Energy system

For other uses, see energy system (disambiguation).

Physical components of a generic energy system supplying fuels and electricity (but not district heat) to end-users

An energy system is a system primarily designed to supply energy-services to end-users.[1]: 941  The intent behind energy systems is to minimise energy losses to a negligible level, as well as to ensure the efficient use of energy.[2] The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report defines an energy system as "all components related to the production, conversion, delivery, and use of energy".[3]: 1261 

The first two definitions allow for demand-side measures, including daylighting, retrofitted building insulation, and passive solar building design, as well as socio-economic factors, such as aspects of energy demand management and remote work, while the third does not. Neither does the third account for the informal economy in traditional biomass that is significant in many developing countries.[4]

The analysis of energy systems thus spans the disciplines of engineering and economics.[5]: 1  Merging ideas from both areas to form a coherent description, particularly where macroeconomic dynamics are involved, is challenging.[6][7]

The concept of an energy system is evolving as new regulations, technologies, and practices enter into service – for example, emissions trading, the development of smart grids, and the greater use of energy demand management, respectively.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference groscurth-etal-1995 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ O’Malley, Eoin; Sorrell, Steve (2004). The Economics of Energy Efficiency. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84064-889-8. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference allwood-etal-2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference van-ruijven-etal-2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference hoffman-and-wood-1976 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference boehringer-and-rutherford-2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference herbst-etal-2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).