Energy study in a Maltese household

Abstract

The Maltese islands depend on an oil-based electricity generation infrastructure with 100 % of all fuels being imported to the islands. The nominal installed capacity of the islands’ two power stations is 571 MW. Electricity consumption in the residential sector continues to increase accounting for 37% and 35.5% of the total electrical energy generated in 2005 and 2006; respectively. This is substantially higher than the EU-27’s average of 29%. Solar water heating is mainly limited to domestic users, with an estimated 12,000 solar water heating systems installed on rooftops - accounting for not more than 10% of existing homes - in spite of incentives over the past 3 years. These scenarios call for a better understanding of residential sector electrical energy utilisation and consumption - with the scope of identifying high energy intensity areas as a means of improving energy efficiency and as a prerequisite to investment in renewable energy systems. Bearing these facts in mind, a case study targeted a private residence in Malta. The study was conducted during the months of November and December 2007 and January 2008. Monitoring focused on all major household appliances, on lighting sources and on a solar water heating system. Measured parameters included electricity consumption, power factor, peak power, indoor temperature and humidity amongst others. Infrared thermographs were also used as a means of identifying any obscure areas.