Sustainable energy management for a small rural subdivision in New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Energy Management, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2009
DOI
Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
An eight-lot residential subdivision in central Wairarapa is being developed to demonstrate the
principles of sustainable resource management. Local energy sources for low and high grade
use, including electricity sourced from proposed grid-integrated, on-site, distributed
generation will supplement imported network electricity. A unique component is an internal
loop grid for lot connection that interfaces with the local network through a single connection
point.
A decision model was designed as a decision-support tool for the development based on the
annual supply-demand electrical energy balance, site infrastructure covenants and a range of
economic and technology criteria. Solar and wind resources were assessed for potential supply
of electricity to the community energy system. Three demand profiles were developed using
supplied and estimated electrical demand data; and included assumptions on thermal
performance of the houses, the use of low-grade heat, user behaviour, and appliance use.
Supply and demand were analysed as daily average profiles by hour for each month of the
year.
The decision model outputs were designed to give a graphic view of the system options. The
accompanying output datasets also enabled a number of scenarios for connection
configurations, load management, and economic sensitivity to be explored for their impact on
the communal approach to managing energy.
The viability of the community energy system is significantly influenced by managing demand
level in conjunction with system size, capital cost management, and tariffs for electricity
import and export. Energy requirements could be best met in the short term by installing a
site-wide mixed generation system of sized capacity between 5 and 11kW, supported by
metering and information technology to deliver management data to the residents.
Future research opportunities exist to continue monitoring technical, economic and social
outcomes from this unique community development. Incentivising private investment in userfocussed
energy innovations is an option for New Zealand to consider in the current climate of
market-driven large scale electricity developments.
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Keywords
Sustainable resource management, Solar power, Wind power, Community energy system