definition
strict definition
energy
Measurements of energy handled by an object and the power at which it is produced or consumed.
Energy measurements describe amounts produced, transported, consumed, wasted, or otherwise handled by an object. Related power measurements describe the rate at which energy is handled.
An energy total covers an amount handled over a defined period, such as one year of electricity generation. Power describes the rate of production or consumption during operation.
The unit distinguishes the two quantities: kilowatt-hours measure electrical energy, while kilowatts measure power. A yearly energy total cannot be substituted for an operating power value.
More specific definitions
8 sub-definitions-
annual electricity consumption
The total number of kilowatt-hours consumed by a structure or other object within a year. -
annual electricity production
The total number of kilowatt-hours produced within a structure or other object within a year. -
annual energy consumption rate
The annual energy usage in kilowatt-hours per square unit of gross floor space. -
lighting power density
The electrical power used to illuminate a space, expressed in watts per unit of area. -
peak electric demand
The highest simultaneous electrical power demand actually recorded within an object or space. -
plug load power density
The electrical power used by plugged-in equipment, expressed in watts per unit of floor area. -
power consumption
The number of kilowatts (kW) normally used by an object when fully operating. -
power output
The number of kilowatts (kW) normally generated by an object when fully operating.
Related definitions
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angle
Measurements of geometric orientation, alignment, or opening expressed in degrees of arc. -
area
Measurements of bounded two-dimensional space, including cumulative areas across several levels. -
clearance
The free space allowed within a structure or pathway for entry and passage. -
depth
Vertical distances below a structure's base level, measured between specified upper and lower points. -
duration
Measurements of elapsed or expected time between a defined beginning and a defined end. -
elevation
Vertical positions of objects or reference points measured above, below, or at mean sea level. -
height
Vertical distances above a structure's base level, measured between specified lower and upper points. -
hill size
The size category of a ski jumping hill, measured from the take-off point to the end of the landing area. -
humidity
Measurements of moisture in air or other gases as an absolute quantity or a percentage of saturation. -
length
Measurements of horizontal, diagonal, or travel distances between two defined extreme points. -
mass
Measurements of material quantity, commonly reported as weight in kilograms, pounds, or tons. -
pressure
Measurements of force per unit area, expressed as absolute pressure or a difference from a reference. -
speed
Measurements of motion over time, including distance traveled and rates of repeated rotation or swinging. -
strength
Measurements of the capacity of a built object to withstand various forms of stress. -
temperature
Measurements of how hot or cold an object or space is, including temperature ranges and limits. -
thickness
Measurements of the perpendicular distance between two sides of the same component. -
volume
Measurements of three-dimensional space displaced or enclosed within specified boundaries.