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eNergy MaNageMeNt SySteMS IN reSIdeNtIaL BuILdINgS: a revIeW
Khafiso, t.*
Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Orcid: 0000-0002-2576-2795 www.linkedin.com/in/thabo-khafiso-980161168
adekunle, S.
Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Orcid: 0000-0002-9230-2924 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-adeniyi-adekunle
Clinton, a.
SARChl in Sustainable Construction Management and Leadership in the Built Environment,
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg,
Johannesburg, South Africa
Orcid: 0000-0003-2866-3706 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinton-aigbavboa
*Correspondence: khafisothabo@gmail.com
abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and energy- efficient solutions in residential buildings has led to a growing interest in energy management systems (EMSs). EMSs have been used in the energy industry for a considerable period. However, studies are lacking specifically showcasing cutting-edge research in this area. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the requirements, barriers, and drivers of EMSs in the specific setting of residential buildings. The research technique used for this study was a systematic literature review. The findings revealed substantial obstacles that hinder the adoption of EMSs in residential settings. Additionally, the study results highlight factors that promote using EMSs in residential structures. The research suggests that governments in different nations should further improve their attempts to educate inhabitants about EMSs and their effects on energy consumption. Furthermore, it recommends implementing legislation that promotes the adoption of EMSs.
Keywords: energy efficiency, energy management systems, high energy consumption, residential buildings
Introduction
The level of electrical energy consumption in the residential sector surpasses that of other sectors, which is a cause for concern. Hughes and Larmour (2021) state that the residential sector consumes 20% of the world’s energy on a global scale. According to Bohlmann and Inglesi-Lotz (2018), energy consumption in residential areas includes the energy used for heating, cooking, lighting, and water heating. Heating and cooling loads are the primary contributors to building energy consumption, with lighting loads following closely (Kaur et al. 2020). Owing to the steady growth in population, there has been a persistent surge in energy consumption in the residential sector worldwide. The significant increase in population, scarcity of resources, and climatic fluctuations have made energy conservation a pressing concern, particularly in the last three decades owing to excessive energy use (Bohlmann et al. 2016). According to Bipongo and Adonis (2020), the global population is estimated to reach 9.2 billion by 2040, resulting in a significant rise in energy consumption in the coming years. The energy sector is encountering significant obstacles because of elevated energy consumption, given that the energy demand is escalating rapidly (Christou et al. 2018). Most energy is used in the residential sector, necessitating the adoption of energy management systems (EMSs) to mitigate excessive energy usage (Jonban et al. 2021). EMSs aim to minimise the strain placed on the power grid by the residential sector and decrease its carbon emissions (Kaur et al. 2020). An EMS is a computer-aided tool power system operators use to monitor, regulate, and optimise energy consumption (Bohlmann et al. 2016). Residential EMSs strive to achieve equilibrium between electricity supply and demand. They are considered a highly effective method for controlling the electrical system and reducing energy costs in real time. This approach helps manage energy consumption, as stated by Mbungu et al. (2020) and Jonban et al. (2021). This study aims to ascertain the requirements, barriers, and drivers of EMSs in residential settings.
Introducing EMSs in residential buildings is essential to achieving energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart living (Lee and Cheng 2016). EMSs employ advanced technology to monitor, control, and optimise energy use in homes, empowering consumers to manage their energy usage actively. These systems often use sophisticated sensors,
76 | Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability