Improving the quantitative evaluation of energy efficiency
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Date
2019
Authors
Dennehy, Emer Regina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
This thesis considers the adage “what gets measured gets done” and postulates that understanding and improving how energy efficiency is measured can contribute to maximise the contribution of energy efficiency and assist in meeting energy and climate targets. This thesis addresses the research question of how to optimally quantitatively evaluate energy efficiency. The impact of fuel switching, different levels of data aggregation, and data availability and fluctuations on measuring energy efficiency is established through real-world ex-post analysis. The analysis demonstrates use of readily available data sources from existing administrative databases, such as energy balances, to achieve timelier, accurate, and reliable estimates of energy efficiency. The thesis is predominately a mathematical examination of Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) methods, with a particular a focus on the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index 1 (LMDI-1) methodology. Often perceived as difficult to understand, mathematical proofs and heuristics are included to aid with understanding, application and interpretation of the LMDI-I methodology. The thesis concludes that general choices of how a decomposition analysis method is applied may be more significant than the choice of IDA methodology. In particular, the choice of energy-efficiency indicator or metric and the level of disaggregation of the analysis, with disaggregation by fuel type or energy source key to improve estimates of the contribution of energy efficiency. Nevertheless, unique properties of the LMDI-I methodology contribute to making that the IDA methodology of choice. To prevent unrealistic expectations of what energy efficiency can achieve, the author also advocates the inclusion of as many explanatory factors as possible in IDA, to contextualise the contribution of energy efficiency in energy systems.
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Keywords
LMDI , Fuel or technology switching , Energy efficiency , Decomposition analysis , Logarithmic mean divisia index , Monotonicity , Exergy , Exergy efficiency , Passenger cars , On-road consumption , Retrofit
Citation
Dennehy, E. R. 2019. Improving the quantitative evaluation of energy efficiency. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.