Electric Load Consumption Profile of Female Students Hostels in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed electric energy consumption profile in female students’ hostels of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Questionnaire survey method, energy audit and checklist were used in the study. Twenty four (24) different types of electric appliances were identified in the students’ hostels. Electric pressing iron dominates with frequency of 61(9.79%), followed by handset charger 58(9.31%), electric fan 52(8.35%). The appliances with least frequency of 2(0.32%) were dishwasher and electric indoor grill. The study established that pressing iron has the highest energy consumption of 67,100W representing 18.7% total energy consumption of appliances in the hostels. This was followed by boiling ring with 60,000W representing 16.8% and hotplate with 57,600W representing 16.1%. The appliance with the least energy consumption was handset charger (232W) representing 0.1% of the total energy consumption. The total energy consumed by appliances in the hostels was 357,287W with a cost of N9, 289. 46 KWh. The frequency of use of appliances was ranked 1st as the major factor that determines energy consumption in the hostels, followed by room type and electric room heater. The study concluded that electric pressing iron, boiling ring and hotplates are the major energy consuming appliances in the students’ hostel. The management should monitor the hostel energy consumption and sensitize the students on the importance of using energy efficient appliances to reduce the cost of energy.

Keywords: Electric Appliances, Electric Load Profile, Hostel, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria