1. Reduce Total Energy Demand
According to data, in developed countries, heating and air-conditioning energy consumption accounts for as much as 65% of the total building energy use. In recent years, the growth rate of energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting in China has far exceeded that of energy production. Therefore, reducing the energy used for cooling, heating, and lighting in buildings is a crucial step in lowering overall building energy consumption. This can be achieved through several key approaches.
1.1 Architectural Planning and Design
In response to global energy and environmental challenges, new design concepts have emerged, such as micro-neighborhoods, low-energy buildings, zero-energy buildings, and green architecture. These designs emphasize an integrated approach, where architects collaborate closely with energy analysts, environmental experts, and engineers. During the planning and design phase, the local climate and environmental conditions are taken into account, using natural elements like wind, water, vegetation, and terrain to create a comfortable indoor environment and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Key strategies include selecting optimal building locations, designing landscapes with trees and water features, shaping buildings to optimize airflow and solar gain, and using software tools like Tianzheng Building (II) for shadow simulation and CFD software like PHOENICS or Fluent to analyze air movement and thermal comfort.
1.2 Building Envelope
The building envelope—comprising roofs, walls, windows, insulation, and shading—plays a critical role in energy performance, indoor comfort, and environmental impact. Although the cost of improving the envelope is only 3–6% of the total investment, it can save up to 20–40% in energy use. Enhancing the thermal performance of these components helps keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter, thus reducing heating and cooling demands. This can be done by using advanced materials like thermal diode walls or smart glass, and optimizing the envelope design based on local climate conditions and energy modeling software like DOE-2.0. A thorough economic and technical evaluation ensures the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.
1.3 Improve End-User Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce heating and cooling loads. This involves designing systems like heat pumps, district heating and cooling, and energy storage solutions. Additionally, real-time monitoring and management systems help regulate indoor temperature, air quality, and energy use. For example, European countries use sensors to measure environmental factors and predict load demand, enabling precise control of HVAC operations. Similarly, energy-certified appliances and equipment, such as ENERGY STAR products in the U.S. or minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) in Australia, help cut down overall energy use in buildings.
1.4 Improve Overall Energy Efficiency
Energy losses occur at every stage—from primary energy sources to final use in building systems. A holistic evaluation of the entire energy chain, including production, transportation, and end-use, is essential for maximizing efficiency. Using energy-efficient power supplies, such as natural gas instead of electricity, and adopting second-generation energy systems like combined heat and power (CHP) and cogeneration (CCHP), can greatly improve overall performance and reduce environmental impact.
2. Use of New Energy
New energy plays a vital role in energy conservation and sustainability. It includes renewable sources like solar, geothermal, wind, and biomass energy. Solar energy, for instance, has seen significant development. Technologies like solar thermal power, photovoltaic panels, and solar water heaters are becoming more mature. Countries like the U.S., Israel, and Australia have invested in solar thermal power stations, while photovoltaic systems are rapidly expanding globally. Geothermal energy can be used for both heating and electricity generation, and wind energy is increasingly applied in high-rise buildings. Natural ventilation is also a common way to utilize wind in construction. Despite progress, solar and other new energy technologies still require further research and commercialization to become widely adopted.
Stainless Steel Sphere,Solid Sphere Ball Valve,Floating Sphere Ball Valve,Brass Sphere Ball Valve
Antong Valve Co.,Ltd , https://www.atvalveball.com