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3 pages, 174 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

New Trends in Efficient Buildings

by Francesco Salamone, Lorenzo Belussi, Ludovico Danza, Francesco Guarino and Sonia Longo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 11091; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911091 - 9 Oct 2023

Viewed by 530

Abstract

The literature reports several examples wherein calculation methodologies for assessing the energy performance of buildings are proposed, and solutions to improve their performance are posited, along with the introduction of advanced technologies and algorithms to reach this goal [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

Research

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24 pages, 8613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Spatial Proximity and Human Thermal Plume on the Design of a DIY Human-Centered Thermohygrometric Monitoring System

by Francesco Salamone, Ludovico Danza, Sergio Sibilio and Massimiliano Masullo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4967; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084967 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 917

Abstract

Wearable devices have been introduced for research purposes and especially for environmental monitoring, with the aim of collecting large amounts of data. In a previous study, we addressed the measurement reliability of low-cost thermohygrometers. In this study, we aim to find out how [...] Read more.

Wearable devices have been introduced for research purposes and especially for environmental monitoring, with the aim of collecting large amounts of data. In a previous study, we addressed the measurement reliability of low-cost thermohygrometers. In this study, we aim to find out how human thermal plume could affect the measurement performance of thermohygrometers. For this purpose, we used a Do-It-Yourself device that can be easily replicated. It consists of 10 iButtons with 3D-printed brackets to position them at different distances from the body. The device was attached to the user’s belt in a seated position. We considered two scenarios: a summer scenario with an air temperature of 28 °C and a clothing thermal resistance of 0.5 clo and an autumn scenario with an air temperature of 21 °C and a clothing thermal resistance of 1.0 clo. The results show that the proximity of the measurement station to the body significantly affects the accuracy of the measurements and should be considered when developing new wearable devices to assess thermal comfort. Therefore, we recommend that at least two thermohygrometers be considered in the development of a new wearable device if it is to be worn on a belt, with one positioned as close to the body as possible and the other at least 8 cm away, to determine if and how the standard thermal comfort assessment differs from the user’s personal perception and whether spatial proximity might also play a role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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24 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semi-Supervised Transfer Learning Methodology for Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Air-Handling Units

by Victor Martinez-Viol, Eva M. Urbano, Jose E. Torres Rangel, Miguel Delgado-Prieto and Luis Romeral

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8837; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178837 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are the major energy consumers among buildings’ equipment. Reliable fault detection and diagnosis schemes can effectively reduce their energy consumption and maintenance costs. In this respect, data-driven approaches have shown impressive results, but their accuracy depends on [...] Read more.

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are the major energy consumers among buildings’ equipment. Reliable fault detection and diagnosis schemes can effectively reduce their energy consumption and maintenance costs. In this respect, data-driven approaches have shown impressive results, but their accuracy depends on the availability of representative data to train the models, which is not common in real applications. For this reason, transfer learning is attracting growing attention since it tackles the problem by leveraging the knowledge between datasets, increasing the representativeness of fault scenarios. However, to date, research on transfer learning for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning has mostly been focused on learning algorithmic, overlooking the importance of a proper domain similarity analysis over the available data. Thus, this study proposes the design of a transfer learning approach based on a specific data selection methodology to tackle dissimilarity issues. The procedure is supported by neural network models and the analysis of eventual prediction uncertainties resulting from the assessment of the target application samples. To verify the proposed methodology, it is applied to a semi-supervised transfer learning case study composed of two publicly available air-handling unit datasets containing some fault scenarios. Results emphasize the potential of the proposed domain dissimilarity analysis reaching a classification accuracy of 92% under a transfer learning framework, an increase of 37% in comparison to classical approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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22 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supercapacitor-Based Energy Storage in Elevators to Improve Energy Efficiency of Buildings

by Martin Makar, Luka Pravica and Martina Kutija

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7184; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147184 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3714

Abstract

Improving energy efficiency is the most important goal for buildings today. One of the ways to increase energy efficiency is to use the regenerative potential of elevators. Due to the special requirements of elevator drives, energy storage systems based on supercapacitors are the [...] Read more.

Improving energy efficiency is the most important goal for buildings today. One of the ways to increase energy efficiency is to use the regenerative potential of elevators. Due to the special requirements of elevator drives, energy storage systems based on supercapacitors are the most suitable for storing regenerative energy. This paper proposes an energy storage system consisting of a supercapacitor bank and a bidirectional six-phase interleaved DC/DC converter. The energy savings achieved by the proposed system were investigated through simulation tests. The proposed system was modeled considering all physical constraints. A simulation model of the existing faculty elevator system was created in PLECS and verified with field measurements. Reliable results were ensured by using the verified simulation model and considering all physical constraints. The operation of the proposed energy storage system was tested under various conditions. In addition, the simulation model of the elevator system with the proposed energy storage system was tested using the elevator traffic data obtained from the measurements. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed energy storage system and that significant energy savings can be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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26 pages, 3396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Model for the Assessment of the Economic Benefits Associated with Energy Retrofit Interventions: An Application to Existing Buildings in the Italian Territory

by Francesco Tajani, Pierluigi Morano, Felicia Di Liddo and Endriol Doko

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3385; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073385 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1972

Abstract

In recent decades, the issue of existing buildings’ energy retrofit has played a central role in the context of international and national territorial development policies, mainly due to the obsolescence state that characterizes the housing stock. Since the current need for energy renovation [...] Read more.

