Measurement of the Wood Stove Impact on the Electric Power Consumption of a Norwegian Detached House

Abstract

Wood stoves are commonly used as space heating systems in Norwegian houses. However, the specific impact of wood stoves on electric power remains relatively unexplored and is investigated in our study. We also aim to reveal the coincidence between the wood stove operation and the use of electric appliances during the different hours of the day, as it directly impacts the total electric power of the dwelling. Detailed field measurements have been performed in a detached house equipped with a wood stove and electric radiators in the cold climate of Trondheim, Norway. As expected, the use of the wood stove leads to a significant reduction of the space-heating power. However, as wood stoves are operated manually, there are still periods when the electric radiators are operated at maximum power. Nevertheless, we discovered a positive correlation between the usage of the wood stove and electric appliances. It means that when occupants are active, they extensively use their electric appliances and are more likely to use the wood stove simultaneously. Consequently, the peak power of electric appliances does not coincide with the peak power of the electric radiators so that total electric power of the dwelling is reduced by using the stove.