CASE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF ENERGY INTERCHANGE AMONG BUILDINGS

The results of a case study are presented focusing on efforts to conserve energy in an existing cityblock by physically connecting a number of existing buildings with pipes and cables and aCogeneration System (CGS), and then exchange energy among the buildings using the CGS andexisting heat source equipment. Essentially, the proposed system levels-out and reduces variation inthe combined inter-building energy load among the buildings with a variety of energy use profiles. Dueto significant differences in capacity and degree of deterioration between existing equipment, totalenergy consumption can be reduced by connecting the energy systems across existing buildings andpreferentially operating the equipment with the best performance. Furthermore, CGS systems are oftenmore efficient under higher operating loads but are often sized for the smaller, less efficient operatingconditions of an individual building. Therefore, greater efficiency can be achieved by installing ahigh-capacity CGS sized for multiple buildings. The results of an actual case study in the Kanazawaseaside district of Yokohama city demonstrate the effects of exchanging energy between twodifferent-use buildings with a CGS system.