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Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2023) | Viewed by 13071

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Patrick Salagnac

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LaSIE (UMR-CNRS 7356), Université de La Rochelle, Av. M. Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle, Cedex 1, France
Interests: modelling; thermal transfers; energy; buildings; systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Monica Siroux

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Guest Editor

Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg (INSA), ICUBE UMR CNRS 7357 Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
Interests: energy efficiency in buildings; renewable energy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue in Energies, entitled “Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings”. We are now open for submissions on this topic. This Special Issue will present cutting-edge research results in the field of energy and infrastructure with an emphasis on renewable energy resources for buildings and building performance simulation. The building sector is the largest consumer of energy and still presents major scientific challenges. However, this is liable to change as energy efficiency and renewable energy can work hand in hand to perform a crucial role in transforming this sector. With this in mind, this Special Issue seeks to disseminate knowledge on these topics among the wider scientific community. We are inviting original papers on the theory, design, development and applications of building performance simulation, energy efficiency and renewable energy resources for buildings.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Salagnac
Prof. Dr. Monica Siroux
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. 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.

Keywords

renewable energy
building energy efficiency
HVAC
energy storage
building Information Modelling (BIM), optimization

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 10669 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Irradiation Analysis of Tensile Membrane Structures for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

by Janusz Marchwiński, Vuk Milošević, Anna Stefańska and Elena Lucchi

Energies 2023, 16(16), 5945; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165945 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1810

Abstract

A dynamic development in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been observed in recent years. One of the manifestations of this trend is the integration of photovoltaic cells with tensile membrane structures, including canopies. Such solutions bring mutual benefits—the roofs provide a potentially large area for the application of photovoltaic cells while contributing to the improvement of the energy efficiency of the building. However, what is lacking is thorough research on the most favourable photovoltaic cell exposure within these roofs. This paper investigates the optimal position of photovoltaic cells in terms of energy gains related to exposure to solar radiation. Hypar geometries were simulated as the most characteristic of tensile membrane roofs and, simultaneously, the least obvious in the research context. Simulations were performed for 54 roof samples with the following geometric variables: roof height (1.0, 3.0 m) and membrane prestress (1:3, 1:1, 3:1). The research was conducted for three roof orientations defined by azimuth angles of 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees and three geographic locations, Oslo, Vienna, and Lisbon, representing Northern, Central, and Southern Europe, respectively. The Sofistik and Rhino + Ladybug software were used to create models and simulations. The study results show significant differences in the roof irradiation and, consequently, the optimal location of BIPVs depending on the above variables. Generally, it is the curvature that is the most important variable-less curved roofs are more irradiated and thus more suitable for BIPVs. Prestress and the azimuth angle are of lesser significance, but defining the optimal use of a BIPV depends on the adopted scenario regarding the percentage of membrane coverage with PVs—other recommendations concern the strategy of total or partial roof coverage with PV cells. The difference between optimally and incorrectly designed roofs may amount to a 50% electricity gain from PV cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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25 pages, 5387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Atrium Glazing with and without BIPV on Energy Performance of the Low-Rise Building: A Central European Case Study

by Janusz Marchwiński, Agnieszka Starzyk, Ołeksij Kopyłow and Karolina Kurtz-Orecka

Energies 2023, 16(12), 4683; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124683 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1300

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the impact exerted by different types of covering an atrium with glazing on the energy performance of a kindergarten building, provided by the authors as a conceptual design. The considered types of atria included an open atrium, a glazed atrium, and an atrium that operated as a hybrid system. Additionally, the following aspects were taken into consideration: the effect of a glazing-integrated PV system (BIPV); the variety of thermal features represented by the inner boundary between the conditioned and the unconditioned space (U_iu); and the atrium space air-exchange ratio (n_ue) on the energy balance of the building. Energy performance indicators, including energy demands for space heating and cooling (Eu), delivered energy (Ed), and primary energy (Ep) indicators for heating and cooling mode were estimated for the moderate climates and two locations of the building model, i.e., for Warsaw (Central Poland) and Ahlbeck (Northern Germany). The research results prove that the glazed atrium exerts the most beneficial impact on the energy performance of the building. Nevertheless, certain variables must be considered, especially the air-exchange ratio of the atrium space, as they significantly influence the total annual energy performance. The results obtained with regard to the effect exerted by the presence of BIPV systems differ from those usually expected. This is due to the effect of the total solar-energy-transmittance value (g) modulation caused by the system and, finally, by a significant reduction in passive solar-gain harvesting, which is important for heating-mode results in examined climate conditions. Taking the present analysis into account, it can be concluded that the energy and environmental effects of the glazed integrated PV systems in temperate climates are strongly influenced by the environmental conditions, and, in some cases, these solutions may prove to be not efficient enough in terms of the energy and costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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15 pages, 5053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energetic and Exergetic Analyses of an Experimental Earth–Air Heat Exchanger in the Northeast of France

