Design and Evaluation of Electrical Services for an Energy Efficient Home

Abstract

Nigeria is facing an acute shortage of electric power that drives economic activities. Consequently, all sectors of the economy are facing a retrogression in productivity. Besides, even much of the power made available either from the grid or self-generation is wasted due to poor installation design and use of inefficient devices and equipment such as filament bulbs, and fluorescent lamps (among others). This work examines the present common practice of electrical services that wastes energy with the viewing to advancing the best practice that minimises overall energy / power loss. A three-bedroom flat and an eatery in Nigeria were used as a case study. Load audit, analysis and calculations were made to assist in making vital decisions as to the types and sizes of luminaires, cables and protective devices (among others) to be used in accordance with known standards and regulations. The results show that 71.8% and 69.1% respectively of energy is saved for lighting in three-bedroom flat and eatery; 37.4% and 30.8% in other loads used in three bedroom and eatery respectively. All this is as a result of use of frugal design and energy saving ? saving devices. This further implies a saving in absolute cost of energy consumed in a particular situation.