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Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 14584

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yanan Liu

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Guest Editor

College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
Interests: natural ventilation; building energy conservation; green building and building performance; urban microclimate; IAQ and indoor environment; HVAC system

Dr. Shen Wei

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Guest Editor

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
Interests: intelligent buildings; occupant behaviour and comfort; thermal storage; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Lili Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
Interests: green building technology and evaluation; sponge city construction technology; landscape garden planning and design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the continuous deterioration of global warming, it becomes more challenging to provide comfortable indoor environments with low energy consumption. However, for sustainable development, reducing the energy consumption of buildings is particularly urgent, and the achievement of this requires continuous development in technologies, especially those that can be used for building services systems. This Special Issue, therefore, would like to invite cutting-edge technologies that can help to achieve healthier indoor environments and lower energy consumption under the changing climate. These can include energy-efficient systems, renewable energy, energy storage materials and technology, environmental protection equipment and techniques, energy-efficient/smart behaviour, etc. The scope includes the above mentioned topics, with both research articles and review articles are welcome. The aim of this issue is to provide an interactive platform for researchers in relevant areas to share their current ideas, and to promote the speed of achieving low-carbon and healthy buildings.

The main topics include (but are not limited to):

Low-energy and healthy buildings;
Advanced energy storage materials and technologies;
Advanced environmental protection equipment and techniques;
Energy-efficient/smart occupant behaviour;
Advanced carbon emissions/energy consumption control strategies/techniques throughout the life cycle of buildings;
Coupled studies between urban form and building energy systems;
Built environment and energy studies in the community scale, such as microclimate, air pollutant control, outdoor environment, district energy system, etc.

Dr. Yanan Liu
Dr. Shen Wei
Prof. Lili Dong
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. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

energy efficient technology
indoor air quality
healthy building
occupant behaviour

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 4900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Temporal–Spatial Partition Control Strategies for Luminous and Thermal Environment in High Space of Gymnasiums

by Yanpeng Wu, Kaikai Guo, Shaoxiong Li and Meitong Jin

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3512; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113512 - 2 Nov 2024

Viewed by 460

Abstract

The lighting design of large-space buildings in gymnasiums can impact the indoor luminous and thermal environment, resulting in an uneven light and thermal distribution. This paper investigates the luminous and thermal environment control strategies for high spaces in gymnasiums, by simulating the luminous and thermal environment under different lighting forms and establishing a comprehensive evaluation model. The results show that the weights of the indoor luminous environment, thermal environment, and comprehensive energy consumption change with season and time under different lighting forms, which provides a basis for developing a temporal–spatial partition control strategy. The temporal–spatial partition control strategy is proposed for summer and winter, including the shading angle control under the lighting forms of south-facing side windows, west-facing side windows, and top skylights. Under summer conditions, the south-facing side windows have no shading from 8:00 to 10:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, and the shading angle is 0° from 10:00 to 14:00; the west-facing side windows have no shading from 8:00 to 14:00, the shading angle is 0° from 14:00 to 15:00, and the shading angle is 15° from 15:00 to 16:00; and the top skylight has a shade angle of 15° from 8:00 to 9:00, 30° from 9:00 to 11:00, 45° from 11:00 to 13:00, and no shade from 13:00 to 16:00. Under winter conditions, the south-facing side windows have no shading all day; the west-facing side windows have no shading from 8:00 to 14:00, and the shading angle is 30° from 14:00 to 16:00; and the top skylight has no shading from 8:00 to 13:00, a shading angle of 45° from 13:00 to 15:00, and a shading angle of 75° from 15:00 to 16:00. This paper provides a set of scientific and reasonable luminous and thermal environment regulation strategies for large-space buildings, which can help optimize the building energy consumption and improve the indoor environment quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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19 pages, 4685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation of Occupants’ Thermal Requirements in Indoor Transitional Space in Entertainment Buildings

by Guoying Hou, Chris Tweed and Shen Wei

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071896 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 681

Abstract

Indoor transitional space is a popular buffer space between buildings’ interior and exterior environments nowadays. Maintaining a comfortable indoor thermal comfort for transitional spaces often poses challenges to building designers and engineers. Some existing studies have already explored this topic, but they are mainly carried out in academic buildings. There are, however, still many other types of buildings containing transitional space, including entertainment buildings such as theaters and tourist centers. To provide useful information about people’s thermal requirements in the transitional space of entertainment buildings, this study has adopted both field measurement and questionnaire methods. Additionally, the same method has been repeated in an academic setting as well, so the results can be compared with existing studies. By comparing participants’ thermal requirements, it indicates that people’s thermal requirements are significantly impacted by operative temperature, which can give architects suggestions to improve the thermal environment in transitional spaces. In addition, in transitional spaces, people had a high tolerance for their thermal environment, especially participants in entertainment buildings, who showed a fairly high thermal satisfaction rate of 96% in winter and 94% in summer, far beyond the rates of 89% and 73% in academic buildings. Combined with the analysis of participants’ thermal preferences and the reason people stay in transitional spaces, it implies a close relationship between participants’ thermal comfort differences and the function that transitional spaces provide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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15 pages, 3081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Air Temperature Distribution and Heat Transfer Coefficient for Evaluating Cold Storage of Phase-Change Materials during Night Ventilation

by TaeCheol Lee, Rihito Sato, Takashi Asawa and Seonghwan Yoon

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061872 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

