MANIPULATION OF RESIDENTIAL INTERNAL HEAT GENERATION FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN A SEMI-TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT The dynamics of thermal stressors on human comfort are quite different in a semi-tropical environment such as Miami, Florida than are those of more temperate regions. Greater temperatures and relative humidity create a living situation that demands more emphasis on space cooling than heating. This thermodynamic process of heat exchange is, by its very nature, more energy intensive for each degree of temperature change than is a heating situation. In a tropical environment it is vitally important to reduce all heating inputs to a residence in order to reduce the need for air conditioning. These include direct solar radiation, heat conduction, and air infiltration. However, current research suggests that internal heat generation from appliances, lighting and people substantially add to both the discomfort of the residence and to the need and use of air conditioning. It is valuable to understand the true energy cost of an appliance in such a climate by evaluating both its electrical demand and its quantitative addition to the thermal load. Understanding and implementing such strategies could result in a significant energy savings in semi-tropical residences. Any investigation aimed at energy conservation in such a climate should incorporate the resultant knowledge from such research to manipulate internal heat generation for maximum conservation benefit.