Week 4

2904ENV Principles of Sustainable Design

Tutorial / Workshop 5 – Week 4

Energy Consumption

Aim: To introduce the skills required to determine your household energy consumption.

Part 1

WORKING INDIVIDUALLY, DETERMINE THE WEEKLY ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO:

•       Josh and Bens Share House

Josh and Ben live together in a 2 bedroom unit in a small complex. Josh drinks 4 cups of tea a day- boiling the jug (1850W) 3 minutes each time. Ben has 2 minute noodles for breakfast each day- he uses the microwave (1550W) for 5 minutes to cook them. They have a 410L combination fridge/freezer (506W) which is never turned off, wash clothes 3 times a week which takes 45 minutes per load (505W) , and use the dishwasher (2200W) for 1 hour every day. Ben takes a 3 minute shower (hot water heater 2600W) 3 times a day, while Josh only showers 3 times a week but for 20 minutes each time. Ben watches TV (290W) for 6 hours a day while Josh listens to the stereo (23W) in his room for 4 hours a day. They both charge their phones (39W) for 8 hours each night.

Task:

-        Complete the Energy Usage table to determine weekly consumption. Combined Lighting has been prefilled for you.

-        Assuming a flat rate of 36c/kWh, determine the annual household energy cost for Ben and Josh

-        Choose one of the appliances listed in the table and find an alternative which has lower energy consumption. Calculate the annual saving in energy costs as a result of switching to the new appliance.

-        Graph the results for each task and in a few short sentences or bullet points, discuss other methods for reducing energy consumption.

The Energy Usage Table can be found on Blackboard

Equations:

1.     1000w = 1kw

2.     Household consumption (kw/hr) = Appliance (kw) x annual usage (hr)

3.     Cost ($) = Household consumption (kw/hr) x energy cost (0.36)

Part 2

Using the simplified worksheet (second excel spreadsheet on L@G) calculate the U-Value of the following wall:

•       19mm cement render

•       100mm concrete block outer leaf/skin

•       50mm cavity

•       100mm brick inner leaf/skin

•       12mm lightweight plasterboard

Process:

 1. Use the simplified worksheet – This is the worksheet to be used for assignment 2

2. Using the data sheet provided on L@G , choose the thermal conductivity appropriate to the required material. Cement render has been used as an example. Note that the lower the conductivity of the materials the greater the insulation properties of the wall.

	Note: this is not the full data sheet, refer L@G

3. Once completed the U-value and R-value of the wall can be determined. The U-value and R-value will update automatically as more materials are input.

4. Today’s task will be to screenshot the completed wall and send in combination with Part 1. Once completed use the data sheet to replace and test different materials with both high and low conductivity to see what happens to the U-value and R-values.

5. For next week it will be beneficial to assess the construction of the walls within your home as next week’s tutorial will build on from this one. If the exact construction cannot be sourced estimate to the best of your knowledge. Be sure to make note of any estimations within your assignments.