Abstract

GUTIERREZ, Joaquín; VILLA-MEDINA, Juan Francisco; FERNANDEZ-ZAYAS, José L.  and  PORTA-GANDARA, Miguel Ángel. Indirect assessment of air conditioning energy savings in buildings. Ingenier. mecáni. tecnolog. desarroll [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.5, pp.153-160. ISSN 1665-7381.

Electric consumption of a public building in the Northwestern Mexico town of La Paz is markedly oriented to the use of air conditioners (AC). The impact of AC on electrical bills is found to account for about one third of the total yearly expense. New laws and international agreements mandate that drastic electrical bill reductions be adopted in all public buildings, while no detailed measurements are available, and no specific savings opportunities have been established. An overall review of practical improvements reveals that implanting energy efficiency measures could be economically viable. An exploration of the overall electrical bill indicates which electrical uses would entail higher savings addressing weather- and non-weather-related electrical loads. Basic savings scenarios are explored to improve energy efficiency in office and laboratory equipment, as well as in electrical lighting. These findings indicate the need of measuring and monitoring, as part of a more lasting and formal campaign for energy savings in public buildings in Mexico.

Keywords : energy savings; air conditioner; electric consumption; public buildings.

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