Electrical energy
Electrical energy is the term given to energy that has been converted from electric potential energy. This electric potential energy has usually been in turn converted from another source of energy, through a process known as generation.
Electrical energy is supplied by a voltage (or electrical potential) delivered via an electric current.
Electrical power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred via an electrical circuit over a given amount of time. It is therefore the rate of ‘doing work’. The SI unit of electrical power is the watt, which equates to an energy transfer rate of 1 joule per second.
In the context of buildings, electrical energy is typically converted into other forms of energy, to serve useful purposes such as heating, lighting, motion or other forms of electrical power conversion.
Electrical energy for use in buildings is often supplied via a grid connection, and typically originates at a power station, where it has been generated by electro-mechanical generators. Electrical energy can by generated by many means, such as chemical combustion, nuclear fission, or renewable means such as flowing water, wind, geothermal heat and solar voltaic.
Equally, electrical energy may be generated at the building itself, typically either via solar voltaic, localised electromechanical generators or other renewable sources. Such energy may be used locally within the building or may be exported back into the grid for use by other consumers. Where this latter facility exists, the building and its system are referred to as a ‘prosumer’ – i.e. a simultaneous producer and consumer of electrical energy.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Ampere.
- Articles about electricity.
- BEAMA.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer units.
- ECA articles.
- ECA.
- Electric lock.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
- Electricity supply.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- IET announces release of 18th Edition Amendment 2.
- Voltage.
- Watt.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.