by Wael Zeitoun, Jian Lin and Monica Siroux

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031542 - 3 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Earth–air heat exchanger (EAHE) systems are used to pre-heat or pre-cool air before entering into a building using shallow geothermal energy. Assessment of EAHE systems is important to quantify the profitability of these systems. For this purpose, an EAHE system built at ICUBE at the University of Strasbourg in the northeast of France was studied using energy and exergy analyses for a typical heating period (between 25 February and 3 March). Energy analysis was used to determine the heat gained by the air in the system during the studied period and to determine the Coefficient Of Performance (COP) of the system. Additionally, exergy analysis, which considered temperature, pressure, humidity, and the variation in the control volume boundary temperature, was realized to determine inefficiencies in the system by determining the exergy destroyed in each component of the system and evaluating its exergetic efficiency. Results showed that the heat energy gained using the system was around 63 kWh and that the exergetic efficiency of the system was about 57% on average. The comparison of exergetic efficiency between the EAHE components showed that the fan has the lowest performance and should be improved to achieve better overall performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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21 pages, 4383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Performance Analysis of the Cooling Potential of Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers in Hot and Humid Climates

by Mushk Bughio, Swati Bahale, Waqas Ahmed Mahar and Thorsten Schuetze

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7054; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197054 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Earth-to-air heat exchangers (EAHEs) are widely used to reduce the indoor temperature and associated cooling energy demand of buildings. This study investigated the potential reduction in indoor temperatures via energy-efficient ventilation through EAHEs in an existing architectural campus building (ACB) with an energy-efficient renovated building envelope in the hot and humid climate of Karachi, Pakistan. The building information modeling (BIM) program Autodesk Revit was used to develop a virtual ACB BIM model. An EnergyPlus parametric analysis of the ACB BIM model in DesignBuilder facilitated quantification of the influences of operating parameters such as pipe installation depth and pipe diameter for EAHEs with similar total pipe lengths and air-exchange rates on the performance of the EAHEs during the cooling season. A 3 m deep and 0.1 m diameter pipe layout in open space significantly reduces indoor temperature via a specific duct layout in an exemplary ACB. The results show that a pipe diameter above 0.1 m is unsuitable because of the reduction in convective heat transfer due to the increase in the pipe’s surface area and the decrease in pressure in the pipe. The findings of this study can be used to improve the indoor thermal comfort of buildings in climates with comparable properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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23 pages, 4561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Characterization of Transitory Functioning Regimes of a Biomass Stirling Micro-CHP

by Ștefan-Dominic Voronca, Monica Siroux and George Darie

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5547; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155547 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

Micro-cogeneration (micro-combined heat and power) is a technology that simultaneously produces decentralized thermal and electrical energy with a power of less than 50 kW_el. This technology consists of using the waste heat generated by a thermodynamic process to meet the heating and hot water demands of buildings. The use of biomass as a fuel offers important advantages: use of a renewable energy, carbon neutrality, availability, and low cost. Furthermore, the analysis and optimization of hybrid energy systems, which include existing micro-cogeneration systems powered by renewable energy, is a scientific challenge needing experimental characterization of such micro-cogeneration systems. In this context, a biomass Stirling micro-CHP unit (μCHP), was tested to characterize its energy performance. A dynamic model based on these experimental investigations was developed to evaluate its thermal power output and energy efficiencies. The dependence of the nominal load on the water flow rate of the consumer and the inlet temperature of the fluid heated by the cogeneration system was studied. Results showed that the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid rejecting heat from the μCHP unit influences the temperature of the heat transfer fluid exiting the μCHP to supply domestic hot water to the user, which, if too high, will prompt the self-guarding mechanism of the machine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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Review

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22 pages, 1496 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exergy and Exergy-Economic Approach to Evaluate Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Buildings

by Sonja Kallio and Monica Siroux

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031029 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) combine two or more renewable energy systems and are an interesting solution for decentralized renewable energy generation. The exergy and exergo-economic approach have proven to be useful methods to analyze hybrid renewable energy systems. The aim of this paper is to present a review of exergy and exergy-economic approaches to evaluate hybrid renewable energy systems in buildings. In the first part of the paper, the methodology of the exergy and exergo-economic analysis is introduced as well as the main performance indicators. The influence of the reference environment is analyzed, and results show that the selection of the reference environment has a high impact on the results of the exergy analysis. In the last part of the paper, different literature studies based on exergy and exergo-economic analysis applied to the photovoltaic-thermal collectors, fuel-fired micro-cogeneration systems and hybrid renewable energy systems are reviewed. It is shown that the dynamic exergy analysis is the best way to evaluate hybrid renewable energy systems if they are operating under a dynamic environment caused by climatic conditions and/or energy demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Performance Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources for Buildings 2022)

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