What is the difference between site and source energySolutio

What is the difference between site and source energy?

Solution

Site Energy

Site energy is the energy which is consumed at the final destination of the power generation cycle, and to simplify, is the amount of energy shown on a utility bill. It is the power that is used by the customer, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. The site energy for a building is all of the energy used in the building - plug loads, lighting loads, all equipment power (gas, electric, etc) - as calculated by meters on site.

Once energy reaches its final source and becomes site energy, its use is evaluated based on the amount of that energy that is converted to useful power and the amount that is wasted.

Source Energy

Source energy includes the site energy plus all of the energy used to provide and distribute the site energy. As stated before, it includes the entire chain of energy so it is often called Total Energy.

Source energy is sub-divided into two major components: primary energy and secondary energy. Primary energy is the raw material that is consumed in order to create the power that is then distributed to consumers. The power that enters the distribution system is known as secondary energy – it is the energy that results from the transformation of the primary energy. Examples of primary energy are coal, natural gas and wood, while examples of secondary energy are electricity and steam.