RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS

Publisher Summary The energy consumed in residential and commercial structures is associated with the maintenance of comfortable ambient conditions and, depending on the type of structure involved, the energy consumed in specialized appliances and equipment. Residential structures are divided into two broad categories: (1) centrally supplied heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and (2) dwelling units that have individual heating and air conditioning systems. This chapter describes the manner in which energy is consumed in residential and commercial systems and the areas in which research is required to reduce such consumption. The research items recommended are long-lead items and do not reflect the many energy-conservative measures possible today at relatively low cost. The major difference between residential and commercial structures is the internal load. The chapter presents the distribution of energy consumption by function for the commercial sector. The internal loads in such structures are so high that air conditioning is the primary space conditioning requirement.