Smart Cooperative Energy Supply Strategy to Increase Reliability in Residential Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

In reliability studies of isolated energy supply systems for residential buildings, supply failures due to insufficient generation are generally analysed. Recent studies conclude that this kind of analysis makes it possible to optimally design the sizes of the elements of the generation system. However, in isolated communities or rural areas, it is common to find groups of dwellings in which micro-renewable sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, can be installed. In this situation, the generation and storage of several houses can be considered as an interconnected system forming a cooperative microgrid (CoMG). This work analyses the benefits that sharing two autonomous installations can bring to each one, from the point of view of reliability. The method consists of the application of a random sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) simulation to the CoMG to evaluate the impact of a simple cooperative strategy on the reliability of the set. The study considers random failures in the generation systems. The results show that the reliability of the system increases when cooperation is allowed. Additionally, at the design stage, this allows more cost-effective solutions than single sizing with a similar level of reliability.

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Cost and environmental performance of forced air and hot water heating systems in post-Soviet countries

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation ◽

10.1108/ijbpa-05-2021-0069 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Begmyrat Kulmedov ◽

Serdar Durdyev

Keyword(s):

Natural Gas ◽

Environmental Performance ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Electricity Consumption ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Hot Water ◽

Design Stage ◽

High Price ◽

Content Type ◽

Heating Systems

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to assess the selected heating systems (furnace and boiler) commonly used in the dwellings of seven post-USSR (the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) countries. The systems were assessed in terms of their cost and environmental performance, with natural gas and electricity used as the main source of energy.Design/methodology/approachThe cost-effectiveness and environmental performance of the selected heating systems that have been commonly used in the selected post-USSR countries was assessed. Current energy (natural gas and electricity) prices that are applied in those countries were used.FindingsResults show that the furnace is the cheapest option, while natural gas is the cheapest source of energy, despite its high price in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Both heating systems could be considered eco-friendly options, although their efficiencies need to be considered at the design stage. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are the top natural gas producers, offer natural gas for the selected heating systems as both cost-effective and eco-friendly options.Practical implicationsA considerable reduction in electricity consumption and less harm to our environment can be achieved through the systems used in residential buildings in the region.Originality/valueThe outcomes of the present study offer value (in terms of cost-effective and eco-friendly options) for the end-users in the region.

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ICT Infrastructure Framework for Microfinance Institutions and Banks in Pakistan

Banking, Finance, and Accounting ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-6268-1.ch028 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 532-543 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sadiq Shahbaz Ali ◽

M. N. A. Khan

Keyword(s):

Communication Technology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Point Of View ◽

Microfinance Institutions ◽

Effective Delivery ◽

Information And Communication ◽

Market Evaluation ◽

Ict Infrastructure ◽

The Masses ◽

The Impact

Information and communication technology (ICT) can be termed as a reagent for the microfinance sector. It has contributed significantly for the growth of this sector, which is clearly depicted from the reviewed literature as well as the market evaluation. The paper analyzes the impact of technological advancements within the microfinance industry from academic as well as practitioner's point of view. The true advantage of that advancement in the technology is yet to be realized by this sector. The paper proposed that ICT components on an optimized approach can be beneficial for a new as well as an experienced microfinance player for the efficient and cost effective delivery of its services to the masses without any major hindrance.

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Modeling Nearly Zero Energy Buildings for Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13102593 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 2593 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Reza Khakian ◽

Mehrdad Karimimoshaver ◽

Farshid Aram ◽

Soghra Zoroufchi Benis ◽

Amir Mosavi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Saving ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Building Design ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Payback Period ◽

Zero Energy ◽

Multiple Parameters ◽

Shading Devices ◽

The Impact

The energy performance of buildings and energy-saving measures have been widely investigated in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to buildings located in rural areas. The aim of this study is to assess the energy performance of two-story residential buildings located in the mountainous village of Palangan in Iran and to evaluate the impact of multiple parameters, namely building orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), glazing type, shading devices, and insulation, on its energy performance. To attain a nearly zero energy building design in rural areas, the building is equipped with photovoltaic modules. The proposed building design is then economically evaluated to ensure its viability. The findings indicate that an energy saving of 29% can be achieved compared to conventional buildings, and over 22 MWh of electricity can be produced on an annual basis. The payback period is assessed at 21.7 years. However, energy subsidies are projected to be eliminated in the near future, which in turn may reduce the payback period.

