scholarly journals Passive Solar Solutions for Buildings: Criteria and Guidelines for a Synergistic Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 376
Author(s):  
Giacomo Cillari ◽  
Fabio Fantozzi ◽  
Alessandro Franco
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Passive Systems ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Solar Systems ◽  
Final Performance ◽  
Passive Solar ◽  
Energy Simulations

Passive solar system design is an essential asset in a zero-energy building perspective to reduce heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation loads. The integration of passive systems in building leads to a reduction of plant operation with considerable environmental benefits. The design can be related to intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the final performance in a synergistic way. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of the elements that influence passive solar systems by means of an analysis of the theoretical background and the synergistic design of various solutions available. The paper quantifies the potential impact of influencing factors on the final performance and then investigates a case study of an existing public building, analyzing the effects of the integration of different passive systems through energy simulations. General investigation has highlighted that latitude and orientation impact energy saving on average by 3–13 and 6–11 percentage points, respectively. The case study showed that almost 20% of the building energy demand can be saved by means of passive solar systems. A higher contribution is given by mixing direct and indirect solutions, as half of the heating and around 25% of the cooling energy demand can be cut off.

scholarly journals Passive solar systems for buildings: performance indicators analysis and guidelines for the design

2020 ◽  
Vol 197 ◽  
pp. 02008
Author(s):  
Giacomo Cillari ◽  
Fabio Fantozzi ◽  
Alessandro Franco
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Solar Systems ◽  
Passive Solar

Data from the International Energy Agency confirm that in a zero-energy perspective the integration of solar systems in buildings is essential. The development of passive solar strategies has suffered the lack of standard performance indicators and design guidelines. The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the main passive solar design strategies based on their classification, performance evaluation and selection methods, with a focus on integrability. Climate and latitude affect the amount of incident solar radiation and the heat losses, while integrability mainly depends on the building structure. For existing buildings, shading and direct systems represent the easiest and most effective passive strategies, while building orientation and shape are limited to new constructions: proper design can reduce building energy demand around 40%. Commercial buildings prefer direct use systems while massive ones with integrated heat storage are more suitable for family houses. A proper selection must consider the energy and economic balance of different building services involved: a multi-objective evaluation method represents the most valid tool to determine the overall performance of passive solar strategies.

Optimal design of photovoltaic solar systems considering shading effect and hourly radiation using a modified PSO algorithm

SIMULATION ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
pp. 931-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Shams ◽  
Mohsen Kia ◽  
Alireza Heidari ◽  
Daming Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Pso Algorithm ◽  
Minimum Area ◽  
Solar Systems ◽  
Modified Particle Swarm Optimization ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Roof Area ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
The Given

Regarding the significant potential of solar energy in Iran, implementation of optimally designed photovoltaic (PV) systems can be effective. Hence, this study proposes two objective functions: first, the maximum possible output energy for a given area and, second, the minimum area receiving a given yearly energy from PV fixed collectors in a solar field, both of which are calculated. In addition, the shading and masking effects are considered in the calculations. A modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. The case study of this article is a shopping center in Isfahan-Iran (latitude 32.5°N) with the minimum yearly energy demand of 171 MWh and the 5000 m2 roof area. To evaluate the yearly energy, the calculated hourly radiation approach is applied to the case study. The results show that the maximum possible generated energy is 881 MWh/year for the given area. In addition, to provide the minimum demand, 720 m2 area of roof is needed. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPSO, the results are compared with those of obtained by the relevant commercial software.

scholarly journals Empirical Analysis of “GHG Emission Avoidance” Calculation for Selection of Sustainable Environmental Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
Lea Robič Mohar ◽  
Matej Rajšp ◽  
Matej Požarnik
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Glass Ceramics ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Practical Calculation ◽  
Ghg Emission ◽  
Environmental Projects ◽  
Climate Neutrality ◽  
Complex Matter

