An Extended Model to Analyze Energy Saving: Parameters and Composition

Abstract

Many energy saving concepts are deployed to achieve the environmental and economic targets. But for many years, terminology and definition of energy saving concepts was a source of confusion and debate. In this paper, we analyze some representative literature examples about these concepts and their meanings. Then we develop a methodology to classify energy saving concepts in a new way with clear borders that can help energy analysts to detect all energy saving measures without interference between concepts.

We first link each concept with physical parameters such as energy and output losses. These parameters are extracted from an extended energy flow model. Each parameter is related to output variation (i.e. output increased, decreased, or fixed). After that, each concept is matched with its corresponding parameter. Combining the 2 ways, the classification of energy saving concepts is finally done in relation with output variation. According to our logic, four energy use concepts are defined to compose energy saving:  “Energy Recoveryâ€, “Energy Sufficiencyâ€, “Energy Efficiencyâ€, and “Useful output reductionâ€.