Energy savings across EU domestic building stock by optimizing hydraulic distribution in domestic space heating systems

Ciara Ahern, Brian Norton

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The objective of this work is to quantify the resultant savings across the EU from the optimization of existing system components in domestic space heating distribution systems to maintain comfort levels. Heat energy savings are shown to range from 1% to 19% depending on dwelling type, age, location and initial specific heat energy consumption. Total potential savings across the sector amount 22.6 Mtoe, a reduction of 7.3%; 53% of these from a reduction in pumping power required by heating distribution systems and 47% of these from a reduction in the heat energy consumed by heating systems. The carbon abatement potential is estimated to be 496 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Regulatory changes to the domestic replacement and maintenance industry are required for these low-cost, high impact and highly applicable energy saving measures to be adopted more extensively.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)199-209
    Number of pages11
    JournalEnergy and Buildings
    Volume91
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

    Keywords

    • Domestic space heating
    • Energy conservation residential sector
    • Space heating efficiency

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