Peter F. Chapman

1. Energy costs: a review of methods

Abstract Forecasts of energy shortages were already stimulating analyses of patterns or energy consumption before the quadrupling of oil prices and the interruption in supplies. These recent events have made such studies urgent. In this article — the first in a series on energy budgets — Dr Chapman examines the problems in constructing energy costs, the aims of such studies and the methods used. These are illustrated by examples of energy costs which indicate the care required in interpreting and using published results.

2. The energy cost of fuels

Abstract In the UK, the energy industries are the largest consumers of energy, using 30% of the present total. New sources of energy are likely to be even more demanding of fuels. In this article, the second in the series on Energy Budgets, the authors analyse the energy supply industries in the UK and examine implications for the future. They recommend that more attention be paid to materials recycling and to the development of renewable energy sources to avoid continuing inflation of energy use.

Energy analysis of nuclear power stations

Abstract Responding to the controversy stirred by the initial papers analysing nuclear power, the author has refined the original analysis, correcting its ommissions, and aims to document the factual basis on which energy analysis of nuclear power is based. He concludes that differences in opinion on this application of energy analysis are due not simply to differences in data or the adoption of different analytical conventions, but rest upon fundamentally conflicting views of consumer behaviour and how energy is used.

4. The energy costs of materials

Abstract Apart from the fuel industries, the materials industries are the most energy intensive in the UK. Dr Chapman, in this fourth article of the Energy Budgets series, analyses energy costs and discusses future demand and fuel saving measures. He concludes that historically-based projections of growth should be reassessed; fuel and material conservation should become a major part of good design; and that government action to give financial incentives to undertake conservation is needed if increases in fuel consumption in the materials industries are to be avoided.

A geometrical model of dwellings for use in simple energy calculations

Abstract A model for estimating the external dimensions of dwellings is presented that requires only simple characteristics of the dwelling. The model is calibrated using large databases of UK dwellings. The results of testing the model against surveys of a random sample of dwellings is reported. Applications of the model are described and include the provision of energy advice and energy labelling of dwellings.

A method for exploring the future

Abstract This paper describes a method for exploring future policy options. The procedures for choosing the range of options and constructing the future scenarios are described with special emphasis on policy implications. The advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed. The construction of scenarios is illustrated by describing three energy policy options for the U.K. The detailed analysis of these energy options, including their political and resource implications, will be described in a later paper.

The Milton Keynes Energy Cost Index

Abstract The Milton Keynes Energy Cost Index is an energy performance standard used by the Development Corporation in the new town of Milton Keynes to ensure dwellings have an energy performance better than a standard which is set to be significantly better than that required by U.K. Building Regulations. Several thousand dwellings have now been processed using this standard. The standard is applied using a microcomputer program based on the Building Research Establishments Domestic Energy Model. The technical basis of the computer program is described together with details of the energy performance standard. Feedback from developers and architects who have used the system is also presented.

The economics of UK solar energy schemes

Abstract This paper establishes a framework for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems, using standard methods of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Application of DCF analysis to solar energy requires that account is taken of its special nature and of its interactions with other components in energy supply systems. The discussion is restricted to the use of solar energy in space and water heating in domestic dwellings, but the general approach is applicable to other solar systems and to other energy systems based on ambient energy. The procedures suggested for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of solar schemes also have important implications for their design.

Three energy scenarios for the United Kingdom

Abstract The general principles of constructing scenarios and using them to explore policy options have been described in an earlier paper 1 . This paper summarizes the results of a preliminary examination of the three scenarios described there and referred to as ‘business-as-usual’, ‘technical-fix’ and ‘low-growth’. The investigation departs from conventional discussions of fuel policy in that it emphasizes the management of fuel demand, and the interaction between fuel demand and life-style, rather than emphasizing fuel supply policies. The relationship between life style and fuel demand can be quantified using the methods of energy analysis. 2 This method is capable of fine disaggregation and relatively high accuracy. However the aim of the studies reported here was to establish the range of feasible options and the types of policies needed to accomplish them. For this purpose high accuracy is not important so considerable data aggregation has been retained. The detailed analyses presented in this paper are estimated to be accurate to ±15 per cent. The first part of the paper sets out the analysis of the base year (1968) on which the future projections are based. This involves explaining the principles of energy analysis and the method of projection used. The next sections examine the three scenarios in some detail, starting with the estimation of fuel demand and then looking at the fuel supply and management policies needed.

Alternative Energy Sources

Publisher Summary This chapter describes alternative energy sources. A combined heat and power (CHP) plant provides 70% of the energy in coal in a useful form, 24% as electricity, and 46% as useful heat. CHP offers the prospect of providing heat in high-dwelling density areas at prices cheaper than present gas prices. Because CHP has high-conversion efficiency, it is least sensitive to the price of coal. Substitute natural gas (SNG) can be produced from coal with a conversion efficiency of 70%. Proper house orientation, position, window area, and internal layout increase the solar gains to meet about 30% of the heating load. If the building is insulated to the maximum cost-effective level, then the solar gain contribution can rise to 50%. This method of harnessing solar energy, referred to as passive solar technology, is only of significance for new buildings. For such buildings it is a very cheap method of reducing energy consumption. Wave energy is also another important source of energy. Because wave machines have no fuel costs, they provide the cheapest form of electricity production once installed.