Research

Jump to: Other

20 pages, 15767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design of a Wellbeing Center with an Advanced Parametric Roof in Jabel Hafeet Mountain Located in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates

by Marwa Alsuwaidi, Noura Almahri, Latifa Alazeezi, Taif Alkhzaimi, Lindita Bande, Anwar Ahmad, Omar Al Khatib, Fayez Fikry and Young Ki Kim

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040974 - 01 Apr 2024

Viewed by 535

Abstract

Building construction in the UAE is a growing industry. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a majority of mid-rise and high-rise buildings, AL Ain has mostly low-rise and mid-rise buildings. Additionally, the construction industry in Al Ain has seen an increase in the [...] Read more.

Building construction in the UAE is a growing industry. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a majority of mid-rise and high-rise buildings, AL Ain has mostly low-rise and mid-rise buildings. Additionally, the construction industry in Al Ain has seen an increase in the recent years. The aim of this study is to design a wellness center with a parametric roof in the challenging topography of Jebel Hafeet Mountain in AL Ain. The building must be socially and environmentally sustainable and must align with the local culture. The methodology used includes the following steps: performing an analysis of the selected site and climate; building the design on challenging topography; creating a parametric roof design; conducting an energy and radiation analysis. Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits to attain better physical and mental health outcomes. The center will be for females only to provide privacy and to achieve social sustainability (based on the local culture). It will be in Al Ain (Jabel Hafeet Mountain) because unlike the other cities in the UAE, Al Ain does not contain any wellness centers. The design of the parametric roof aims to adapt to the mountain and decrease solar radiation on the roof. Both of the above aim to bring innovation to the city, country, and region for the purpose of building a sustainable design that is adapted to the local culture and environment. The results show a significant energy and solar radiation after the use of such structure. These findings are relevant to local authorities and the private construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrofit Measures for Achieving NZE Single-Family Houses in a Tropical Climate via Multi-Objective Optimization

by Cristina Carpino, Miguel Chen Austin, Dafni Mora and Natale Arcuri

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030566 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 519

Abstract

To achieve sustainable cities and communities, it is necessary to decarbonize existing buildings. Actions need to be taken to reduce the buildings’ energy demand and ensure that the low remaining demand is met by energy produced from renewable sources. This leads to Net [...] Read more.

To achieve sustainable cities and communities, it is necessary to decarbonize existing buildings. Actions need to be taken to reduce the buildings’ energy demand and ensure that the low remaining demand is met by energy produced from renewable sources. This leads to Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), whose impact on energy consumption is zero or positive, meaning that they are able to produce more energy than they require. The “zero” objective may be difficult to reach in hot and humid climates, where the cooling demand is prevalent. In this case, a combination of active and passive measures, together with appropriate interaction with users, is a viable way to obtain NZEBs. The present study aims to explore technological solutions for renovating existing buildings to NZEBs in a tropical climate. The analysis is developed through a parametric analysis, a sensitivity analysis, and an optimization directed at minimizing the site’s net energy and hours of discomfort. Evaluations are conducted for a case study consisting of a single-family house located in Panama City. The results showed that photovoltaic size, cooling operation schedule, and cooling set-point temperature are the most influential variables for the attainment of NZEBs in a hot climate. Regarding the building envelope, the outcomes suggest the low insulation of dispersing structures and local solar shading of windows as recommended measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 23135 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Energy Benefits of Tourist Accommodation Using Geodesic Domes

by Ángel Benigno González-Avilés, Carlos Pérez-Carramiñana, Antonio Galiano-Garrigós and María Isabel Pérez-Millán

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020505 - 12 Feb 2024

Viewed by 655

Abstract

Over the last decade there has been a proliferation of glamping architecture. This study analyses the energy performance of geodesic domes for use in tourist glamping compared to more conventional prismatic architectural solutions. The energy analysis of geodesic domes applied to this type [...] Read more.

