A generalized factorization principle for energy conservation analysis

The factorization principle is generalized to express energy consumption associated with any activity in terms of seven generic factors. The validity of this approach is demonstrated via examples involving three diverse activities. Guidelines are provided which permit systematic selection of the seven factors for any other activity. One of the seven factors describes the technical characteristics of the energy consuming device while the other six describe various aspects of the activity and the manner in which the device is utilized.