Transcript Propane Energy Pod - Greenbuild LivingHome

PROPANE ENERGY POD
Propane Energy Pod Overview
•
The Propane Energy Pod is a home energy package that delivers superior
comfort and efficiency compared with all-electric homes. High-efficiency
propane gas appliances for major applications combine for optimal energy
performance and environmental benefits unmatched by electric alternatives.
• Space Heating
• Water Heating
• Cooking
• Clothes Drying
• Fireplaces
•
The addition of a propane backup generator ensures continued performance
when the power goes out.
Propane Energy Pod Research Overview
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Research was done to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of the
Propane Energy Pod in prototype homes of two sizes across 16 different climate
zones.
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Environmental performance of Propane Energy Pod prototype homes was compared
with standard homes.
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Standard homes used electric building systems for the five Energy Pod applications
except in the Northeast where a heating oil furnace was used for space heating.
Research & Development of the Energy Pod
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Research Objectives:
•
Develop climate-appropriate bundles of energy efficient propane building
systems.
• Analyze the energy and environmental performance benefits that are
possible with bundles of high performance, propane-based building
systems.
• Evaluate these propane bundles in typical homes as compared to
standard technology packages in the same homes.
•
To accomplish these objectives, researchers reviewed and analyzed
the technical specifications of propane building systems, conducted
energy modeling on prototype homes, and performed energy cost
analysis.
Energy Pod Research Results:
Whole-House CO2 Emissions: 2,400-Square-Foot Prototype
Propane Energy Pod
Baseline
23.6
16.9
13.1
11.7
10.8
8.7
Cold Climate:
Northeast
(Heating Oil Baseline)
Cold Climate:
Midwest & West
Moderate Climate
9.7
7.9
Warm Climate
Energy Pod Research Results:
Whole-House CO2 Emissions: 3,600-Square-Foot Prototype
Propane Energy Pod
Baseline
32.4
21.7
17.6
15.7
14.2
11.7
Cold Climate:
Northeast
(Heating Oil Baseline)
Cold Climate:
Midwest & West
Moderate Climate
12.8
10.4
Warm Climate
PROPANE ENERGY
POD COMPONENTS
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Space Heating
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Propane heating systems have efficiency and environmental
advantages over electric and heating oil systems.
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Electric heat pumps can have nearly double the CO2 emissions compared
with high-efficiency propane furnaces.
• High-efficiency propane furnaces can achieve over 98 percent AFUE
efficiency ratings.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Space Heating
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Propane home-heating systems can
be configured as central or zonebased.
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Propane heating delivery can be by
forced air, radiant, or convection.
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A propane furnace, in combination with
an electric heat pump, is called a
hybrid heating system and is popular
to use to gain the most efficiency for
both heating and air conditioning.
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Smaller (non-ducted) space heaters
can include thermostats and blowers,
and many models can operate during
an electrical outage.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Water Heating
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The Department of Energy estimates
that water heating accounts for
approximately 20 percent of a home’s
energy costs.
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A high-efficiency propane tankless
water heater prevents the emission of
nearly 70,000 pounds of greenhouse
gases (GHGs) over its 20-year lifetime
when compared with a standard
storage electric water heater.
•
Heating oil-fired water heaters have
CO2 emissions at least 35% higher
than comparable propane systems,
and as much as twice the emissions
rate of propane tankless models.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Cooking
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Propane is always available and
kinder to the environment than other
energy sources.
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Based on typical cooking usage
levels, propane cooking equipment
emits roughly 30 percent fewer CO2
emissions than electric units.
•
Propane range burners allow for
greater control of heat levels and the
instant flame turnoff capabilities
provide a safety feature not found in
electric stoves, which can remain
dangerously hot for a period of time
after turn off.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Clothes Drying
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Propane dryers heat up faster than
electric models, resulting in faster
drying times and reduced energy
costs.
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A propane dryer saves over 2,000
pounds of CO2 emissions in its
lifespan.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
Fireplaces
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Propane fireplaces are easier to
install, efficient, clean, and
provided consistent heat.
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Propane fireplaces are more often
being chosen over wood-burning
units because of their
environmental benefits.
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Propane carries a smaller
environmental footprint and
produces fewer particulate
emissions and less CO than woodburning units. It also has
environmental benefits over
electric fireplaces.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD:
The Whole Package
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The Propane Energy Pod brings
the collective benefit of wholehouse comfort, convenience, and
performance to the home — as a
package.
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The Propane Energy Pod offers a
lighter carbon footprint compared
with all-electric homes or homes
using heating oil and electric
systems.