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New Trends in Efficient Buildings
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New Trends in Efficient Buildings

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 23352

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francesco Salamone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Construction Technologies Institute, National Research Council of Italy (ITC-CNR), Via Lombardia, 49, 20098 San Giuliano Milanese (MI), Italy
Interests: sustainability; energy efficiency in building; thermal comfort; indoor environmental quality; environmental monitoring systems; supervised machine learning; data analysis; parametric design; additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lorenzo Belussi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy (ITC–CNR), Via Lombardia 49, San Giuliano Milanese, 20098 Milan, Italy
Interests: energy efficiency; zero-energy building; indoor environmental quality; sustainable buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ludovico Danza

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy (ITC–CNR), Via Lombardia 49, San Giuliano Milanese, 20098 Milan, Italy
Interests: energy efficiency; zero-energy building; indoor environmental quality; sustainable buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Guarino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edifico 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: life cycle assessment; ecodesign; net-zero energy buildings; environmental sustainability; sustainable buildings; renewable energy technologies
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Dr. Sonia Longo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Building 9, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: life-cycle assessment; energy; sustainable development; life cycle thinking; environmental impact assessment; environment; renewable energy technologies; environmental analysis; sustainable consumption and production; sustainable agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of the building sector is central in energy and environmental agendas of international and national policy makers, as improving the efficiency of the building stock is crucial to meet the requirements of the New Green Deal. Building renovation and the construction of new buildings must be based on principles that go beyond the energy efficiency but include several issues in a truly holistic perspective:

  • economic affordability
  • circularity and life cycle thinking
  • users’ and workers’ satisfaction and comfort
  • integration of renewable energy generation systems
  • integration of smart technologies for smart buildings

This Special Issue aims at collecting original research that addresses the theme of efficient buildings in a broader way, including different perspectives and analyses.

The concepts of Efficient Buildings (EBs), Passive Houses, Zero-Energy Buildings (ZEBs), and Positive-Energy Buildings (PEBs) have been developed primarily to decrease the operational energy consumption of the building sector. The scientific literature is rich in examples that propose calculation methodologies to assess the energy performance of efficient buildings and related operational carbon emissions.

Other scientific studies have emphasized the effects of efficient buildings in terms of embodied impacts and emissions (carbon footprint or a more structured life cycle assessment) and operational/life cycle costs (LCC) or, even, in terms of some co-benefits that can be achieved beyond the direct energy saving that are difficult to be quantified: health benefits, increased productivity, added value of a building, and increased value of the context.

Some other studies have demonstrated the possibility of using different Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to analyse occupant presence and behaviours to optimize energy consumption in efficient buildings. 

In this context, this Special Issue welcomes original research covering all aspects concerning the energy efficiency assessment. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • all-encompassing assessment methodologies
  • energy and design implications
  • comfort-related issues
  • sustainability of the built environment (e.g., environmental, economic, social, etc.)
  • interactions between occupants and the building
  • AI-based applications

Dr. Francesco Salamone
Dr. Lorenzo Belussi
Dr. Ludovico Danza
Dr. Francesco Guarino
Dr. Sonia Longo
Guest Editors

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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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.

Keywords

  • energy performance
  • Intelligent energy management
  • indoor occupant comfort
  • building energy performance
  • renewable energy technologies
  • sustainable buildings
  • smart buildings

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 174 KiB  
Editorial
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 754
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

Jump to: Editorial

24 pages, 8613 KiB  
Article
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 2 | Viewed by 1279
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  
Article
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 7 | Viewed by 1972
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  
Article
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 4718
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  
Article
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 10 | Viewed by 2350
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  
Article
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 3005
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  
Article
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 11 | Viewed by 2474
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  
Article
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 19 | Viewed by 4817
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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