Page 53 - Analysis and Design of Energy Geostructures

22 Analysis and Design of Energy Geostructures

d. The basic energy unit of the metric system (SI) is:
i. Joule, J
ii. Watt, W
iii. Calorie, Cal
iv. Watt-hour, Wh
e. The Watt is defined as:
i. J s
ii. J
iii. J=s
iv. s=J
f. Primary energy, final energy and net energy consumption are three dif-
ferent definitions usually employed to characterise the use of energy.
Primary energy consumption is the characterisation of the (use of)
energy that has not been subjected to any conversion or transformation
processes. It refers to the direct use or supply of the source of energy.
Final energy consumption represents the total energy consumed by end
users, excluding the energy that is used by the energy sector itself. The
net energy consumption is the energy in its final desired form usually
drawn from a consuming device, obtained from the final energy consid-
ering the losses associated with the use of devices for further refining,
storing, or delivering energy.
g. Energy consumption refers to the quantity of energy added to or removed
from a space. Energy demand refers to the immediate rate of energy added
to or removed from a space, that is the power at a particular instant in time.
h. The three main end users that have more pronouncedly contributed over
recent years in the final energy consumption of developed countries are
the building sector, the industry sector and the transportation sector.
i. The main consequences of the historical use of nonrenewable energy
sources are the increase in greenhouse gas emission and the depletion of
nonrenewable energy sources.
Problems associated with fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas
emissions are that they represent the most important sources of air pol-
lutant emissions and are considered to be the dominant cause of the
observed climate change and global warming. Concerning the depletion
of nonrenewable energy sources, one problem is that, within approxi-
mately a century, resorting to these sources will no longer be technically
and economically convenient anymore.
j. Low-carbon buildings are characterised by the use of integrated passive
design strategies, high-performance building envelopes and energy effi-
cient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, as well as lighting