Over the last decade there has been a proliferation of glamping architecture. This study analyses the energy performance of geodesic domes for use in tourist glamping compared to more conventional prismatic architectural solutions. The energy analysis of geodesic domes applied to this type of singular construction project currently lacks detailed studies that provide conclusions about their relevance and suitability with respect to other types of architecture. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate the energy benefits of tourist accommodations that use geodesic structures compared to those with a simple geometry. A comparative study of a traditional and a geodesic geometry accommodation is carried out, considering that they share the same characteristics and they are built with the same construction solution. An energy simulation of both architectures is carried out by using DesignBuilder software. The most influential strategies, such as Direct Passive Solar Gain, Heating, Natural Ventilation Cooling, Fan-Forced Ventilation Cooling and Window Solar Shading are considered. After demonstrating the greater efficiency of geodesic domes, this study analyses the relevance of subdividing the accommodations into several geodesic dome spaces. The results quantify an energy benefit of 52% for cooling consumption using the geodesic dome solution compared to a traditional prismatic solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solar-Assisted Heat Pump with Electric and Thermal Storage: The Role of Appropriate Control Strategies for the Exploitation of the Solar Source

by Stefania Perrella, Fabio Bisegna, Piero Bevilacqua, Daniela Cirone and Roberto Bruno

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010296 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 733

Abstract

In the EU, the building sector is responsible for 40% of the global energy consumption for final uses and 36% of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Heat pumps allow for the replacement of conventional systems based on fossil fuels with the [...] Read more.

In the EU, the building sector is responsible for 40% of the global energy consumption for final uses and 36% of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Heat pumps allow for the replacement of conventional systems based on fossil fuels with the perspective of combining PV and solar thermal collectors. In order to rationalize the use of the solar source, this paper examined the self-consumption electricity share, the CO₂ equivalent emissions, and the domestic hot water demand covered by renewable sources which were determined in two opposite climatic conditions. These involved both electric and thermal storage systems and considered two different control strategies. The first is commonly used for the management of air-conditioning systems, the second was specifically conceived to maximize the exploitation of the solar source. Results showed that the latter significantly reduced grid dependence in both locations, determining the direct satisfaction of 76% of the thermal and electric loads through the PV self-consumption, determined by 18 kWp of installed PV and a battery capacity of 24 kWh. In terms of equivalent CO₂ emissions, when the two control strategies were compared, a remarkable reduction in emissions was registered for the latter, with percentages ranging between 8% and 36% as a function of PV surface and battery capacity. The analysis of domestic hot water supplies revealed disparities between the two localities: the colder first, relied more on heat pumps for water heating, while the warmer second, benefitted from the large availability of solar radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Energy Reduction and Energy Self-Sufficiency Improvement Effects by Applying a Bidirectional Reflectance PV Array with Integrated External Shading at a School Building

by Keon Ho Lee and Young-Hak Song

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122915 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 520

Abstract

In South Korea, the introduction of new and renewable energy in the building sector has been promoted through various policies since the early 2000s. As a result, solar photovoltaics (PV), which are mostly applied to the rooftops of buildings, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), [...] Read more.

In South Korea, the introduction of new and renewable energy in the building sector has been promoted through various policies since the early 2000s. As a result, solar photovoltaics (PV), which are mostly applied to the rooftops of buildings, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which are installed on the elevated surfaces of buildings, have been applied to various sites with subsidies. Renewable energy will be mandatory for all buildings from 2025. In general, the power generation efficiency of PV panels varies depending on the installation angle. According to Korean standards, the power generation efficiency is 100% for an installation on a 30° slope, 90% for a horizontal installation, and 70% for a vertical installation. This study proposes a BIPV that improves the power generation efficiency using the unique reflectance of PV panel surfaces made of glass and a bidirectional reflectance PV array. This new type of BIPV structure improves the power generation efficiency and reduces the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as it protrudes over the windows, providing external shading. It is defined as bidirectional reflectance PV (BRPV), and its performance is evaluated. The effects of applying BRPVs (48 KW by 160 PV Panels with 300 W) to a school building with a fixed slope PV on the rooftop were calculated based on annual measurement results, and it was found that the energy independence rate of the building increased from 34.1 to 65.8%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 6895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Reference Framework for Zero Energy Districts in Panama Based on Energy Performance Simulations and Bioclimatic Design Methodology

by Lissette De León, Dafni Mora, Cristina Carpino, Natale Arcuri and Miguel Chen Austin

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020315 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

The need for efficient buildings to contribute to sustainable development has led to the proposal of goals and regulations in different countries linked to net zero energy objectives, following approaches specific to their regions. Such regulations are not yet developed in a developing [...] Read more.

