Individual and societal desires for fossiluel independence are an increasingly popular goal. This research investigates residential geothermal space heating and cooling as a viable technical and financial alternative. The road to net-zero energy is then assessed, weighing the benefits and detriments to the consumer. First, the template for location-specific geothermal space heating and cooling is developed through a pilot analysis of a home in Memphis, Tennessee. A methodical process of soil investigation, prototype home characteristics, and financial incentives is designed. Expanding upon existing studies, accurate soil data is extracted from beneath the foundation of a specific address, rather than region-wide soil averages. This high level of precision allows the owner of a specific address to preview realistic results and develop truthful expectations. Payback period and system lifetimes savings are calculated using two methods. Second, the framework developed through the Memphis, Tennessee pilot home is used to investigate 11 additional cities across the continental United States. The increase in breadth uses a representative city from its respective climate zone. While each city within a single climate zone will vary from the representative city, a general climate performance can be determined. With each location’s soil properties and heating and cooling demands, the borefield design and heat pump system capacity is customized and applied for analysis. Using human interest surveys from previous energy projects, a climate is ultimately classified as viable or nonviable for geothermal heating and cooling. Finally, the increasingly popular net-zero energy building concept is explored through a complementary solar photovoltaic (PV) array to the geothermal system. An array capacity is sized and priced to offset the total facility energy use in each climate’s representative city. Once determined, the payback and lifetime savings values are calculated and the GHP + PV system results are compared to a baseline + PV system. From this, a system type is identified as the more viable option for each of the 12 climate zones. The final touch on this research is the introduction of the human perceptions toward environmentally friendly renewable energy in general and how it affects a consumer’s ultimate decision.

<p>As energy costs continue to escalate and awareness spreads with regard to the importance of sustainability, interest in reducing energy consumption of buildings is growing. For managers of large stocks of office buildings, the task of selecting building improvement projects is most challenging. A multitude of energy conservation measures (ECMs) are available from which to select, however financial resources are limited and in high demand. Thus, ECMs must be known to be effective and prioritized so as to provide the highest benefit for the financial resources available.</p> <p>The aim of this study is to provide a screening methodology for the evaluation and prioritization of ECMs for implementation in a stock of buildings that exhibit varying characteristics and locations. Prioritization of ECMs is based on predicted energy consumption savings and financial analysis. Building stocks are reduced to a manageable set by applying archetype classification. Energy consumption predictions for representative buildings from each archetype are obtained through use of a mathematical model. Twelve ECMs pertaining to improvements in the building envelope, HVAC, and electrical systems are considered and ranked based on present value over the short, mid, and long terms.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: This thesis provides a cost to benefit assessment of the proposed next generation distribution system, the Future Renewable Electric Energy Distribution Management (FREEDM) system. In this thesis, a probabilistic study is conducted to determine the payback period for an investment made in the FREEDM distribution system. The stochastic study will help in performing a detailed analysis in estimating the probability density function and statistics associated with the payback period. This thesis also identifies several parameters associated with the FREEDM system, which are used in the cost benefit study to evaluate the investment and several direct and indirect benefits. Different topologies are selected to represent the FREEDM test bed. Considering the cost of high speed fault isolation devices, the topology design is selected based on the minimum number of fault isolation devices constrained by enhanced reliability. A case study is also performed to assess the economic impact of energy storage devices in the solid state transformers so that the fault isolation devices may be replaced by conventional circuit breakers. A reliability study is conducted on the FREEDM distribution system to examine the customer centric reliability index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). It is observed that the SAIFI was close to 0.125 for the FREEDM distribution system. In addition, a comparison study is performed based on the SAIFI for a representative U.S. distribution system and the FREEDM distribution system. The payback period is also determined by adopting a theoretical approach and the results are compared with the Monte Carlo simulation outcomes to understand the variation in the payback period. It is observed that the payback period is close to 60 years but if an annual rebate is considered, the payback period reduces to 20 years. This shows that the FREEDM system has a significant potential which cannot be overlooked. Several direct and indirect benefits arising from the FREEDM system have also been discussed in this thesis. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2016

The aim of this thesis is the evaluation of the effectiveness of a residential building. Theoretical part describes the creating price of construction work, in practical part we focus on design of insulation, creating a budget and evaluating the effectiveness of insulation and return on investment.

