Analysis of the Energy Use in the Mexican Residential Sector by Using Two Approaches Regarding the Behavior of the Occupants

Abstract

An analysis of the energy use in the Mexican residential sector is carried out. To achieve this, two approaches are taken into account. The first one is the usage of low-energy devices, and the second one is the decrease of their time of use. These two approaches are considered in the calculation method with random values of power and time of usage. The energy activities are divided into air-conditioning, illumination & appliances, and refrigeration. After total annual use is validated with the actual values of energy use in 2015, a sensitivity analysis of the approaches used separately and together is carried out in order to determine the potential of energy saving. Thereby, it is found that the most influential parameter for energy saving is the extensive acquisition of more efficient technologies of illumination & appliances, followed by the decrease of use of the same illumination & appliances. Furthermore, with an integrated approach that takes into account both the use of efficient devices and the reduction of their use for the three energy activities, a maximum of 19.67 TWh is calculated in 2015 for the Mexican residential sector. This approach is therefore expected to have a reliable basis for the development and improvement of policies that help to drive energy savings in an extensive manner in Mexico.