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17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2017) | Viewed by 34245

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francesco D’Alessandro

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Via Goffredo Duranti 93, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Dr. Giorgio Baldinelli

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, Via Duranti, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Special Issue Information

CIRIAF (Inter-University Research Center on Pollution and Environment “Mauro Felli)” is a research center, based at the University of Perugia, which promotes interdisciplinary research activities in the fields of environmental pollution and its health and socio-economic effects, sustainable development, renewable and alternative energy, energy planning, and sustainable mobility. One-hundred professors from 14 different Italian universities are involved in the activities of the center.

The CIRIAF National Congress, in its seventeenth edition in 2017, has become, over time, a benchmark event for researchers and experts (engineers, physicists, chemists, architects, doctors, economists) coming from the academic world, as well as from ministries, environmental agencies and local authorities. The annual meeting constitutes an opportunity to discuss issues related to energy, environment and sustainable development.

The 17^th congress took place in Marsciano (Perugia), 6–7 April 2017, inside the Rocca of Sant’Apollinare, the first building in Italy certified as a “LEED Historic Building”. This edition was quite successful: 82 papers were presented during the congress, which was divided into eight sessions, in line with congress tradition:

· Energy and environmental refurbishing of existing buildings and historical heritage;

· Seismic consolidation, sustainability and rehabilitation of the housing stock;

· Innovative materials and technologies for the building sector;

· Diagnosis and monitoring of buildings;

· Sustainability and energy-environmental certification protocols for buildings;

· Circular Design and Life Cycle Assessment;

· Resilience of cultural heritage to natural disasters;

· Biorefineries and energy-environmental sustainability of biomasses.

A Special Session, entitled “Interrupted Landscapes. Design, Survey, Project after the Disaster” was dedicated to the eartquakes that hit Central Italy in 2016, and aims to propose ideas, solutions and strategies for facing the disaster.

Thanks to the agreement of the international publishing house MDPI, we are happy to introduce a Special Issue of Energies (MDPI) containing the best energy-related papers presented at the congress. Another Special issue of Sustainability (MDPI) will contain the best papers dealing with environmental and sustainable development issues.

The Special Issue will include the best papers presented at the congress, selected by the scientific committee with the help of the session chairmen.

Dr. Francesco D’Alessandro
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

2626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life-Cycle Assessment of an Innovative Ground-Source Heat Pump System with Upstream Thermal Storage

by Emanuele Bonamente and Andrea Aquino

Energies 2017, 10(11), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10111854 - 13 Nov 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4705

Abstract

An innovative space-conditioning system is proposed and a life-cycle assessment (LCA) is presented. The layout is obtained starting from a ground-source heat pump system (GSHP) and includes upstream thermal storage (TS). A prototype of the system, implemented following this new approach, is currently in use for space heating and cooling of an industrial building. As a result of the TS designed to decouple the geothermal side from the heat-pump side, the system is able to provide the required thermal energy to the building with a reduced-size geothermal installation (i.e., shorter/fewer boreholes (BHs)). The performance was monitored for over 2 years, both in cooling and heating modes. A LCA study of this system is performed on the basis of specific data for implementation and operation phases. The results are given in terms of the comprehensive ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint indicator suite and are compared with literature studies of other conventional technologies for space conditioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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3193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Thermal Features of Insulated Blocks: Actual Behavior and Myths

by Marta Cianfrini, Roberto De Lieto Vollaro and Emanuele Habib

Energies 2017, 10(11), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10111807 - 09 Nov 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

The latest updates in the European directive on energy performance of buildings have introduced the fundamental “nearly zero-energy building (NZEB)” concept. Thus, a special focus needs to be addressed to the thermal performance of building envelopes, especially concerning the role played by thermal inertia in the energy requirements for cooling applications. In fact, a high thermal inertia of the outer walls results in a mitigation of the daily heat wave, which reduces the cooling peak load and the related energy demand. The common assumption that high mass means high thermal inertia typically leads to the use of high-mass blocks. Numerical and experimental studies on thermal inertia of hollow envelope components have not confirmed this general assumption, even though no systematic analysis is readily available in the open literature. Yet, the usually employed methods for the calculation of unsteady heat transfer through walls are based on the hypothesis that such walls are composed of homogeneous layers. In this framework, a study of the dynamic thermal performance of insulated blocks is brought forth in the present paper. A finite-volume method is used to solve the two-dimensional equation of conduction heat transfer, using a triangular-pulse temperature excitation to analyze the heat flux response. The effects of both the type of clay and the insulating filler are investigated and discussed at length. The results obtained show that the wall front mass is not the basic independent variable, since clay and insulating filler thermal diffusivities are more important controlling parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Spectral Composition of White LEDs on Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Growth and Development

by Chiara Burattini, Benedetta Mattoni and Fabio Bisegna

Energies 2017, 10(9), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10091383 - 12 Sep 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5704

Abstract

Light-emitting diodes (LED) are a promising light source for the cultivation of edible vegetables in greenhouses. The spectral radiation of the light sources has an impact on plants physiological parameters, as well as on morphological features. In this study the growth of spinach plants has been carried out in experimental boxes under two white LED treatments having different correlate color temperature (CCT): the cold lighting (CL) corresponded to 6500 K, while the warm lighting (WL) to 3000 K. The work was aimed to investigate the influence of the two light spectra on plant development and comparing the results. Results showed that the different lighting treatments impact differently on plant development and on growth parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Residues Coupling Steam Explosion and Organosolv Treatments Using Green Solvent γ-Valerolactone

by Mattia Gelosia, David Ingles, Enrico Pompili, Silvia D’Antonio, Gianluca Cavalaglio, Alessandro Petrozzi and Valentina Coccia

