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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 (21 August 2024) | Viewed by 11909

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Prof. Dr. Bruno Peuportier

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Guest Editor

Centre Efficacité Énergétique des Systèmes, Mines Paris - PSL, 60 Bd Saint-Michel, CEDEX 06, 75272 Paris, France
Interests: ecodesign; buildings; energy; thermal simulation; life cycle assessment

Dr. Zsuzsa Szalay

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Construction Materials and Technologies, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), 1111 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: building energetics; life cycle assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor is inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings”. According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (contribution of WG III on mitigation), historical cumulative net CO₂ emissions between 1850 and 2019 amount to about four-fifths of the total carbon budget for a 50% probability of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. It is therefore necessary to progress toward net zero GHG emissions both in new constructions and by retrofitting existing buildings.

This Special Issue will deal with novel solutions to reach this objective. Topics of interest for publication include but are not limited to:

New zero carbon building concepts;
Solutions for retrofitting;
Low carbon construction products, e.g., bio-based materials;
Low carbon equipment for heating, cooling, hot water production, ventilation, and lighting;
Integration of renewable energy systems in buildings;
Energy efficient building management and control systems;
Application of the IoT and/or AI in buildings;
Building design tools.

Prof. Dr. Bruno Peuportier
Dr. Zsuzsa Szalay
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

buildings
energy
greenhouse gas emissions
life cycle assessment
envelope
equipment

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 7604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Thermal Performance of Solar Air Collectors with and without Perforated Baffles

by Ghizlene Boussouar, Brahim Rostane, Khaled Aliane, Dineshkumar Ravi, Michał Jan Gęca and Arkadiusz Gola

Energies 2024, 17(15), 3812; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153812 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Air plate solar collectors provide a sustainable and efficient solution for building heating. The absorber plate collects solar radiation and converts it into heat. Atmospheric air is then circulated through the collector plate with perforated baffles by forced convection. The heated air is then directed through ducts into the building’s heating system. By significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels for building heating, these collectors contribute to a lower life-cycle carbon footprint for buildings compared to conventional heating systems. While flat-plate solar collectors are widely used for renewable energy generation, their efficiency is frequently limited by the airflow path and the heat transfer efficiency within the collector. This study aims to quantify the impact of longitudinal, transverse, and perforated baffles with different hole diameters on the heat transfer characteristics and to identify the optimal design for maximizing thermal efficiency. This study also aims to integrate solar air collector in a conventional building and help reduce the overall energy demand of buildings and their associated carbon emissions. A three-dimensional numerical investigation was carried out on a flat-plate solar collector equipped with perforated transverse baffles with varying hole diameter and thickness. The results from the study predicted that perforated baffles with two holes with a diameter of 15 mm provided a maximum Nu of 79.56 and a pressure drop of 459 Pa for a Re of 8500. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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24 pages, 6297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Artificial Neural Networks for Financial Analysis of Investments in a Shower Heat Exchanger

by Sabina Kordana-Obuch, Mariusz Starzec and Beata Piotrowska

Energies 2024, 17(14), 3584; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143584 - 21 Jul 2024

Viewed by 647

Abstract

This study focused on assessing the financial efficiency of investing in a horizontal shower heat exchanger. The analysis was based on net present value (NPV). The research also examined the possibility of using artificial neural networks and SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) analysis to assess the profitability of the investment and the significance of individual parameters affecting the NPV of the project related to installing the heat exchanger in buildings. Comprehensive research was conducted, considering a wide range of input parameters. As a result, 1,215,000 NPV values were obtained, ranging from EUR −1996.40 to EUR 36,933.83. Based on these values, artificial neural network models were generated, and the one exhibiting the highest accuracy in prediction was selected (R² ≈ 0.999, RMSE ≈ 57). SHAP analysis identified total daily shower length and initial energy price as key factors influencing the profitability of the shower heat exchanger. The least influential parameter was found to be the efficiency of the hot water heater. The research results can contribute to improving systems for assessing the profitability of investments in shower heat exchangers. The application of the developed model can also help in selecting appropriate technical parameters of the system to achieve maximum financial benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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23 pages, 2181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Blockchain-Secured Digital Twins in Promoting Smart Energy Performance-Based Contracts for Buildings

by Mohamed Nour El-Din, João Poças Martins, Nuno M. M. Ramos and Pedro F. Pereira

Energies 2024, 17(14), 3392; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143392 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 609

Abstract

Energy performance-based contracts (EPCs) offer a promising solution for enhancing the energy performance of buildings, which is an overarching step towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings, addressing climate change and improving occupants’ comfort. Despite their potential, their execution is constrained by difficulties that hinder their diffusion in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry. Notably, the Measurement and Verification process is considered a significant impediment due to data sharing, storage, and security challenges. Nevertheless, there have been minimal efforts to analyze research conducted in this field systematically. A systematic analysis of 113 identified journal articles was conducted to fill this gap. A paucity of research tackling the utilization of digital technologies to enhance the implementation of EPCs was found. Consequently, this article proposes a framework integrating Digital Twin and Blockchain technologies to provide an enhanced EPC execution environment. Digital Twin technology leverages the system by monitoring and evaluating energy performance in real-time, predicting future performance, and facilitating informed decisions. Blockchain technology ensures the integrity, transparency, and accountability of information. Moreover, a private Blockchain infrastructure was originally introduced in the framework to eliminate high transaction costs related to on-chain storage and potential concerns regarding the confidentiality of information in open distributed ledgers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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18 pages, 1769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heat Pumps with Smart Control in Managing Australian Residential Electrical Load during Transition to Net Zero Emissions

by Adrian Rapucha, Ramadas Narayanan and Meena Jha

Energies 2024, 17(12), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122977 - 17 Jun 2024

