An audit to improve energy efficiency around the home by identifying key sources of energy loss.
Thermodynamics & Energy Systems | BEng Mechanical Engineering
This project involved a comprehensive energy audit of a 5-bedroom domestic property to evaluate consumption patterns, calculate system efficiencies, and perform a carbon footprint analysis. The goal was to identify high-consumption appliances and propose economically viable, sustainable improvements.
- Total Quarterly Consumption: 8,182.8 kWh.
- Efficiency: The household maintained an average calculated efficiency of 80.91%.
- The "Cost vs. Energy" Paradox: Electricity accounted for only 19.17% of energy use but represented 52.28% of the total utility bill.
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Carbon Impact: Initial footprint calculated at 1.248 Tonnes of
$CO_2$ annually (excluding vehicles).
- Critically analyzed natural gas consumption (Boiler and Cooker) vs. electrical consumption (Lighting and Refrigeration).
- Assessed heat loss and energy waste within the domestic thermal system.
- Evaluated the environmental impact of current energy sources.
- Performed a "what-if" analysis: Switching to a nuclear-backed energy source was calculated to reduce the annual footprint to 0.163 Tonnes.
- System Optimization: Lowering boiler flow temperatures to 60°C to improve condensing efficiency.
- Renewables: Feasibility study for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation.
- Electrification: Analysis of switching to induction cooking and electric heating systems.
The full audit, containing data tables, efficiency calculations, and ethical energy reviews, can be found here:
Core Skills: Thermodynamics, Energy Systems, Carbon Accounting, Sustainability Engineering, Data Analysis.