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The Investigation of Residential Energy Consumption in Rural Areas Surrounding the Xi'an City

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.374-377.316 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 374-377 ◽

pp. 316-321

Author(s):

Mei He ◽

Hua Guo ◽

Jin Wu ◽

Xin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Energy Consumption ◽

Solar Energy ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Thermal Environment ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Economic Status ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Space Heating ◽

Local Conditions ◽

Xi’An City

The main purpose that should be put in the first place on residential constructions in the rural areas is how to guide the consumers to build residential buildings that are energy effective, comfortable, cost effective, and with construction techniques that are appropriate for the local conditions. Before investigating residential buildings that are suitable for local conditions, we have to discover the local economic status and their living habit in depth. This article puts emphasis on to survey the relationship between dwelling habits and energy consumption in the rural areas, also, space heating and cooling method, the use of solar energy, marsh gas and any other renewable sources of energy, as well as the thermal environment of residential buildings are investigated and analyzed. we conclude that, in the rim of Xi'an city, most of the fuel sources for space heating in winter used in the rural areas are fireweed and cornstock. Most of the energy sources are crops waste materials that are not environmental friendly, thus, it's necessary to popularize the use of solar energy and marsh gas.

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How Pro-Environmental Legal Regulations Affect the Design Process and Management of Multi-Family Residential Buildings in Poland

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13205449 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (20) ◽

pp. 5449

Author(s):

Miłosz Raczyński ◽

Radosław Rutkowski

Keyword(s):

Design Process ◽

Energy Supply ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Design Phase ◽

Legal Regulations ◽

Extensive Experience ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

The Impact

This article addresses issues related to the quality of design and subsequent management of multi-family residential buildings in the context of their energy supply. The framework of the analysis carried out here are pro-environmental legal regulations currently in force in Poland. This article describes the impact of these regulations on the design process and the role of the designer. The requirements have been defined and the constraints have been identified. A number of factors directly related to the nature and parameters of the designed buildings and their location have been taken into consideration. On the basis of this study, the impact of legal regulations both on the method of energy supply in the buildings and on their later use and management have been presented. Positive and negative aspects of the analyzed regulations have been indicated and directions for their evaluation and optimization have been proposed. The research was carried out using real buildings, both completed and in the design phase. This article is based on the authors’ extensive experience in designing multi-family residential buildings in Poland.

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Techno-Economic Assessment of Rooftop PV Systems in Residential Buildings in Hot–Humid Climates

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su122310060 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (23) ◽

pp. 10060

Author(s):

Ammar Hamoud Ahmad Dehwah ◽

Muhammad Asif ◽

Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi ◽

Adel Alshibani

Keyword(s):

Residential Buildings ◽

Economic Assessment ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Design Parameters ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Utilization Factor ◽

Technical Performance ◽

Pv Systems ◽

Residential Units ◽

The Impact

The application of renewable energy has been an integral part of the sustainability drive in the building sector and solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most effective technologies in this respect. The present study aims to investigate the prospects of solar PV in residential buildings in the hot–humid climatic conditions. The study discusses the utilization of building roofs for the application of PV in terms of potential hurdles and utilization factor (UF). Technical performance of PV systems has also been investigated in terms of power output as well as the energy saved as a result of the shading impact of panels for two types of residential units, apartments and villas. Investigation of 70 sample residential buildings reveals the average UF of 0.21 and 0.28 for apartments and villas, respectively. For the case study of apartment and villa residential units, roof UF has been found to be 13% and 15% with a respective PV output of 6079 kWh/year and 6162 kWh/year. Potential PV output at the city level has also been estimated. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to evaluate the impact of various cost and design parameters on the viability of PV systems.

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Mapping the Food Festivals and Sustainable Capitals: Evidence from Poland

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su122410283 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (24) ◽

pp. 10283

Author(s):

Patrycjusz Zarębski ◽

Dominika Zwęglińska-Gałecka

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Local Development ◽

Economic Effect ◽

Local Environment ◽

Point Of View ◽

Economic Effects ◽

Theoretical Point ◽

Capital Conversion ◽

The Impact

This study is one of the first attempts to identify and explain the location of food festivals in the context of locally embedded capitals. A multidimensional spatial model was developed and a typology using the k-means method was carried out to evaluate the mapping of 64 food festivals organized in various locations in Poland. With reference to Bourdieu’s concept, the economic, social, cultural, symbolic, and tourism capitals rooted in the local environment were examined and compared with the location of festivals. From the theoretical point of view, this study extends the theory of capital to include the new category of tourism capital, which allows better understanding of the economic effects of festivals. It is the missing element of the circular mechanism of capital conversion. Our study shows that food festivals in Poland are held mainly in large cities and their neighboring municipalities rather than in peripheral rural areas. We indicate that the urban areas have a higher level of capitals and sustainability of capitals for food festivals than rural areas. The conducted research shows that the economic effect of food festivals is stronger in locations with high tourism capital. The proposed model is universal and can be used to analyze the impact of various festivals on capital conversion and local development.

