Search Results (118)

Artificial lighting accounts for roughly 30% of total electricity use in supermarkets and significantly affects product perception, customer experience, and purchasing behavior. Increasing the availability of natural light, combined with appropriate architectural energy retrofitting strategies, offers a major opportunity to reduce electricity demand. This study proposes a data-driven framework for evaluating energy retrofit strategies in commercial buildings, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM). A parametric methodology is used to evaluate multiple architectural retrofitting scenarios aimed at enhancing daylighting and reducing artificial lighting demand, while improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. The scenarios investigated include variations in skylight geometry and orientation, glazing type, photovoltaic integration, and advanced lighting controls. Three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—real energy effectiveness, lighting control performance, and environmental impact—are used to assess how design modifications influence energy use, indoor lighting quality, and environmental performance. The methodology is applied to three real food-retail buildings in Italy. Results show that lighting energy consumption can be reduced by up to 60% in scenarios combining LED technology with smart control systems, while total building electricity savings vary across case studies depending on building characteristics and usage patterns. Environmental impact reductions of approximately 15–20% are achieved, reflecting both operational and life-cycle improvements. The study demonstrates the potential of parametric architectural retrofitting to support multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable refurbishment of food-retail environments. Full article

Daytime detection of space targets is challenging due to the strong skylight background and the limited resolution of conventional polarization imaging systems. In this work, we present a semiconductor-based polarization detection method that integrates a CMOS polarization imaging sensor with a Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope. To compensate for the spatial resolution loss inherent in division-of-focal-plane semiconductor polarization detectors, a bicubic interpolation algorithm is applied to reconstruct the degree and angle of polarization images. Furthermore, a spectral filtering strategy is introduced to suppress skylight-induced stray radiation, improving image contrast and reducing the risk of detector saturation. The developed system combines semiconductor optoelectronic detection, optical filtering, and computational reconstruction into a compact experimental platform. Validation experiments on Polaris and low-Earth-orbit space targets under daytime conditions demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves clearer and sharper polarization images compared with traditional intensity-based methods. Objective evaluation metrics, including gradient, contrast, brightness, and spatial frequency, confirm significant improvements in image quality. These results highlight the potential of semiconductor optoelectronic devices for polarization-based imaging and provide an effective framework for enhancing daytime space target detection. Full article

During the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage buildings, existing opening systems and envelope performance often pose major constraints. These restrictions make it difficult for the building to meet the requirements of the updated indoor environment, resulting in insufficient daylight and increased energy consumption. Therefore, optimizing lighting and energy performance has become the primary goal of the retrofit design. However, with limited interventions, the retrofit of heritage buildings to achieve significant overall performance improvement is still a challenge. From a sustainability perspective, improving daylight utilization and reducing energy demand are essential strategies for achieving low-carbon and resource-efficient building retrofit. This study proposes a grid-based parametric multi-objective optimization approach to optimize the window openings of the building envelope. The approach defines the position, size and material properties of the roof and facade openings as design variables. Implemented via the Honeybee and Octopus platforms, it integrates a genetic algorithm with EnergyPlus and Radiance simulations to co-optimize daylight performance, circadian frequency, and energy use intensity. Taking a single-story typical industrial heritage building in China’s cold climate zone as a case study, it is shown that coordinated multi-objective constraints significantly improve the overall performance across various evaluation metrics. The optimization results also provide interpretable window configuration strategies and recommended parameter ranges, which fully consider the climate adaptability of the surrounding environment. These findings offer useful guidance for sustainable retrofit design decision-making in similar single-story industrial heritage buildings. Full article

The traditional Yikeyin dwellings in central Yunnan exhibit a distinctive spatial layout and skywell design that passively adapt to the mild plateau monsoon climate through natural ventilation. Although their courtyard-based configuration and skylight design are widely recognized for climatic adaptability, the quantitative relationship between courtyard orientation and ventilation performance remains insufficiently explored. This study integrates on-site environmental monitoring with validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate how different courtyard orientations influence airflow organization and the indoor thermal environment. Based on detailed field surveys and measured data, three representative orientation schemes were established. The RNG k-ε turbulence model was adopted, and one-way coupled simulations using OpenFOAM and EnergyPlus were conducted to evaluate seasonal ventilation behavior and indoor thermal comfort. The findings reveal synergistic design principles between building orientation and courtyard spatial configuration, as well as spatial differentiation patterns contributing to thermal environment stability. Three orientation types—leeward, windward, and transitional—were identified, each demonstrating distinct advantages and limitations. The study quantitatively confirms the effectiveness of Yikeyin dwellings in utilizing natural ventilation for environmental regulation during both summer and winter seasons. These results provide scientific evidence and design support for modern buildings seeking to achieve enhanced ventilation performance and climatic adaptability. Full article