Innovative environmental projects, selected for co-financing, must contribute to the green recovery of Europe’s economy and maintain the momentum in its transition to climate neutrality. However, measuring overall sustainable environmental efficiency of a project is a complex matter. The “GHG emission avoidance” indicator, which began to appear in the award criteria of the environmentally oriented tenders of the European cohesion policy for the Programme period 2021-2027, enables the allocation of funds based on the achieved environmental benefits. The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical background and practical calculation of the “GHG emission avoidance” indicator. An absolute and relative indicator is analysed, with which investors quantitatively evaluate the potential for avoiding emissions, generated in the case of project implementation. The research part of this article is presented through case study of a project in the sector of glass, ceramics and building materials in energy-intensive industry, in which contribution of the selected sustainable project to the EU vision for a climate-neutral economy is demonstrated.

Polytechnic to Business Project (P2B) a Case of Innovation and Knowledge Transference

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-49
Author(s):  
Teresa Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Manage Innovation

Background: The theoretical background of this article is on the model developed of knowledge transfer between universities and the industry in order to access the best practices and adapt to the study case in question regarding the model of promoting and manage innovation within the universities that best contribute with solution and projects to the business field. Objective: The development of a knowledge transfer model is the main goal of this article, supported in the best practices known and, also, to reflect in the main measurement definitions to evaluate the High Education Institution performance in this area. Methods: The method for this article development is the case study method because it allows the fully understanding of the dynamics present within a single setting, and the subject examined to comprehend what is being done and what the dynamics mean. The case study does not have a data collection method, as it is a research that may rely on multiple sources of evidence and data which should be converged. Results: Since it’s a case study this article present a fully description of the model proposed and implemented for the knowledge transfer process of the institution. Conclusion: Still in a discussion phase, this article presents as conclusions some questions and difficulties that could be pointed out, as well as some good perspectives of performed activity developed.

scholarly journals Product-Service Systems and Sustainability: Analysing the Environmental Impacts of Rental Clothing

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2118
Author(s):  
Emma Johnson ◽  
Andrius Plepys
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Environmental Savings ◽  
Product Service Systems

Business models like product-service systems (PSSs) often recognise different sustainability goals and are seen as solutions for the impacts of consumption and fast fashion, but there is a lack of evidence supporting the environmental claims of such business models for clothing. The research aimed to understand if rental clothing business models such as PSSs have the environmental benefits often purported by quantifying the environmental impacts of rental formal dresses in a life-cycle assessment (LCA) in a case study in Stockholm, Sweden. The effects of varying consumer behaviour on the potential impact of a PSS vs. linear business model are explored through three functional units and 14 consumption scenarios. How users decide to engage with clothing PSSs dictates the environmental savings potential that a PSS can have, as shown in how many times consumers wear garments, how they use rental to substitute their purchasing or use needs, as well as how consumers travel to rental store locations.

scholarly journals Modelling Sustainable Industrial Symbiosis

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1172
Author(s):  
Hafiz Haq ◽  
Petri Välisuo ◽  
Seppo Niemi
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Industrial Symbiosis ◽  
Comprehensive Model ◽  
Network Connections

Industrial symbiosis networks conventionally provide economic and environmental benefits to participating industries. However, most studies have failed to quantify waste management solutions and identify network connections in addition to methodological variation of assessments. This study provides a comprehensive model to conduct sustainable study of industrial symbiosis, which includes identification of network connections, life cycle assessment of materials, economic assessment, and environmental performance using standard guidelines from the literature. Additionally, a case study of industrial symbiosis network from Sodankylä region of Finland is implemented. Results projected an estimated life cycle cost of €115.20 million. The symbiotic environment would save €6.42 million in waste management cost to the business participants in addition to the projected environmental impact of 0.95 million tonne of CO2, 339.80 tonne of CH4, and 18.20 tonne of N2O. The potential of further cost saving with presented optimal assessment in the current architecture is forecast at €0.63 million every year.

scholarly journals Operational and Safety Management at Intersections: Can the Turbo-Roundabout Be an Effective Alternative to Conventional Solutions?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5103
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Gallelli ◽  
Giusi Perri ◽  
Rosolino Vaiana
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Pollutant Emission ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Union Policy ◽  
Union Policy