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Punching Force of Cold Die of Fuzzy Reliability Considering the Random Distribution of Material Properties

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.311-313.1577 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 311-313 ◽

pp. 1577-1582

Author(s):

Zhi Su Zhao ◽

Xing Hua Zhang

Keyword(s):

Material Properties ◽

Random Distribution ◽

Point Of View ◽

Design Stage ◽

Gradual Change ◽

Fuzzy Reliability ◽

Reliability Design ◽

Curve Design ◽

Processing Error ◽

The Impact

In order to be considered in the calculation of punching force of cold die random distribution of material properties, meanwhile including success and failure punching during the gradual change process in the calculation. Based on probabilistic fuzzy reliability point of view, the success or failure determination will be extended to fuzzy events. Based on fuzzy reliability, the punching force of cold die calculation method will be also given when taking the impact of random distribution of material properties into account. Related analysis formulae and the fuzzy criterion of success or failure of punching are established and derived. Through which, design and engineering process are integrated, the designer will be more reliably to predict the success or failure of the punching during the design stage. The processing error of lack of statistical data and the objectivity of the success or failure determination criterion will be easily solved. Economy cost and reliability design of geometrical curve design will be also considered.

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Upgrading the Smartness of Retrofitting Packages towards Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Cold Climate Countries: Two Case Studies

Buildings ◽

10.3390/buildings10110200 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 200 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laurina C. Felius ◽

Mohamed Hamdy ◽

Fredrik Dessen ◽

Bozena Dorota Hrynyszyn

Keyword(s):

Thermal Comfort ◽

Life Cycle Cost ◽

Energy Savings ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Heat Losses ◽

Cold Climate ◽

The Impact

Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings by implementing building automation control strategies (BACS) besides building envelope and energy system retrofitting has been recommended by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2018. This paper investigated this recommendation by conducting a simulation-based optimization to explore cost-effective retrofitting combinations of building envelope, energy systems and BACS measures in-line with automation standard EN 15232. Two cases (i.e., a typical single-family house and apartment block) were modeled and simulated using IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA-ICE). The built-in optimization tool, GenOpt, was used to minimize energy consumption as the single objective function. The associated difference in life cycle cost, compared to the reference design, was calculated for each optimization iteration. Thermal comfort of the optimized solutions was assessed to verify the thermal comfort acceptability. Installing an air source heat pump had a greater energy-saving potential than reducing heat losses through the building envelope. Implementing BACS achieved cost-effective energy savings up to 24%. Energy savings up to 57% were estimated when BACS was combined with the other retrofitting measures. Particularly for compact buildings, where the potential of reducing heat losses through the envelope is limited, the impact of BACS increased. BACS also improved the thermal comfort.

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Motorway Route Planning with Regarding the Adverse Effects on Agricultural Production Space

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11236770 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (23) ◽

pp. 6770

Author(s):

Małgorzata Dudzińska ◽

Stanisław Bacior ◽

Barbara Prus

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Agricultural Production ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Route Planning ◽

Investment Project ◽

Design Stage ◽

Space Module ◽

Investment Projects ◽

Production Space ◽

The Impact

Designing and implementing investment projects are activities that have a direct impact on the natural environment and pose a threat to sustainable development of rural areas. The issue of agricultural production space protection during the implementation of linear projects in Poland is often only mentioned at the design stage as the final element. The aim of the study is to propose a tool to enable an assessment and modelling of a motorway design variant in order to minimise the impact on the agricultural production space. Four indicators introduced in the modelling procedure include the loss of agricultural land, a decrease of land productivity in the vicinity of an investment project, changes in the spatial structure of areas divided by the investment, and difficulties resulting from the accessibility of areas. The superiority of the proposed method over consolidations implemented in the vicinity of a motorway is due to the introduction into projects not only of elements organising the space but also attributes that prevent the reduction of the production capabilities of the land located in the vicinity of the motorway (Module I) and, secondly, the elements decreasing the re-organisation of the space (Module II).

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