The lack of high-precision imaging data for lunar volcanic regions currently hinders the detailed characterization of lava tube systems and their associated fine-scale geomorphology. To address this information deficit, this study establishes the Jingpo Lake Volcanic Field (JLVF) in Northeast China as a primary terrestrial analog for the lunar Marius Hills complex. We systematically characterize the basaltic morphometric continuum, tracing the geological evolution from proximal scoria cones through medial lava tube skylights to distal lava plateaus. Focusing on the subsurface transport system, we identify a linear chain of discontinuous skylights that structurally mirrors the “proto-rille” stage of lunar sinuous rilles. Quantitative morphometry reveals that these terrestrial vents reproduce the geometric duality of lunar pits, ranging from stable “deep shafts” to degraded “funnel pits,” effectively validating the mechanical diversity of the lunar inventory. Critically, the “U-to-V” cross-sectional transition observed in JLVF collapse trenches serves as diagnostic ground-truth evidence, confirming that lunar rilles originate from the catastrophic roof failure of subsurface tubes rather than purely thermal erosion. Regarding the lava plateau, our field investigation resolves sub-meter micro-textures—including laminar pahoehoe ropes and inflation fissures—that are typically obscured by the resolution limits of current lunar orbiters. These findings suggest that the seemingly “smooth” lunar maria likely host complex, rugged micro-terrains. Therefore, comparing lunar volcanic regions with simulated volcanic fields from Earth is crucial. Analyzing potential volcanic products from angles undetectable by some lunar satellites can offer vital insights for future lunar exploration. Full article

Atrium spaces are widely applied in university buildings. However, achieving effective energy reduction while maintaining adequate daylighting and indoor comfort remains a major challenge at the early design stage. This study identifies key building form design variables significantly influencing atrium daylighting, energy use, and thermal comfort, including building orientation, atrium width-to-depth ratio, atrium aspect ratio, atrium bottom area ratio, and skylight–roof ratio. A multi-objective optimization (MOO) framework is proposed to balance daylight performance, energy consumption, and thermal comfort under fixed envelope parameters. Using typical single- and double-atrium teaching buildings in cold regions as case studies, this research adopts Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), Energy Use Intensity (EUI), and Discomfort Time Percentage (DTP) as key indicators to evaluate the interactions between design parameters and building performance. Based on the Pareto-optimal results for the studied prototypes, a south-by-west orientation, moderately slender atrium proportions, relatively compact atrium bottom areas, and medium skylight–roof ratios together yield a balanced performance. Compared with the reference to the initial solution, the optimized solutions reduce EUI by up to 5.66% while also improving UDI and DTP. These results are intended as quantitative references and optimization for early-stage geometric forms design of atrium teaching buildings in cold regions. Full article

Daylighting is essential in residential building design because it influences energy efficiency and visual comfort while also supporting occupants’ health and overall well-being. Adequate natural light exposure aids circadian regulation and psychological restoration and enhances indoor environmental quality. This study examines how the window-to-wall ratio, skylight-to-roof ratio, and building orientation in a selected low-rise residential building can be optimized to ensure sufficient daylight in warm-humid climates. Using on-site illuminance measurements and climate-based simulations, the daylight performance is evaluated using metrics such as useful daylight illuminance, spatial daylight autonomy, and annual sunlight exposure. Results indicated that a 5% skylight-to-roof ratio (such as a 1:2 skylight setup), combined with a 22% window-to-wall ratio and glazing with a visible transmittance of 0.45, provides a balanced improvement in daylight availability for the chosen case study. The selected configuration optimizes spatial daylight autonomy and useful daylight illuminance while keeping annual sunlight exposure within recommended levels based on the surrounding building landscape. The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring daylighting strategies to site-specific orientation, glazing options, and design constraints. The approach and insights from this case study can be beneficial for incorporating into similar low-rise residential buildings in warm-humid contexts. Incorporating daylight-responsive design into urban and architectural planning supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 11, and 13). Full article