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Australia, like many other countries around the world, is undergoing a transition toward net zero emissions. It requires changes and development in many sectors, which not only bring benefits but also challenges. The rapid growth in renewable energy sources (RESs) is necessary to decarbonise electricity generation but negatively affects grid stability. Residential buildings also contribute to this issue through specific load profiles and the high penetration of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations. Maintaining grid balance will be crucial for further emissions reductions. One of the potential solutions can be the replacement of conventional heating and cooling systems in houses with solutions capable of storing energy and shifting the electrical load. As presented in this paper, heat pumps and hydronic systems can significantly improve the electrical load of a typical South Australian household when they are controlled by algorithms reacting to the current grid conditions and household-generated electricity compared to conventional solutions. TRNSYS 18 simulations of air source and ground source heat pump systems with smart control based on measured electricity consumption and domestic hot water usage data showed the possibility of total energy consumption reduction, shifting the load from peak periods towards periods of excessive RES generation and increasing self-consumption of rooftop PV electricity. These improvements reduce the amount of emissions generated by such a household and allow for further development of other sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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23 pages, 7475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Framework and Research Proposal for Energy Utilization, Conservation, Production, and Intelligent Systems in Tropical Island Zero-Carbon Building

by Qiankun Wang, Ke Zhu and Peiwen Guo

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061339 - 11 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1089

Abstract

This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies and resource wastage caused by the traditional segmented approach to building energy consumption management. Thus, it seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the zero-carbon building (ZCB) technology system. This article focuses on the demands for energy-efficient comfort and innovative industrialization in construction. Through an analysis of the characteristics of TIZCB and an explanation of their concepts, it establishes a theoretical framework for examining the system mechanisms of these buildings. Additionally, it delves into the energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. This approach results in the development of an implementation strategy for studying the mechanisms of energy usage, conservation, and intelligent production systems in TIZCB. The results show that: (1) this study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of TIZCB, emphasizing their evolution from a foundation of low-carbon and near-zero energy consumption. The primary goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions during building operation, with reliance on renewable energy sources. Design considerations prioritize adaptation to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, integrating regional culture along with the utilization of new materials and technologies. (2) A comprehensive technical framework for TIZCB is proposed, encompassing energy utilization, conservation, production capacity, and intelligent systems. Drawing from systems theory, control theory, and synergy theory, the research employs a macro–meso–micro analytical framework, offering extensive theoretical support for the practical aspects of design and optimization. (3) The research implementation plan establishes parameterized models, unveiling the intricate relationships with building performance. It provides optimized intelligent system design parameters for economically viable zero-carbon operations. This study contributes theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of TIZCB and aligns with the dual carbon strategy in China and the clean energy free trade zone construction in Hainan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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17 pages, 3183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Achieving Net Zero Carbon Performance in a French Apartment Building?

by Alpha Hamid Dicko, Charlotte Roux and Bruno Peuportier

Energies 2023, 16(22), 7608; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227608 - 16 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1239

Abstract

Containing global warming to 1.5 °C implies staying on a given carbon budget and therefore being able to design net zero carbon buildings by 2050. A case study corresponding to a French residential building is used to assess the feasibility of achieving this target. Starting from an actual construction built in 2016, various improvement measures are studied: lowering heating energy needs, implementing bio-sourced materials and renewable energy systems (geothermal heat pump, solar domestic hot water production, and photovoltaic electricity production). Dynamic thermal simulation is used to evaluate energy consumption and overheating risk in hot periods. Greenhouse gas emissions are quantified using a consequential life cycle assessment approach, considering that during a transition period, exporting electricity avoids impacts corresponding to marginal production on the grid. Avoided impacts decrease and become zero when the grid is ultimately “decarbonized”. From this point, the building should be net zero emissions, but there remain unavoidable emissions. Residual GhG (greenhouse gas) emissions account for 5.6 kgCO₂ eq/m² annually. The possibility of offsetting these emissions is investigated, considering sequestration in forests or vegetation systems. A net zero emission level can be achieved, but on a national level, it would require that the whole sequestration potential of forest growth be devoted to offset emissions of new construction. A circular economy for construction products and equipment and considering water use will be needed to further decrease environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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14 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective PCM–Desiccant Combination with Solar-Assisted Regeneration for the Indoor Comfort Control of an Office in a Warm and Humid Climate—A Numerical Study

by Edson Manyumbu, Viktoria Martin and Justin Ningwei Chiu

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5391; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145391 - 14 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 922

