Applications of linear modelling in energy analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Technology at Massey University
type: CreativeWork
description: The primary objective of this study was to explore the use of classical linear models in Energy Analysis; so as to resolve some of the methodological problems associated with Energy Analysis, and to extend the scope and potential of Energy Analysis as a scientific discipline. This was undertaken in the form of two separate yet related discourses. The first discourse provided a basis for resolving the energy quality problem encountered in Energy Analysis. A general equation was hypothesized and tested: [Equation] The matrix of simultaneous linear equations represented by this equation is usually overdetermined. Therefore, an appropriate solution method is a fitting procedure, such as regression. Further, in order to solve this general equation, one coefficient must arbitrarily be given a value equal to unity. Hence, all estimated coefficients are expressed in terms of multiples of that coefficient (termed quality equivalents). The general equation was first tes ted for the 1 97 6 New Zealand economy, so as to estimate 'actual' quality coefficients. Subsequently, the general equation was tested for a notional 'energy efficient' New Zealand economy, so as to estimate 'long run' quality coefficients, which reflected thermodynamic limits. Generally very accurate estimates of the coefficients were obtained. The solutions to the equations indicated that hydroelectricity was the highest quality primary energy source, followed by natural gas, oil, coal and then wood. The second discourse examined the 'optimal' use of primary energy resources in the New Zealand food system, using the formalism of Linear Programming. A preliminary discussion concluded that the concept of 'optimality' had greater potency than the concept of 'efficiency' in evaluating the use of energy resources, particularly in food systems. For each food sector (Production, Processing, Export-Import, Distribution, Catering and Household), coefficient matrices were assembled, drawing on literature data. Various…
abstract: The primary objective of this study was to explore the use of classical linear models in Energy Analysis; so as to resolve some of the methodological problems associated with Energy Analysis, and to extend the scope and potential of Energy Analysis as a scientific discipline. This was undertaken in the form of two separate yet related discourses. The first discourse provided a basis for resolving the energy quality problem encountered in Energy Analysis. A general equation was hypothesized and tested: [Equation] The matrix of simultaneous linear equations represented by this equation is usually overdetermined. Therefore, an appropriate solution method is a fitting procedure, such as regression. Further, in order to solve this general equation, one coefficient must arbitrarily be given a value equal to unity. Hence, all estimated coefficients are expressed in terms of multiples of that coefficient (termed quality equivalents). The general equation was first tes ted for the 1 97 6 New Zealand economy, so as to estimate 'actual' quality coefficients. Subsequently, the general equation was tested for a notional 'energy efficient' New Zealand economy, so as to estimate 'long run' quality coefficients, which reflected thermodynamic limits. Generally very accurate estimates of the coefficients were obtained. The solutions to the equations indicated that hydroelectricity was the highest quality primary energy source, followed by natural gas, oil, coal and then wood. The second discourse examined the 'optimal' use of primary energy resources in the New Zealand food system, using the formalism of Linear Programming. A preliminary discussion concluded that the concept of 'optimality' had greater potency than the concept of 'efficiency' in evaluating the use of energy resources, particularly in food systems. For each food sector (Production, Processing, Export-Import, Distribution, Catering and Household), coefficient matrices were assembled, drawing on literature data. Various…
author: Patterson, Murray Graham
keywords: Energy analysis, Linear equations, Linear models, Energy use
date published: 1984
date modified: 2026-07-27T20:18:16Z
provider: Massey University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Massey University