Within the framework of the Healthy China strategy, daylighting in primary and secondary schools is crucial for students’ health and learning efficiency. Most schools in China still face insufficient and uneven daylighting, along with limited outdoor solar exposure, underscoring the need for systematic optimization. Guided by the “Daylighting School” concept, this study proposes a campus design model that integrates indoor daylighting with outdoor activity opportunities and explores a generative optimization approach. The research reviews daylighting and thermal performance metrics, summarizes European and American “Daylighting School” experiences, and develops three classroom prototypes—Standard Side-Lit, High Side-Lit, and Skylight-Lit—together with corresponding campus layout models. A two-stage optimization experiment was conducted on a high school site in Guangzhou. Stage 1 optimized block location and functional layout using solar radiation illuminance and activity accessibility distance. Stage 2 refined classroom configurations based on four key performance indicators: sDA, sGA, UOD, and APMV-mean. Results show that optimized layouts improved activity path efficiency and daylight availability. High Side-Lit and Skylight-Lit classrooms outperformed traditional Side-Lit in illuminance, uniformity, and glare control. To improve efficiency, an ANN-based prediction model was introduced to replace conventional simulation engines, enabling rapid large-scale assessment of complex classroom clusters and providing architects with real-time decision support for daylight-oriented educational building design. Full article

Boxwood (Buxus sp.) plays a key role in historical gardens due to its evergreen foliage and resilience. However, recent outbreaks of disease caused by fungal pathogens such as Calonectria spp. (C. pseudonaviculata, C. henricotiae) and Pseudonectria spp. (P. buxi, P. foliicola), as well as pest pressures from Cydalima perspectalis, have led to significant losses. This study examined 100 boxwood plantings across the Czech Republic to evaluate pest and disease occurrence. Further, six modern boxwood cultivars from the groups of BetterBuxus^® and NewGen^® were tested in field trials under the climatic conditions of the Czech Republic, focusing on their resistance to abiotic stress and foliage color retention throughout the year. Laboratory trials confirmed all cultivars were susceptible to C. pseudonaviculata, with ‘Renaissance’ showing the slowest disease progression. Field assessments under two contrasting management regimes (“Minimalistic” and “Pampered”) indicated sporadic boxwood blight incidence but frequent Volutella blight outbreaks, particularly where plants suffered frost stress. Leaf color, an important esthetic trait, was evaluated using Munsell charts and measuring the relative chlorophyll content. ‘Skylight’ most closely matched Buxus sempervirens in the shade of green and winter color. Full article

We investigated the relationship between foliar blight, tree structure, and spectral signatures in a Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) orchard in Oregon using unoccupied aerial system (UAS) multispectral imagery and ground surveying. Aerial data were collected under both cloudy and sunny conditions using a six-band sensor (red, green, blue, near-infrared, red edge, and longwave infrared), and ground surveying recorded foliar blight and tree height for 29 trees. We observed band- and index-dependent spectral variation within crowns and between lighting conditions. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Modified Simple Ratio Index Red Edge (MSRE), and Red Edge Chlorophyll Index (RECI) showed higher consistency across lighting changes (adjusted R² ≈ 0.95), while the Green Chlorophyll Index (GCI), Modified Simple Ratio Index (MSR), and Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) showed slightly lower consistency (adjusted R² ≈ 0.92) but greater sensitivity to blight under cloudy skies. Diffuse skylight increased blue and near-infrared reflectance, reduced red, and enhanced blight detection using GCI, MSR, and GNDVI. Tree height was inversely related to blight presence (p < 0.005), and spectral variation within crowns was significant (p < 0.01), suggesting a role for canopy architecture. The support vector machine classification of tree crowns achieved 92.5% accuracy (kappa = 0.87). Full article

With the promotion of national fitness, the requirements for regulating indoor environments during non-competition periods are low and relatively flexible under the trend of composite sports buildings. To maximize the use of natural ventilation and lighting for energy savings, passive optimization design based on building ontology has emerged as an effective strategy. This paper focuses on the spatial prototype of large- and medium-sized gymnasiums, optimizing key geometric design parameters and envelope structure parameters that influence energy consumption. This optimization employs a combination of orthogonal experiments and performance simulations. This study identifies the degree to which each factor affects energy consumption in the competition hall and determines the optimal low-energy consumption gymnasium prototype. The results reveal that the skylight area ratio is the most significant factor impacting the energy consumption of large- and medium-sized gymnasiums. The optimized gymnasium prototype reduced energy consumption by 5.3%~50.9% compared to all experimental combinations. This study provides valuable references and insights for architects during the initial stages of designing sports buildings to achieve low energy consumption. Full article