This diploma thesis deals with practical design of heat supply of real house in Libhošť, Nový Jičín. Main strategy of heat supply is gas condensation boiler, that replaces current gas boiler, with solar collector. From known house heat loss we determine temperatures of heating water and power of boiler, that heats the house and hot water. System with solar collector is designed to heat hot water in the house. All necessary equations are calculated both for long term measured meteorological data and for data in year 2015. Heat gains and payback periods of investment in solar system are determined from them. Payback periods are calculated given to price of heat that gas boiler produces. Equations and payback period evaluation are made for systems with one to four solar collectors. There is recommendation at the end of thesis, whether the solar system is advantageous, or not.

År 2015 fastställde FN 17 globala mål för hållbar utveckling. Delmål 7.2, en del av det sjunde målet om hållbar energi för alla, anger att den globala andelen förnybar energi behöver öka för att minska effekterna av fossila bränslen. Förnybara energikällor framstår som avgörande för framtiden, med människor som viktiga aktörer. Privata fastighetsägare som överväger att investera i solceller möter utmaningar när det gäller att samla in och förstå information om ämnet. Investering i solceller är fördelaktigt ur ett miljöperspektiv,men det finns ytterligare anledningar för en investerare att överväga solceller, särskilt den ekonomiska aspekten. En investerare kan spara pengar genom att köpa mindre el från det allmänna nätet och samtidigt sälja överskottet av egenproducerad el.Examensarbete har tre mål: 1. redogöra för vilka typer av solceller som finns på marknaden, 2. fastställa hur faktorer som takriktning, taklutning och solinstrålning påverkar den årliga elproduktionen och 3. undersöka om elpriserna i södra och norra Sverige har en betydande inverkan på den årliga besparingen, försäljningen av överskottsel samt återbetalningstiden/lönsamheten. En kalkyl har utförts för en fastighet för att beräkna hur mycket el solcellerna kan producera årligen.Med hänsyn till den tid som var tillgänglig för genomförandet av arbetet, var vissa begränsningar nödvändiga. Solcellsteknik är ett omfattande ämnesområde, vilket resulterade i betydande begränsningar under forskningsprocessen. Ytterligare begränsningar inkluderade specifika investeringskostnader, såsom kostnader för profilskenor, skruvar för att säkra solpanelerna, och arbetskraftskostnader för solcellsinstallatörer.Arbetet grundades på beräkningar, platsbesök och intervju med en privat fastighetsägare. Beräkningarna grundades på olika antaganden och statistiska genomsnittsvärden, med hänsyn till potentiell vinst och solcellernas effektiva elproduktion i olika geografiska områden och för olika solcellsfabrikat. Fastighetsägaren deltog i en strukturerad intervju som genomfördes på ett hus i Vetlanda där platsbesöket ägde rum. Huset har ett sadeltakmed en area på 140 m2, som lutar mot öster och väster. Två telefonintervjuergenomfördes med två elbolag i Sverige. Ett av bolagen, där fastighetsägaren är kund, bedriver sin verksamhet i södra Sverige, medan det andra elbolaget, där huset omplacerades som en del av undersökningen, bedriver sin verksamhet i norra Sverige. De metoder som valdes för arbetet var relevanta för att uppnå målen med arbetet. Två olika scenarier undersöktes. Det första scenariot baserades på en relativt låg elförbrukning på 4500 kWh/år, medan det andra scenariot baserades på ett hushåll med en relativt hög elförbrukning på 20 000 kWh/år. Utöver solinstrålning och elpriser, undersöktes dessa två scenarier för att jämföra olika elförbrukningsscenarier och analysera hur de påverkar potentiella besparingar och vinster genom försäljning av överskottsel. Elprisernas fluktuationer och mängden solinstrålning på fastighetens plats är betydande faktorer som starkt påverkar det slutgiltiga resultatet. En strategisk investering i urvalet av lämpliga solcellspaneler och växelriktare från början kan visa sig vara effektiv för att påverka återbetalningstiden och lönsamheten för den totala investeringen i efterhand. / In 2015, the United Nations outlined 17 global goals for sustainable development, with Target 7.2 falling under the seventh goal, focusing on sustainable energy for all. This target emphasizes the necessity of increasing the global share of renewable energy to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel consumption. Renewable energy sources are deemed essential for the future, with individuals playing a crucial role in this transition. Private property owners investing in solar cells face various challenges in gathering and comprehending information on the subject. While the environmental benefits of solar cell investments are evident, there are additional reasons for investors to consider this solution, particularly from a financial standpoint. By reducing reliance on public grid electricity and selling excess self-produced