Abstract

Favorable thermal conditions within buildings are a necessity. Mechanical air conditioning, although effective, contributes a significant percentage of the world’s total energy use, which contributes to global warming. In addition, the refrigerants used in air conditioning also contribute to global warming. Passive means to provide thermal comfort have therefore been considered as alternative solutions. Phase-change materials (PCMs) have been considered as one passive cooling option. Although this option achieves a certain degree of effectiveness, especially in warm and dry climatic conditions, its effectiveness in warm humid climates is subdued due to its inability to handle humidity. In the present study, the suitability of a novel passive comfort provision strategy that combines a PCM and a desiccant is assessed. The passive system operates in a cycle of two phases: the moderating phase and the regenerating phase. For the proposed strategy, the regeneration process first involves the external desiccant bed, then night air drying using the regenerated external bed; the dried air subsequently regenerates the internal wall surface. The study involves the modeling of the proposed strategy and simulation of its performance. The simulation results indicate the significant potential for providing satisfactory comfort and health conditions through application of a combination of a desiccant and a PCM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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23 pages, 7395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Evaluation of the Effects of Heat Island on Building Energy Simulation: A Case Study in Wuhan, China

by Long Pei, Patrick Schalbart and Bruno Peuportier

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073032 - 26 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

The climate data used for dynamic energy simulation of buildings located in urban regions are usually collected in meteorological stations situated in rural areas, which do not accurately represent the urban microclimate (e.g., urban heat island effect), and this might affect the simulation accuracy. This paper aims at quantitatively evaluating the effects of heat island on a high-rise building’s energy performance based on the microclimate simulation tool ENVI-met and the building energy simulation tool COMFIE. However, the computation of microclimate models is time consuming; it is not possible to simulate every day of a year in a reasonable time. This paper proposes a method that generates hourly “site-specific climate data” to avoid long microclimate simulation times. A coupling method of ENVI-met and COMFIE was developed for more precise building energy simulation, accounting for the heat island effect. It was applied to a high-rise building in Wuhan, China. The results showed that the yearly average urban heat island effect intensity at the height of 3 m was estimated to be 0.55 °C and decreased with height. Compared to the simulation considering the outdoor temperature variation with the height and orientation, using the original climate data collected in rural areas led to an overestimation of the heating load by around 5.8% and an underestimation of the cooling load by around 8.7%. Compared to the weather file at the height of 3 m near the north facade neglecting the temperature variation along the height, the heating load was overestimated by 8.2% and the cooling load was underestimated by 10.8%. The methods proposed in this paper can be used for the more precise application of urban building energy simulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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21 pages, 4213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison between Solution-Based Synthesis Methods of ZrO₂ Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Applications

by Maria Leonor Matias, Emanuel Carlos, Rita Branquinho, Hadassa do Valle, João Marcelino, Maria Morais, Ana Pimentel, Joana Rodrigues, Teresa Monteiro, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins and Daniela Nunes

Energies 2022, 15(17), 6452; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176452 - 3 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2472

Abstract

The present study is focused on the synthesis of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanomaterials using the hydrothermal method assisted by microwave irradiation and solution combustion synthesis. Both synthesis techniques resulted in ZrO₂ powders with a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic phases. For microwave synthesis, a further calcination treatment at 800 °C for 15 min was carried out to produce nanopowders with a dominant monoclinic ZrO₂ phase, as attested by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the ZrO₂ nanopowder was investigated by in situ XRD measurements. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the presence of near spherical nanoparticles was clear, and TEM confirmed the ZrO₂ phases that comprised the calcinated nanopowders, which include a residual tetragonal phase. The optical properties of these ZrO₂ nanopowders were assessed through photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) at room temperature (RT), revealing the presence of a broad emission band peaked in the visible spectral region, which suffers a redshift in its peak position, as well as intensity enhancement, after the calcination treatment. The powder resultant from the solution combustion synthesis was composed of plate-like structures with a micrometer size; however, ZrO₂ nanoparticles with different shapes were also observed. Thin films were also produced by solution combustion synthesis and deposited on silicon substrates to produce energy storage devices, i.e., ZrO₂ capacitors. The capacitors that were prepared from a 0.2 M zirconium nitrate-based precursor solution in 2-methoxyethanol and annealed at 350 °C exhibited an average dielectric constant (κ) of 11 ± 0.5 and low leakage current density of 3.9 ± 1.1 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm² at 1 MV/cm. This study demonstrates the simple and cost-effective aspects of both synthesis routes to produce ZrO₂ nanomaterials that can be applied to energy storage devices, such as capacitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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Review

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28 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Zero-Carbon Wooden Building Concepts: A Review of Selected Criteria

by Agnieszka Starzyk, Kinga Rybak-Niedziółka, Aleksandra Nowysz, Janusz Marchwiński, Alicja Kozarzewska, Joanna Koszewska, Anna Piętocha, Polina Vietrova, Przemysław Łacek, Mikołaj Donderewicz, Karol Langie, Katarzyna Walasek, Karol Zawada, Ivanna Voronkova, Barbara Francke and Anna Podlasek

Energies 2024, 17(17), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174502 - 8 Sep 2024

Viewed by 897

Abstract

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)

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