The figure illustrates
the basic principles of increased energy efficiency. It shows why
energy efficiency can substitute energy:
The service needed here is to keep coffee hot. That can be done
by consuming energy (right hand, hot plate), or by not allowing
for heat losses from the beginning (left hand, thermos flask). A
very small heat loss is still there, of course - but it is negligible.
Therefore the hot plate can be left out completely.
The state of the art
in marketable products for energy efficiency is underestimated regularly:
A window used in passive houses saves
some 70% of the heat loss of existing double pane glazings; a good
additional insulation
of an exterior wall can save almost 90%, and an efficient heat
recovery unit 75 to 90% of the ventilation losses. Through such
measures, the major part of the former energy consumption is no
longer required. What small amount remains can be covered by several
options. Even if conventional energy sources will be used, the situation
will be fairly improved, because resources will last longer and
environmental pollution is reduced.
More
about the International Conference on Passive Houses 2007-April-13
to 15th: www.passivhaustagung.de.
Another example:
Old CRT-monitor (left hand side) and energy efficient monitor (TFT);
the electricity demand is reduced by 70% - while user comfort is
increased.
The
computer sector could do much more on an energy efficinet design
of their products. It is possible to have the full service of a
PC incl. monitor and peripherials using only 5 to10 Watts continuous
power. This is shown by the project "One Laptop Per Child".
We support this project - it is a contribution to the most important
future task, to improve education worldwide. See this link for further
information:
olpc
- one laptop per child - http://www.laptop.org
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