electricity, investors can both save money and contribute to sustainable practices.The thesis sets three objectives: 1. to delineate the available types of solar panels in the market, 2. to assess how factors such as roof direction, slope, and solar radiation impact annual electricity production, and 3. to explore the influence of electricity prices in southern and northern Sweden on annual savings, surplus electricity sale, and the payback period/profitability. Calculations have been conducted to estimate the annual electricity production potential of solar cells for a specific property.Considering the time constraints, certain limitations were imposed, mainly due to the vastness of solar cell technology. These limitations encompassed specific investment costs such as profile rails, screws for securing solar panels, and labour costs for installers.The study relied on calculations, site visits, and interviews with a private property owner, incorporating various assumptions and statistical averages related to potential profit and efficient electricity production in different geographical areas and from different solar cell manufacturers.Two scenarios were explored: the first, based on a relatively low electricity consumption of 4,500 kWh/year, and the second, assuming a higher consumption of 20,000 kWh/year. Beyond solar radiation and electricity prices, these scenarios were investigated to compare different consumption levels and analyse their impact on potential savings and profits through excess electricity sales.Fluctuations in electricity prices and solar radiation at the property's location significantly influence the final results. A strategic choice of solar panels and inverters from the outset can effectively impact the payback period and overall profitability of the investment.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to present an approach for good practice with regards to using cost benefit analysis (CBA) as a value-adding activity in the information security investment process for large enterprises. The approach is supported by empirical data.</p><p>From a MIO model perspective, this report is focused on the phase of strategic choices regarding organization, i.e. trying to find optimal investments for efficient operations. To assess, improve and monitor the operational effectiveness and management’s internal control environment is essential in today’s business execution. Executive management and boards are increasingly looking for an information security governance framework that encompasses information technology and information security: a single framework through which all information assets and activities within the organisation can be governed, to provide the optimum capability for meeting the organisation’s objectives, in terms of functionality and security.</p><p>The investment decision is one of the most visible and controversial key decisions in an enterprise. Some projects are approved, others are bounced, and the rest enter the organisational equivalent of suspended animation with the dreaded request from the decision makers to “redo the business case” or “provide more information.”</p><p>The concept of cost benefit analyses of information security helps management to make decisions on which initiatives to fund with how much, as there needs to be an approach for measuring and comparing different alternatives and how they meet business objectives of the enterprise. Non-financial metrics are identified using different approaches: governance effectiveness, risk analysis, business case analysis or game theory. The financial performance metrics are driven by the main value disciplines of an enterprise. These lead to the use of formulas enabling the measurement of asset utilisation, profit or growth: ROI (ROIC), NPV, IRR (MIRR), FCF, DCF, Payback Period, TCO, TBO, EVA, and ROSI.</p><p>The author shows research in the field of good corporate governance and the investment approval process, as well as case studies from two multinational enterprises. The case from Motorola demonstrates how IT governance principles are equally applicable to information security governance, while the case from Ericsson demonstrates how an information security investment decision can be supported by performing a cost benefit analysis using traditional marketing approaches of business case analysis (BCA) and standard financial calculations.</p><p>The suggested good practice presented in this thesis is summarised in four steps:</p><p>1. Understand main rationale for the security investment</p><p>2. Identify stakeholders and strategic goals</p><p>3. Perform Cost Benefit Analysis (non-financial and financial performance metrics)</p><p>4. Validate that the results are relevant to stakeholders and strategic goals</p><p>DISCLAIMER</p><p>This report is intended for academic training only and should not be used for any other purposes. The contents are not to be considered legal or otherwise professional advice. No liability is taken, whatsoever, by the author.</p>