In recent decades, the issue of existing buildings’ energy retrofit has played a central role in the context of international and national territorial development policies, mainly due to the obsolescence state that characterizes the housing stock. Since the current need for energy renovation collides with the widespread low spending capacity of the owners, in recent years numerous fiscal incentives have been envisaged, aimed at promoting building initiatives for the improvement of energy performance indices. With reference to the Italian fiscal measure so-called Superbonus, introduced by the “Relaunch” Law Decree No. 34/2020, in the present research, a model for evaluating the economic benefits, in terms of the convenience of the operators involved, generated by energy requalification interventions, has been proposed. The analysis has been developed with regards to the Italian territory and to the prevailing building typology, by considering 110 provincial capitals and the main urban areas into which each city is divided (central, semi-central, and peripheral). Specifically, for each urban area of the Italian capitals considered, the market value differential between the after energy and before energy intervention situations has been firstly determined. Furthermore, assuming an ordinary profit margin of a generic investor interested in this type of investment, the break-even incentive, i.e., the percentage threshold able to ensure the condition of minimum convenience for an investor, has been estimated for each urban area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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16 pages, 5669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Optimizing Heat Consumption System Based on BMS

by Nicoleta Cristina Gaitan, Ioan Ungurean, Costica Roman and Catalin Francu

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073271 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

The recent trend is to transform existing buildings into smart, green, or passive buildings by adopting sustainable technologies to achieve increased life comfort and production efficiency through reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and operating costs. Thus, existing buildings can be rehabilitated in order [...] Read more.

The recent trend is to transform existing buildings into smart, green, or passive buildings by adopting sustainable technologies to achieve increased life comfort and production efficiency through reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and operating costs. Thus, existing buildings can be rehabilitated in order to have the lowest possible energy consumption. One of the highest demands on the energy consumption of buildings is the heating system used during the winter months. In this paper, we propose a management and control system for electrical and energy heating consumption, based on a BMS (building management system) that is used for the rehabilitation of the students’ dormitories on a university campus. This includes a cogeneration plant that can be controlled in order to produce electrical and heating energy, depending on the requirements needed to heat the building in the cold season. The system reduced the consumption of energy for heating by 13% and of electricity by 32%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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26 pages, 4255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Predicting Heat Transfer through Masonry Walls Exposed to Fire

by Iasonas Bakas and Karolos J. Kontoleon

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11435; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311435 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

The multiple benefits Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) bring in terms of time expediency and reduction in required resources establish them as an extremely useful tool for engineering researchers and field practitioners. However, the blind acceptance of their predicted results needs to be avoided, [...] Read more.

The multiple benefits Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) bring in terms of time expediency and reduction in required resources establish them as an extremely useful tool for engineering researchers and field practitioners. However, the blind acceptance of their predicted results needs to be avoided, and a thorough review and assessment of the output are necessary prior to adopting them in further research or field operations. This study explores the use of ANNs on a heat transfer application. It features masonry wall assemblies exposed to elevated temperatures on one side, as generated by the standard fire curve proposed by Eurocode EN1991-1-2. A juxtaposition with previously published ANN development processes and protocols is attempted, while the end results of the developed algorithms are evaluated in terms of accuracy and reliability. The significance of the careful consideration of the density and quality of input data offered to the model, in conjunction with an appropriate algorithm architecture, is highlighted. The risk of misleading metric results is also brought to attention, while useful steps for mitigating such risks are discussed. Finally, proposals for the further integration of ANNs in heat transfer research and applications are made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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29 pages, 4106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Nearly Zero Energy to Carbon-Neutral: Case Study of a Hospitality Building

by Francesco Causone, Anita Tatti and Andrea Alongi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10148; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110148 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

In recent years, many cities around the world have pledged to upgrade their building stocks to carbon-neutral. However, the literature does not yet provide a shared definition of carbon-neutral building (CNB), and the assessment objectives and methodological approaches are vague and fragmented. Starting [...] Read more.

In recent years, many cities around the world have pledged to upgrade their building stocks to carbon-neutral. However, the literature does not yet provide a shared definition of carbon-neutral building (CNB), and the assessment objectives and methodological approaches are vague and fragmented. Starting from the available standards and scientific literature on life cycle assessment (LCA), this paper advances an operational definition for CNB on the basis of an explicit calculation approach. It then applies the definition to an urban case study, comparing it against a state-of-the-art nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) scenario, with the intent of highlighting the major practical limitations connected to the application of a methodologically sound carbon neutrality calculation. The case study shows that carbon neutral objectives can hardly be achieved by single urban buildings because of the lack of spaces that can provide onsite carbon offsetting actions. Carbon neutrality may be better approached at the city, regional, or national scales, where overarching policies may be defined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Efficient Buildings)

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