Browsing by Author "Newborough, Marcus"

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    Characterisation of dwelling electricity demand with reference to DCHP
    (2002-04) Geslot, Olivier; Newborough, Marcus
    The research relates to the introduction of dwelling micro combined heat and power to the domestic sector as a mean of improving the efficiency with which primary energy is used, and the economic efficiency of supplying electricity via the national grid. Such small generators may constitute Stirling engine or solid polymer fuel cells. This research is orientated towards the electrical demand side issues. The context is to maximise the feasibility of such technologies when the typical domestic consumer's heat demand varies significantly with season and the associated electrical power varies substantially every minute of the day. The main issue was to ensure that the system could effectively and economically satisfy a considerable proportion of the electricity demand the typical demand profile is very peaky by virtue of the way inhabitants behave at home and the design of domestic appliances. To derive the characteristic of dwelling electricity demand, a total of 45 dwellings were sampled, monitored and classified, in order to analyse the parameters influencing the shape, magnitude and duration of the profile data collected. A survey was issued to . complete the research regarding appliances time of use. Then a model was designed with an interface allowing dynamism. The research concluded there are attractive reasons for micro combined heat and power to be implemented in dwelling. It could save up to 15% of primary fuel. On an annual basis, and with the 15 dwelling data provided by British Gas, the average saving for a constant lkWe DCHP is determined to be £44.78, and the saving is increased to £124.61 for a system that would allows a tumdown from lkWe DCHP during winter to 500We DCHP during summer. Furthermore utility companies should be gaining from this introduction because peak power demand reduction on the grid should reduce costs.
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    Energy-efficient cooking systems, food preparation facilities, and human diets
    (Cranfield University, 1987-07) Newborough, Marcus; Probert, S. D.; Batty, W. J.
    This thesis aims at identifying the opportunities for saving energy, which are available to those working within the final link of the UK food system (i. e. at, or in relation to, the points of consumption). Substantial prospective savings exist, because relatively little attention has, as yet, been given to energy-thrift in food-preparation facilities. Within the food-service industry, cooking systems are characterised by high thermal capacities, excessive external surface temperatures and poorly-designed control systems. Catering staff, who use such appliances, are rarely trained to use energy wisely when preparing foods, and kitchens (and their associated dining facilities) tend to be designed without sufficient regard to energy-thrift. Similar problems prevail in domestic kitchens, but to a lesser extent because the cooks there usually pay (or contribute towards) the fuel bills. However, manufacturers still provide household appliances, which are unnecessarily energy-profligate. Furthermore most people have insufficient knowledge of the nutritional suitabilities and the primary-energy costs of their diets. Thus a major educational need exists, which must be satisfied if industrialised food systems are to become more energy efficient. This thesis attempts to make a contribution to this requirement, by analysing cooking systems, food-preparation facilities, kitchen operatives, and human diets from an energy-thrift perspective. Long-term savings (i. e. those achieved as a result of implementing the recommendations within a 15-year period) of approximately £1O p. a. (at 1987 prices) are predicted, although this could be increased substantially if Britons adopt more energy-efficient, yet nutritionally-balanced, diets.