The purpose of this thesis is to present an approach for good practice with regards to using cost benefit analysis (CBA) as a value-adding activity in the information security investment process for large enterprises. The approach is supported by empirical data. From a MIO model perspective, this report is focused on the phase of strategic choices regarding organization, i.e. trying to find optimal investments for efficient operations. To assess, improve and monitor the operational effectiveness and management’s internal control environment is essential in today’s business execution. Executive management and boards are increasingly looking for an information security governance framework that encompasses information technology and information security: a single framework through which all information assets and activities within the organisation can be governed, to provide the optimum capability for meeting the organisation’s objectives, in terms of functionality and security. The investment decision is one of the most visible and controversial key decisions in an enterprise. Some projects are approved, others are bounced, and the rest enter the organisational equivalent of suspended animation with the dreaded request from the decision makers to “redo the business case” or “provide more information.” The concept of cost benefit analyses of information security helps management to make decisions on which initiatives to fund with how much, as there needs to be an approach for measuring and comparing different alternatives and how they meet business objectives of the enterprise. Non-financial metrics are identified using different approaches: governance effectiveness, risk analysis, business case analysis or game theory. The financial performance metrics are driven by the main value disciplines of an enterprise. These lead to the use of formulas enabling the measurement of asset utilisation, profit or growth: ROI (ROIC), NPV, IRR (MIRR), FCF, DCF, Payback Period, TCO, TBO, EVA, and ROSI. The author shows research in the field of good corporate governance and the investment approval process, as well as case studies from two multinational enterprises. The case from Motorola demonstrates how IT governance principles are equally applicable to information security governance, while the case from Ericsson demonstrates how an information security investment decision can be supported by performing a cost benefit analysis using traditional marketing approaches of business case analysis (BCA) and standard financial calculations. The suggested good practice presented in this thesis is summarised in four steps: 1. Understand main rationale for the security investment 2. Identify stakeholders and strategic goals 3. Perform Cost Benefit Analysis (non-financial and financial performance metrics) 4. Validate that the results are relevant to stakeholders and strategic goals DISCLAIMER This report is intended for academic training only and should not be used for any other purposes. The contents are not to be considered legal or otherwise professional advice. No liability is taken, whatsoever, by the author.

This diploma thesis deals with the supply of heat in a particular block of flats in Brno. It deals with supply for heating and for hot water heating. The introduction gives information about the considerated building and also generally, but especially with regard to the current situation with consumption and heat supply. Subsequently, the thesis describes the individual possibilities of obtaining heat. There are mentioned classical heat sources as gas boilers, but also less commonly used as co-generating units or solar collectors. Furthermore, the work is calculating from the technical and economic point of view for heating options chosen by the investor. Finally, the work compares the options from viewpoint of benefits, budgets and returns of possible investments.

The subject of the thesis is to develop a business plan for a new squash center in the Vysocina region. The introductory part contains theoretical work, explains the basic concepts and specific business methods. The analytical part assesses market environment through external and internal analyzes. The final section focuses on the preparation of business plan itself, which is based on the current market situation. It also describes the implementation, complexity and risk assessment project, including project feasibility.