The need for efficient buildings to contribute to sustainable development has led to the proposal of goals and regulations in different countries linked to net zero energy objectives, following approaches specific to their regions. Such regulations are not yet developed in a developing country such as Panama. Thus, this study develops the first framework for Zero Energy Districts (ZED) in Panama based on passive and active solutions through dynamic simulation. For this, an existing urbanization area consisting of 34 residential buildings, called the existing case (EC), was studied. After undergoing a design based on the bioclimatic methodology, a redesigned case (RC) is proposed to maintain thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. Key redesign factors are the buildings’ shape, orientation, glazing, the use of shadows, material of the walls, and the air conditioning configuration. Results showed energy consumption decreases by 37.5% when considering all buildings with natural ventilation, reaching ranges of positive net energy (+356.50 kWh/m²y). In the case of nearly ZED in Panama, the ranges could be considered between 14 and 180 kWh/m²y. This balance indicates that there is potential on site to develop zero energy districts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Review of the Cost-Optimal Methodology Implementation in Member States in Compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

by Paolo Zangheri, Delia D’Agostino, Roberto Armani and Paolo Bertoldi

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091482 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2455

Abstract

The building sector has a central role in achieving the European goals of a zero-emission and fully decarbonized stock by 2050. Among the provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast, the implementation of the cost-optimal methodology marked a novel approach [...] Read more.

The building sector has a central role in achieving the European goals of a zero-emission and fully decarbonized stock by 2050. Among the provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast, the implementation of the cost-optimal methodology marked a novel approach in the establishment of minimum energy performance requirements for new and existing buildings. Member States must develop cost-optimal calculations every 5 years to verify and accordingly update the national requirements in force. This paper analyses the latest national cost-optimal reports, providing an updated assessment of the implementation of the cost-optimal methodology throughout Europe. It quantifies the progress in reaching cost-optimal levels in comparison with the previous assessment. It focuses on the conformity and plausibility of calculations in compliance with the policy framework. Furthermore, it evaluates the gap with national requirements, showing that the gap is higher than 15% only in a few Member States. The results provide a comprehensive review of the European progress towards cost-optimality in both the residential sector (average cost-optimal level 80 kWh/m²y for new, 130 kWh/m²y for existing buildings) and the non-residential sector (140 kWh/m²y for new, 180 kWh/m²y for existing buildings). An overall positive development can be inferred from the analysis of the Member States’ progress in the methodology’s implementation. The review also gives inputs for the cost-optimal methodology update foreseen for 2026 (e.g., cost-optimality for districts and historical buildings). The outcomes assume a crucial relevance for the ambitious energy efficiency targets established by Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 2445 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Risk of Fungal Growth in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB)

by Cristina Carpino, Evangelia Loukou, Miguel Chen Austin, Birgitte Andersen, Dafni Mora and Natale Arcuri

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071600 - 24 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1377

Abstract

Research on nearly zero-energy buildings has addressed mainly the aspects of energy saving or technical and economic optimization, while some studies have been conducted on comfort and indoor air quality. However, the potential problems that may arise in low-energy buildings during the operational [...] Read more.

Research on nearly zero-energy buildings has addressed mainly the aspects of energy saving or technical and economic optimization, while some studies have been conducted on comfort and indoor air quality. However, the potential problems that may arise in low-energy buildings during the operational phase, and especially the risk of fungal growth, which can deteriorate the indoor environment and pose a health risk to the occupants, are yet to be extensively investigated. The present work intends to analyze previous research on microbial contamination in zero-energy buildings in order to identify the possible risks that may lead to fungal formation and the possible strategies to prevent the proliferation of molds. The methodology is based on a systematic literature review and subsequent critical analysis to outline perspectives on this topic. The main results indicate that high envelope insulation and inadequate ventilation are the leading causes of fungal growth in energy-efficient buildings. The need for more detailed regulation in this area is also highlighted. The study’s outcomes underline the need for more attention to be paid to the design and management of zero-energy buildings, aiming to achieve the reduction in energy demands while ensuring the occupants’ well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings and Optimal Design)

► Show Figures