The impact of home energy feedback displays and load management devices in a low energy housing development
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(Published version)
Date
2013
Authors
Whaley, D.
Berry, S.
Saman, W.
Editors
Trenev, G.
Bertoldi, P.
Bertoldi, P.
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Conference paper
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Proceedings of the 7th International Conference EEDAL'2013 energy efficiency in domestic appliances and lighting, 2013 / Trenev, G., Bertoldi, P. (ed./s), pp.549-560
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7th International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Domestic Appliances and Lighting (EEDAL'13) (11 Sep 2013 - 13 Sep 2013 : Coimbra, Portugal)
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Abstract
Home energy feedback display and monitoring systems are a key feature of Australia's leading eco-friendly housing development at Lochiel Park in South Australia. The displays comprehensively measure electricity, gas and water usage in real-time, and can manage loads during periods of peak electricity demand. The houses are designed to be near net zero energy homes and incorporate a high performance building envelope, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, solar water heaters and energy efficient appliances.
In addition, this paper draws on a series of in-depth interviews to discuss the residents' attitudes towards, and experiences interacting with, the in-home feedback display and associated energy systems, and describes how feedback displays may assist residents understand their end-use energy behaviour, reduce their net energy use, and assess whether household appliances and energy systems are operating correctly.
The interview responses reveal a mostly positive attitude to the energy feedback displays, but a generally negative attitude towards the load management system. This negative response may be due to the lack of perceived benefits from such a device, and a poor understanding of how to operate this feature. Finally, this paper outlines the residents' suggestions for improving the energy feedback monitoring systems.
The paper describes the display and monitoring systems, summarises samples of delivered energy results for selected households, and the average for Lochiel Park. The results show that despite living in similarly constructed houses, often with the same number of occupants, there are significant monthly and annual variations in net delivered energy.
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Copyright 2014 European Union