SCI 1901E - Energy

Chapter Objectives - Chapter 5: Home Energy Conservation

Lesson notes:

This lesson applies the physics of heat transfer to the home. The home energy audit requirement will be introduced at the end of this lesson.

Objectives:

1. Be able to explain the effect of the color of an object on its ability to emit and absorb heat energy by radiative transfer.

2. Be able to perform heat transfer calculations using the R-value method.

3. Be able to calculate the rate of heat loss due to air infiltration.

4. Be able to discuss how site selection for location of housing affects energy losses and gains.

5. Be able to diagram and discuss the operation of an air conditioner and a heat pump.

6. Be able to calculate the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heater or air conditioner.

Vocabulary:

design temperature
degree days
passive cooling
radiant barriers
seasonal performance factor (SPF)

Homework:

TQ: 5-9
TP: 5-1, 5-2 (assume 1/2" gap in double pane window), 5-3, 5-5

Additional sources of information:

The Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides an article on the R-Value of Insulation.

Colorado Energy provides a more detailed table of R-values than that available in the text book.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program suggests ways to reduce air infiltration in existing homes.

The Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides an article on the use of landscaping to increase energy efficiency.

BizEE Software provides a degree-day calculator based on weather station data.

 

Last update: February 19, 2009