Energies 2017, 10(9), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10091264 - 25 Aug 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3982

Abstract

A two-step fractionation of lignocellulosic residues of Phragmites australis in its main components (cellulose-pulp, soluble hemicellulose sugars, and lignin) is described, based on the biomass-derived solvent γ-valerolactone (GVL). The solvent used is an excellent substitute for traditional organic solvents as it is not toxic, it is renewable, and it can be recycled after the extraction process. Prior the GVL-organosolv extraction process, a steam explosion pretreatment was performed in order to break up the tight lignocellulosic structure and partially depolymerise hemicellulose into soluble sugars, making lignin easier to be solubilised. Three common extraction techniques were compared: soxhlet, closed vessel microwave-assisted, and open vessel on a hotplate stirrer. The two-step approach resulted in a cellulose-rich solid, water-soluble hemicellulose sugars and lignin-rich GVL liquor which was further purified for lignin isolation. The two best resulting pulps presented a high cellulose content (75.47% and 78.68%) starting from 38.13% and a content of lignin down to 11.96% and 13.09% starting from 23.02%. Almost all hemicellulose was removed with a final content of 0.72% and 2.20% starting from 20.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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6504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Best Practices for Recovering Rural Abandoned Towers through the Installation of Small-Scale Biogas Plants

by Mattia Manni, Valentina Coccia, Gianluca Cavalaglio, Andrea Nicolini and Alessandro Petrozzi

Energies 2017, 10(8), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10081224 - 17 Aug 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3851

Abstract

The massive and continuous development of renewable energy systems is making it possible to achieve the European goals regarding environment and sustainability. On the other hand, it leads to the progression of significant problems such as low renewable energy density (i), social acceptability (ii), and non-programmability of renewable energy sources (iii). The rural architecture, which is largely present in the countryside of central Italy, is generally equipped with several annexes such as dovecotes (i), grain stores (ii), and tobacco drying kilns (iii). Nowadays, those towers appear in decay because of the decline of agricultural activities, although they are classed as Environmental and Historical Heritage sites. The present work aims to propose a methodology for improving the energy grid in the countryside, while reusing abandoned buildings by modifying their function and maintaining their aspect as much as possible. The proposed workflow was applied to a rural silo, which has fallen into disuse, in Sant’Apollinare (Marsciano, Perugia) by converting it into a mini-biogas plant. The function of the annex which was chosen as the case study changes from agricultural use to energy production: it becomes an on-site renewable energy-based electric grid that can produce clean energy from agricultural and forestry residues. The project turns out to be sustainable not only in terms of energy and the environment, but also from an economic point of view as a result of the recent regulations and incentives for renewable energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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2809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Methodology for Assessing the Energy Consumption of Building Stocks

by Ilaria Ballarini and Vincenzo Corrado

Energies 2017, 10(8), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10081102 - 27 Jul 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4661

Abstract

The refurbishment of the existing building stocks represents a great potential for energy savings. To make the refurbishment effective, proper modeling of the current energy performance is needed. In most European countries, few and low quality data on the energy performance and on the refurbishment of building stocks are revealed, which increases the risk of not getting representative results. The article presents a new methodology for an effective bottom-up energy modeling, aimed at evaluating the current energy performance of housing stocks. The model is set up according to the IEE-EPISCOPE Project (Energy Performance Indicator Tracking Schemes for the Continuous Optimisation of Refurbishment Processes in European Housing Stocks, 2013–2016), which developed a framework of reliable data and clearly stated model assumptions, as to overcome the lack of data while guaranteeing transparency. The model, applied to an Italian region, is based on statistical data and uses the building typology approach. The energy performance is calculated by means of a quasi-steady state method. A correlation between the estimated and the real energy consumption is obtained. The model allows disaggregating the residential building stock in subsets to identify the main potential for energy savings in specific contexts. Improvements of the current data availability are strongly advisable to keep the model updated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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1982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation on CO₂ Methanation Process for Solar Energy Storage Compared to CO₂-Based Methanol Synthesis

by Beatrice Castellani, Alberto Maria Gambelli, Elena Morini, Benedetto Nastasi, Andrea Presciutti, Mirko Filipponi, Andrea Nicolini and Federico Rossi

Energies 2017, 10(7), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10070855 - 27 Jun 2017

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 8083

Abstract

The utilization of the captured CO₂ as a carbon source for the production of energy storage media offers a technological solution for overcoming crucial issues in current energy systems. Solar energy production generally does not match with energy demand because of its intermittent and non-programmable nature, entailing the adoption of storage technologies. Hydrogen constitutes a chemical storage for renewable electricity if it is produced by water electrolysis and is also the key reactant for CO₂ methanation (Sabatier reaction). The utilization of CO₂ as a feedstock for producing methane contributes to alleviate global climate changes and sequestration related problems. The produced methane is a carbon neutral gas that fits into existing infrastructure and allows issues related to the aforementioned intermittency and non-programmability of solar energy to be overcome. In this paper, an experimental apparatus, composed of an electrolyzer and a tubular fixed bed reactor, is built and used to produce methane via Sabatier reaction. The objective of the experimental campaign is the evaluation of the process performance and a comparison with other CO₂ valorization paths such as methanol production. The investigated pressure range was 2–20 bar, obtaining a methane volume fraction in outlet gaseous mixture of 64.75% at 8 bar and 97.24% at 20 bar, with conversion efficiencies of, respectively, 84.64% and 99.06%. The methanol and methane processes were compared on the basis of an energy parameter defined as the spent energy/stored energy. It is higher for the methanol process (0.45), with respect to the methane production process (0.41–0.43), which has a higher energy storage capability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 17th CIRIAF National Congress – Sustainable Development, Environment and Human Health Protection)

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