| Summary: | The fundamental objective of this thesis is to determine whether the requirements for thermal
comfort in housing in South Arica will provide for the necessary levels of energy efficiency.
The effectiveness of various thermal design measures in achieving improvements in energy
efficiency is evaluated. These measures are developed into a proposed energy efficiency
standard. An estimate is made of the reduction in greenhouse gases which might result from
the implementation of such a standard. This may constitute a project which might be
accredited and traded in terms of United Nations protocols.
Electrical energy consumption in South Africa continues to grow at a rate which may
necessitate that new generating capacity is on stream by 2007. It is shown that improvements
in the energy efficiency of upper income houses will reduce the demand for electricity during
peak hours. It is proposed that the progression of shack dwelling families to energy efficient
formal housing, in conjunction with an appliance switch to more fuel efficient energy
sources, will generate reductions in non-renewable coal and wood based fuel burning. As a
result less localized air pollution will probably occur.
In this study three types of house are analysed for their thermal comfort in hot and cold
conditions. The energy efficiency and the affordability of heating these houses in winter is
also investigated. The climatic variations between the regions of South Africa have been
analysed in terms of the local thermal neutrality and indoor heating and cooling requirements.
Criteria for measurement of comfort requirements and energy efficiency are developed. The
ability of various thermal design measures necessary to effect thermal comfort and energy
efficiency, has been analysed using the Building Toolbox software. The objective of the
simulations was to maintain internal temperatures within the confines of local thermal
neutrality with a minimum of heating. This methodology has given rise to the proposed
intervention standards.
The proposed standards and range of compliance methods will allow designers a high degree
of flexibility. Architects will be able to make use of thermal mass, thermal
insulation/resistance, variations in window size, etc. to achieve the required levels of energy
efficiency. One proposed method of compliance check will be the so called Star Rating
System. If properly promoted, the Star Rating System could lead to energy efficiency
becoming an important attribute in the housing resale market. The results of an opinion
survey among the members of the Thermal Insulation Association of South Mica (TIASA)
indicated a high degree of consensus around the proposals. Comparison with the energy
codes of foreign jurisdictions shows the proposals to be conservative. Given that power
generating capacity will need to be expanded, it must be expected that electrical costs will
escalate. This will effectively make such energy efficiency measures cheaper.
In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that substantial reductions in carbon based energy
consumption will take place if energy efficiency targets are to be built into the South African
National Building Regulations. The standards which are proposed in this thesis will also
bring about improvements in thermal comfort, productivity and the well-being of the entire
community. === Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
|
|---|