The European Union policy strategies on the sustainability of the transport system pursue the goals of maximizing safety and environmental benefits and reducing the severity and frequency of crashes, congestion, and pollutant emission rates. A common issue is the planning of the most effective solution for operational and safety management at intersections. In this study, an egg turbo roundabout is proposed as the alternative solution to a conventional roundabout in Southern Italy which suffers from traffic congestion. A comparative analysis is carried out using microsimulation techniques to investigate the safety effects and operational improvements of converting a traditional priority intersection into standard roundabout or turbo roundabout layout. In particular, the VISSIM software is used to explore the most relevant operational performance measures: queue length, travel times and delays. The lowest values of these measurements are recorded for the simulated turbo roundabout, thus making this scheme more appropriate in terms of operational performances. With regard to safety analysis, the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) is used to collect information on the predicted number of conflicts, the probability, and severity of the potential collisions. The results suggest that, for the specific case study, the safety levels of the standard roundabout and the turbo roundabout are approximately comparable.

scholarly journals A Computer Vision-Based Occupancy and Equipment Usage Detection Approach for Reducing Building Energy Demand

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Paige Wenbin Tien ◽  
Shuangyu Wei ◽  
John Calautit
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Internal Heat ◽  
Electrical Equipment ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Equipment Usage

Because of extensive variations in occupancy patterns around office space environments and their use of electrical equipment, accurate occupants’ behaviour detection is valuable for reducing the building energy demand and carbon emissions. Using the collected occupancy information, building energy management system can automatically adjust the operation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet the actual demands in different conditioned spaces in real-time. Existing and commonly used ‘fixed’ schedules for HVAC systems are not sufficient and cannot adjust based on the dynamic changes in building environments. This study proposes a vision-based occupancy and equipment usage detection method based on deep learning for demand-driven control systems. A model based on region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) was developed, trained and deployed to a camera for real-time detection of occupancy activities and equipment usage. Experiments tests within a case study office room suggested an overall accuracy of 97.32% and 80.80%. In order to predict the energy savings that can be attained using the proposed approach, the case study building was simulated. The simulation results revealed that the heat gains could be over or under predicted when using static or fixed profiles. Based on the set conditions, the equipment and occupancy gains were 65.75% and 32.74% lower when using the deep learning approach. Overall, the study showed the capabilities of the proposed approach in detecting and recognising multiple occupants’ activities and equipment usage and providing an alternative to estimate the internal heat emissions.

scholarly journals Predicted Medium Vote Thermal Comfort Analysis Applying Energy Simulations with Phase Change Materials for Very Hot-Humid Climates in Social Housing in Ecuador

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1257
Author(s):  
Luis Godoy-Vaca ◽  
E. Catalina Vallejo-Coral ◽  
Javier Martínez-Gómez ◽  
Marco Orozco ◽  
Geovanna Villacreses
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Phase Change Materials ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Climate Influences ◽  
Energy Simulations

This work aims to estimate the expected hours of Predicted Medium Vote (PMV) thermal comfort in Ecuadorian social housing houses applying energy simulations with Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for very hot-humid climates. First, a novel methodology for characterizing three different types of social housing is presented based on a space-time analysis of the electricity consumption in a residential complex. Next, the increase in energy demand under climate influences is analyzed. Moreover, with the goal of enlarging the time of thermal comfort inside the houses, the most suitable PCM for them is determined. This paper includes both simulations and comparisons of thermal behavior by means of the PMV methodology of four types of PCMs selected. From the performed energy simulations, the results show that changing the deck and using RT25-RT30 in walls, it is possible to increase the duration of thermal comfort in at least one of the three analyzed houses. The applied PCM showed 46% of comfortable hours and a reduction of 937 h in which the thermal sensation varies from “very hot” to “hot”. Additionally, the usage time of air conditioning decreases, assuring the thermal comfort for the inhabitants during a higher number of hours per day.

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