This paper focuses on clarifying the heat transfer coefficient necessary for determining the indoor temperature distribution during night ventilation using floor-level windows. Measurements were used to identify the factors that influence the vertical temperature distribution within a room wherein phase-change materials (PCMs) were installed at the floor level. The investigation revealed a temperature differential ranging from 1 °C to a maximum of 3 °C between the floor and the center of the room, attributable to external climatic conditions (outdoor temperature and wind speed). This variation was found to depend on the degree of mixing of indoor air currents. This deviation was critical because it significantly affected the phase-change temperature of PCMs, thereby impacting their thermal storage capabilities. Consequently, this study aimed to refine the predictive accuracy of indoor temperature distributions by proposing a modified vertical temperature distribution model that incorporated these findings. The results of this study are expected to provide better design strategies for building constructions that incorporate PCMs, and to optimize their functionality in passive cooling systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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16 pages, 5986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study on Student Residential Energy Use Behaviors: A Case Study of University Dormitories in Sichuan, China

by Yingzi Zhang, Bo Zhang and Jingwen Hou

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051484 - 20 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1247

Abstract

Studying the energy use behavior of occupants is crucial for accurately predicting building energy consumption. However, few studies have considered the impact of occupant behaviors on energy consumption in university dormitories. The objective of this study is to establish an agent-based model of energy consumption for university dormitories based on energy use behavior. The dormitories of a typical university in Sichuan, China, were subdivided into three clusters using a two-step cluster analysis. Subsequently, the energy use behaviors of occupants in each type of dormitory were characterized to establish a stochastic energy use behavior model. On the basis of the above, NETLOGO was used to construct an agent-based model for dormitories’ energy consumption to dynamically simulate energy use behavior. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the simulated values with the measured data. Finally, a building-energy-friendly retrofit scheme was proposed, and it was found that the optimized dormitory reduced energy consumption by 16.07%. Therefore, the results can provide information support for energy-saving decisions during the early design and retrofit phases of buildings. With the popularity of centralized supply, the research methodology may provide an extensive reference for energy management policies and sustainable strategies in the building sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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14 pages, 3627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Indoor Air Humidity on the Infiltration of Ambient Particles

by Jiayi Qiu, Haixi Zhang, Jialu Liu and Yanhua Liu

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041022 - 6 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1042

Abstract

Ambient particles contribute to occupant exposure as they infiltrate indoor environments through building envelope cracks, impacting indoor air quality. This study investigates the impact of indoor air humidity on the infiltration of ambient particles, highlighting humidity’s crucial role in influencing particle dynamics in indoor environments. Employing a controlled chamber system, we conducted experiments to quantify the infiltration of size-resolved particles under varying relative humidity (RH) conditions. Both the total number and the mass concentration of particles increased with RH in the experimental chamber. The smallest particles (0.3–0.4 μm) experienced reduced infiltration at higher RH levels due to hygroscopic growth, while intermediate-sized particles showed increased infiltration, resulted from coagulation effects. Large particles (>1.0 μm) demonstrated reduced infiltration factors, caused by lower penetration and higher deposition rates, with minimal impact from RH changes. Our findings reveal that RH influences particle hygroscopic growth, deposition rate, and coagulation process, thereby affecting indoor particle size distribution and concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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27 pages, 5297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trade-Off Judgement for Daylighting and Energy Consumption in the High and Large Space of the University Gymnasium in Beijing

by Yanpeng Wu, Meitong Jin and Tianhu Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010286 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1190

Abstract

Taking the high and large space of the University of Science and Technology Beijing Gymnasium as this research object, this paper analyzes the influence of different window positions, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), heat transfer coefficient (K), and visible light transmittance (VT) on the total indoor energy consumption in winter and summer and obtains the relationship between the daylight factor and VT formed when the window is opened per unit area. Through energy consumption simulation, the variation law and calculation formula for indoor total energy consumption are obtained. The results show that the SHGC and K of the exterior window have a significant influence on the total energy consumption. By using the energy consumption simulation of different types of exterior windows, it is concluded that the SHGC of the south-facing window is negatively correlated with the variation of air conditioning energy consumption per unit area Δe_1,w, while the others are positively correlated. Moreover, the SHGC and K of the skylight have the most significant influence on the Δe_1,w. The total energy consumption decreases and then increases with the increase in the window area, and there is a lowest point, so the right side of the lowest point is less than or equal to 105% of the lowest total energy consumption as a reasonable window area zone. Finally, a progressive optimization method for weighing daylighting and energy consumption in university gymnasiums in Beijing is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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19 pages, 2218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daylighting Performance of CdTe Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Skylights with Different Shapes for University Gymnasium Buildings

by Yanpeng Wu, Shaoxiong Li, Xin Gao and Huifang Fan

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010241 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1149

