Residential Heating Use Profiles in Central-Southern Chile

Abstract

The estimation of energy demand has many inputs that must be reviewed to build simulation models that allow reaching results that are closer to reality. Air-conditioning profiles stand out among the variables to consider. Currently, the heating profiles used in Chile are mainly based on data from standards, guidelines, or simulation tools. This chapter uses data from environmental monitoring centers in central-southern Chile to build representative heating profiles for housing. The study is relevant given that the main heating source is wood-burning; seen in 74% of Chilean homes. The results show that the hourly profiles identify two periods in the day (morning and late afternoon–evening) where use is concentrated, with a use intensity that ranges between 8 and 13 hours a day, depending on the harshness of the weather in the month. Finally, it has to be highlighted that the Top-Down method used in this study, validated through Bottom-Up data, can be replicated in countries where there are environmental monitoring stations and a tradition of using wood for fuel.