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Analysis of energy consumption pattern in Saudi Arabia’s residential buildings with specific reference to Qassim region

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Abstract

Consumption patterns of residential building in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with specific reference to Qassim region are analysed to establish energy consumption indicators including consumption per dwelling, per capita and per unit area. The average shares of lighting, domestic appliances, water heaters and air conditioning out of total yearly consumption are determined to be 8.5%, 14.7%, 10.3% and 66.5%, respectively. Parametric analysis shows that residential energy consumption is insignificantly influenced by the type of building except that villas have somewhat higher consumption during the hot summer season. However, residential energy consumption is considerably affected by occupant behaviour, meteorological conditions, as well as the technical conditions of both building envelopes and air conditions setting temperature point. Energy efficiency measures are also discussed, and opportunities for energy saving are proposed. Potential energy savings up to 43% in air conditioning cooling load could be achieved by applying the KSA standard of envelope insulation. Total residential consumption savings of 3% could also be achieved by using efficient lighting and savings of 11.1% by adjusting the temperature setting point of air conditioners to 24 °C instead of 22 °C.

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Funding

This research was financially supported by the scientific research deanship of Qassim University, KSA (Grant No. 2387).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

    Khaled Khodary Esmaeil

  2. Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

    Khaled Khodary Esmaeil, Mohammed Saleh Alshitawi & Radwan Abdoulgani Almasri

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  1. Khaled Khodary Esmaeil
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  2. Mohammed Saleh Alshitawi
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Correspondence to Khaled Khodary Esmaeil.

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Appendix

Appendix

Energy consumption assessment questionnaire in existing buildings

Please complete the Questionnaire form with required information; however, if you are not sure about the answer of any items, leave it blank and please do not answer it.

Part I: General data

figure a

Part II: Electricity consuming items data

Consuming Item

Model

Power (kW)

Number of units

Time of use (h)

Notes

Air conditioners

     

Washer

     

Refrigerator

     

Freezing

     

Electric oven

     

Glow

     

Electric water heater

     

Microwave

     

Water Cooler

     

Television

     

Computer screen

     

Vacuum cleaner

     

Iron

     

Water pump

     

Lighting devices in your home

Incandescent

    

Fluorescent

    

Efficient light

    

Others

    

Filter

     

Exhaust blower

     

Others

     

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Esmaeil, K.K., Alshitawi, M.S. & Almasri, R.A. Analysis of energy consumption pattern in Saudi Arabia’s residential buildings with specific reference to Qassim region. Energy Efficiency 12, 2123–2145 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-019-09806-x

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