Abstract

The daylighting environment in university gymnasiums affects daily teaching and sports training. However, direct sunlight, glare, and indoor overheating in summer are common problems. Semi-transparent photovoltaic glass can solve these issues by replacing shading facilities, blocking solar radiation, and generating electricity. This study examines the influence of different types of CdTe semi-transparent film photovoltaic glass on the daylighting environment of six typical university gymnasium skylights. The optimal types of CdTe semi-transparent film photovoltaic glass are determined by dynamic daylighting performance metrics DA, DAcon, DAmax, and UDI. The results show that, for instance, centralized rectangular skylights benefit from the 50–60% transmittance type, while centralized X-shaped skylights require the 70–80% transmittance type to enhance indoor daylighting. The research results offer specific recommendations based on skylight shapes and photovoltaic glass types and can provide a reference for the daylighting design of university gymnasium buildings with different forms of photovoltaic skylights in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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27 pages, 31450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Implementation Path of Passive Heat-Protection Design Heritage in Lingnan Buildings

by Hui Ji, Shuqi Wu, Bishan Ye, Shuxi Wang, Yuqing Chen and Ji-Yu Deng

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2954; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122954 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

To achieve indoor thermal comfort via natural ventilation, traditional buildings in South China’s Lingnan region have evolved distinct features tailored to the hot and humid climate conditions, involving site planning, function layout, and construction techniques. This study delves into the influences of these features on aspects such as sun-shading, ventilation, and heat insulation. By analyzing over ten Lingnan buildings in both the traditional and modern forms, several representative standardized models have been developed. Through a hybrid approach of combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including simulations, quantifications, and comparisons, several passive heat-protection measures commonly employed in Lingnan buildings were examined and evaluated. The effectiveness of shading, ventilation, and heat insulation in both traditional and modern buildings was assessed, resulting in the compilation of design principles for passive heat protection in buildings located in similar climatic zones. Key findings include (1) Shading: traditional methods reduce sunlight by 54.55%, while modern buildings enhance shading by applying new materials; (2) ventilation: traditional design achieves an outdoor wind speed of 1.5 m/s, improving thermal comfort, while modern Lingnan buildings optimize these principles; (3) insulation: traditional techniques maintain indoor temperatures below 26.0 °C, and modern buildings introduce innovation solutions for improved thermal insulation. In summary, traditional Lingnan design effectively addresses the challenges of the hot and humid climate by employing passive strategies for thermal comfort. Modern Lingnan buildings, in turn, preserve these principles while introducing innovative approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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18 pages, 7159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CFD Analysis of Building Cross-Ventilation with Different Angled Gable Roofs and Opening Locations

by Jingyuan Shi, Changkai Zhao and Yanan Liu

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112716 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

The geometric shape of the roof and the opening position are important parameters influencing the internal cross-ventilation of buildings. Although there has been extensive research on natural ventilation, most of it has focused on flat or sloping roofs with the same opening positions. There is still limited research on the impact of different opening positions and sloping roofs on natural ventilation. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to investigate the air exchange efficiency (AEE) in general isolated buildings. These buildings encompassed three distinct opening configurations (top–top, top–bottom, and bottom–top) and six varying slope angles for gable roofs (0°, 9°, 18°, 27°, 36°, and 45°). Computational simulations were carried out using the SST k-omega turbulence model, and validation was performed against experimental data supplied by the Japanese AIJ Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Grid independence validation was also conducted to ensure the reliability of the CFD simulation results. The study revealed that the highest AEE was 48.1%, achieved with the top–bottom opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 45°. Conversely, the lowest AEE was 31.4%, attained with the bottom–top opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 27°. Furthermore, it was observed that when the opening configuration was set to top–top and bottom–top, the slope angle of the gable roof had minimal influence on AEE, with an average AEE of only around 33%. When the opening configuration was top–bottom, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the gable roof slope angle and AEE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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Review

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17 pages, 5914 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrated Systems of Light Pipes in Buildings: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Yanpeng Wu, Meitong Jin, Mingxi Liu and Shaoxiong Li

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020425 - 4 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Artificial lighting comprises nearly one-third of the total electrical load of buildings, resulting in significant carbon emissions. Reducing the carbon emissions caused by artificial lighting is one of the ways to achieve low-carbon buildings. To meet the demand for high-efficiency, energy-saving, and comfortable lighting, light pipes are increasingly used in buildings. This paper reviews the research and development of light pipes and integrated technology. Sky conditions as a dynamic factor always affect the performance of light pipes. The combination of light pipes and an artificial lighting system can effectively solve this problem. A light pipe can be integrated with a ventilation stack to achieve the ventilation and cooling or heating of a building. A lighting-heating coupled light guide can improve the energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings, such as where antimony tin oxide nanofluid is introduced to absorb additional heat and then provide domestic hot water. The application of a photocatalyst to light pipes can realize air purification and self-cleaning. The use of light pipes does not consume electricity and can reduce the time spent using artificial lighting, thus allowing for power savings. From a whole life cycle perspective, the use of light pipes can be a balance of cost and benefit. In conclusion, such information could be useful for engineers, researchers, and designers to assess the suitability of applying integrated light pipes in different building types and examine the potential of energy and cost savings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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