demand through improving efficiency by using existing technologies, technologies developed but not yet utilized widely, and prospective technologies. The book evaluates technologies based on their estimated times to initial commercial deployment, and provides an analysis of costs, barriers, and research needs. This quantitative characterization of technologies will guide policy makers toward planning the future of energy use in America. This book will also have much to offer to industry leaders, investors, environmentalists, and others looking for a practical diagnosis of energy efficiency possibilities.

Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers

Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers
Author: Moncef Krarti
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
Total Pages: 648
Release: 2018-03-27
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128118946

Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers presents current techniques and technologies for energy efficiency in buildings. Cases introduce and demonstrate applications in both the design of new buildings and retrofit of existing structures. The book begins with an introduction that includes energy consumption statistics, building energy efficiency codes, and standards and labels from around the world. It then highlights the need for integrated and comprehensive energy analysis approaches. Subsequent sections present an overview of advanced energy efficiency technologies for buildings, including dynamic insulation materials, phase change materials, LED lighting and daylight controls, Life Cycle Analysis, and more. This book provides researchers and professionals with a coherent set of tools and techniques for enhancing energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. The case studies presented help practitioners implement the techniques and technologies in their own projects. Introduces a holistic analysis approach to energy efficiency for buildings using the concept of energy productivity Provides coverage of individual buildings, communities and urban centers Includes both the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing structures to improve energy efficiency Describes state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies Presents several cases studies and examples that illustrate the analysis techniques and impact of energy efficiency technologies and controls

Sustainability through Energy-Efficient Buildings

Sustainability through Energy-Efficient Buildings
Author: Amritanshu Shukla
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2018-03-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 135165845X

The book covers chapters ranging from introduction to recent technological challenges, case studies of energy-efficient buildings with policy and awareness issues, fundamentals and present status along with research updates and future aspects on topics focusing on energy-efficient construction, materials Provides comprehensive information on energy efficient buildings including policy and energy audit aspects with case studies Examines application of PCMs in passive heating and cooling in buildings; role of active TES and energy saving potential

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting
Author: F. Pacheco-Torgal
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 633
Release: 2017-01-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0081012276

Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting:Materials, Technologies, Optimization and Case Studies provides essential knowledge for civil engineers, architects, and other professionals working in the field of cost-effective energy efficient building retrofitting. The building sector is responsible for high energy consumption and its global demand is expected to grow as each day there are approximately 200,000 new inhabitants on planet Earth. The majority of electric energy will continue to be generated from the combustion of fossil fuels releasing not only carbon dioxide, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Energy efficiency measures are therefore crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. Energy efficient building retrofitting needs to not only be technically feasible, but also economically viable. New building materials and advanced technologies already exist, but the knowledge to integrate all active components is still scarce and far from being widespread among building industry stakeholders. Emphasizes cost-effective methods for the refurbishment of existing buildings, presenting state-of-the-art technologies Includes detailed case studies that explain various methods and Net Zero Energy Explains optimal analysis and prioritization of cost effective strategies

Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Author: José Manuel Andújar
Publisher: MDPI
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2020-04-28
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 3039287028

Buildings are one of the main causes of the emission of greenhouse gases in the world. Europe alone is responsible for more than 30% of emissions, or about 900 million tons of CO2 per year. Heating and air conditioning are the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Most buildings currently in use were built with poor energy efficiency criteria or, depending on the country and the date of construction, none at all. Therefore, regardless of whether construction regulations are becoming stricter, the real challenge nowadays is the energy rehabilitation of existing buildings. It is currently a priority to reduce (or, ideally, eliminate) the waste of energy in buildings and, at the same time, supply the necessary energy through renewable sources. The first can be achieved by improving the architectural design, construction methods, and materials used, as well as the efficiency of the facilities and systems; the second can be achieved through the integration of renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) in buildings. In any case, regardless of whether the energy used is renewable or not, the efficiency must always be taken into account. The most profitable and clean energy is that which is not consumed.

Energy-Efficient Electrical Systems for Buildings

Energy-Efficient Electrical Systems for Buildings
Author: Moncef Krarti
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 513
Release: 2017-03-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 148225834X

Energy-Efficient Electrical Systems for Buildings offers a systematic and practical analysis and design approaches for electrical distribution and utilization systems in buildings. In addition to meeting the minimal safety requirements set by the National Electrical Code (NEC), the design approach consider the life-cycle cost analysis of designing energy efficient electrical distribution systems as well as integrating renewable energy technologies into both residential and commercial buildings. The book first provides a general overview of basic power systems commonly available in buildings. Then, detailed discussions of various components of typical building electrical distribution system are outlined through several chapters including transformers, protection devices, conductors and conduits, power and lighting panels, and motor control centers. The book includes several illustrations and numerous examples and analysis exercises are included, along with detailed design examples.