Recommended Citation
Postprint version. Published in American Journal of Physics, Volume 55, Issue 4, April 1, 1987, pages 307-315.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15193.
Abstract
United States energy consumption has remained essentially constant at about 80 exajoules/year (75 quads/year) since the oil embargo of 1973–1974, while the GNP in constant dollars has increased by about 30%. This article will discuss the physics behind some of these improvements in end-use efficiency in such areas as: (i) buildings (scaling laws, "free-heat,'' superinsulated houses, thermal storage in large buildings, off-peak cooling), (ii) solar energy (passive, photovoltaics), (iii) utility load management ("smart meters,'' capital recovery fees, voltage control), (iv) appliances (life-cycle costs, refrigerators), and (v) lighting (isotopic enhancement).
Disciplines
Physics
Copyright
Publisher statement
This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the American Association of Physics Teachers. The following article appeared in The American Journal of Physics.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/phy_fac/20