Greenhouses are applied to mitigate the deleterious effects of inclement weather, which facilitates the optimal growth and development of the crops. South China has a climate characterized by high temperature and high humidity, and the temperature and relative humidity inside a Venlo greenhouse are higher than those in the atmosphere. In this paper, the numerical model of the flow distribution of a Venlo greenhouse in South China was established using the CFD method, which mainly applied the DO model, the k-e turbulence model, and the porous medium model. The porous resistance characteristics of tomatoes were obtained through experimental research. The inertial resistances of tomato plants in the x, y, and z directions were 80,000,000, 18,000,000, and 120,000,000, respectively; the viscous resistances of tomato plants in the x, y, and z directions were 0.43, 0.60, and 0.63, respectively. The porosity of tomato plants was 0.996. The average difference between the temperature of the established numerical model and the experimental temperature was less than 0.11 °C, and the average relative error was 2.72%. This research also studied the effects of five management and structure parameters on the velocity and temperature distribution in a greenhouse. The optimal inlet velocity is 1.32 m/s, with the COF of velocity and temperature being 9.23% and 1.18%, respectively. The optimal skylight opening is 1.76 m, with the COF of velocity and temperature being 10.68% and 0.88%, respectively. The optimal side window opening is 0.67 m, with the COF of velocity and temperature being 9.25% and 2.10%, respectively. The optimal side window height is 1.18 m, with the COF of velocity and temperature being 9.50% and 1.33%, respectively. The optimal planting interval is 1.40 m, with the COF of velocity and temperature being 15.29% and 0.20%, respectively. The results provide a reference for the design and management of Venlo greenhouses in South China. Full article

As a type of distinctive pit on Mars, skylights are entrances to subsurface lava caves. They are very important for studying volcanic activity and potential preserved water ice, and are also considered as potential sites for human extraterrestrial bases in the future. Most skylights are manually identified, which has low efficiency and is highly subjective. Although deep learning methods have recently been used to identify skylights, they face challenges of few effective samples and low identification accuracy. In this article, 151 positive samples and 920 negative samples based on the MRO-HiRISE image data was used to create an initial skylight dataset, which contained few positive samples. To augment the initial dataset, StyleGAN2-ADA was selected to synthesize some positive samples and generated an augmented dataset with 896 samples. On the basis of the augmented skylight dataset, we proposed YOLOv9-Skylight for skylight identification by incorporating Inner-EIoU loss and DySample to enhance localization accuracy and feature extracting ability. Compared with YOLOv9, the P, R, and the F1 of YOLOv9-Skylight were improved by about 9.1%, 2.8%, and 5.6%, respectively. Compared with other mainstream models such as YOLOv5, YOLOv10, Faster R-CNN, Mask R-CNN, and DETR, YOLOv9-Skylight achieved the highest accuracy (F1 = 92.5%), which shows a strong performance in skylight identification. Full article

Bio-inspired imaging polarimeters have significant applications in the field of detecting the polarization state of skylights. The polarization detection principle of polarization detection units in polarimeters is mostly based on the Stokes parameter method. Using the Stokes parameter method, multiple linearly polarized lights modulated by the incident light need to be obtained. According to the polarization modulation method of the polarization detection unit, imaging polarimeters can be classified into time-division types, channel-division types, and division of focal-plane types. Different from the classification in previous studies, this review divides channel-division polarimeters into single-sensor channel-division and multi-sensor channel-division polarimeters, avoiding the confusion of concepts between aperture-sharing polarimeters and amplitude-sharing polarimeters in previous classifications. This review introduces the different ways of achieving polarization-state imaging through various bionic imaging polarimeters and expands on the advanced polarization detection unit structure design technologies based on the Stokes parameter method introduced in recent years, aiming to provide inspiration for bio-inspired imaging polarimeters used in navigation and positioning. Full article

Long-distance navigation requires global positioning methods to have complete autonomy, particularly when the Global Positioning System is unavailable. Considering that bionic polarized light-based global positioning technology exhibits good autonomy, this study develops an error model for autonomous global positioning based on the polarized skylight and a true north measurement instrument, using an approach of partial derivatives. The proposed model can rapidly and accurately provide the global error distribution of a bionic positioning method under varying angular measurement errors at different times. In addition, the conditions under which the proposed error model remains valid are investigated. The results indicate that the investigation can be simplified to verify whether the denominators of four partial derivatives of an implicit function system are simultaneously non-zero. The accuracy of the proposed error model is verified through numerical simulations. The results indicate that when the deviations of the two independent variables are up to 0.0001°, the positioning error mostly remains less than 14 m. In contrast, fewer geographical locations have positioning errors approaching positive infinity. By analyzing the global error distribution, one can effectively design and optimize the parameters of the autonomous global positioning system, enhancing its reliability and stability. Full article