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Energies
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Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components
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Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2023) | Viewed by 20352

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ravi Anant Kishore

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Building Energy Science Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO 80401, USA
Interests: thermal-fluid sciences; energy conversion; energy storage; building energy management; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marcus Bianchi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Interests: energy fundamentals; heat and mass transfer; thermodynamics; phase change; building science; thermal insulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to cordially invite you to contribute your research articles to Energies under the Special Issue “Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components”. The special issue is focused on all aspects of energy management in buildings including, but not limited to, material developments, modeling and simulations, energy analysis, design innovations, and experiments. This issue broadly covers both traditional and non-traditional approaches for building energy-efficiency improvements by retrofits, thermal and hygrothermal analysis, thermal energy storage, renewable energy applications, HAVC and refrigeration systems, and grid-interactive buildings. We particularly encourage the solutions pertaining to the global energy challenges and better building initiatives to improve the lives of people worldwide.

We welcome all types of research articles—reviews, perspectives, case studies, and original papers—and look forward for your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ravi Anant Kishore
Dr. Marcus Bianchi
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 efficiency
  • Thermal
  • Heat transfer
  • HVAC
  • Refrigeration
  • Energy storage
  • Renewables

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1692 KiB  
Communication
Application of a Model Based on Rough Set Theory (RST) to Estimate the Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings
by Joanna Piotrowska-Woroniak and Tomasz Szul
Energies 2022, 15(23), 8793; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238793 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
The study was carried out on a group of 85 public buildings, which differed in type of use, construction technology and heating systems. From the collected data, a set of qualitative and quantitative variables characterizing them in terms of heat demand was extracted. [...] Read more.
The study was carried out on a group of 85 public buildings, which differed in type of use, construction technology and heating systems. From the collected data, a set of qualitative and quantitative variables characterizing them in terms of heat demand was extracted. In this paper, the authors undertook to test the suitability of a model based on rough set theory (RST), which allows the analysis of imprecise, general and uncertain data. To obtain input data for the RST model in quantitative form, the authors used an alternative approach, which is a method based on the thermal properties of buildings. The quality of the predictive model was evaluated based on the following indicators, such as the coefficient of determination (R2), the mean bias error (MBE), the coefficient of variance of the root mean square error (CV RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), which are accepted as statistical calibration standards by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). A quality-acceptable predictive model must meet the calibration conditions: MBE ±5%, CV RMSE < 15% and R2 > 0.75. For the analyzed RST model, the following values of evaluation indicators were obtained: MBE = −1.1%, CV RMSE = 11.8% and R2 = 0.91. The evaluation results obtained gave rise to the conclusion that the method used, which is based on a limited amount of data describing buildings, gives good results in estimating the unit rate of energy demand for heating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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30 pages, 2569 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Weather-Forecast-Based Regulation on Energy Savings for Heating in Multi-Family Buildings
by Joanna Piotrowska-Woroniak, Tomasz Szul, Krzysztof Cieśliński and Jozef Krilek
Energies 2022, 15(19), 7279; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197279 - 4 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2272
Abstract
In this study, based on 19 years of research, an analysis of thermal energy consumption for heating was carried out on a group of 22 residential multi-family buildings located in a temperate continental climate. The buildings were constructed with two different technologies based [...] Read more.
In this study, based on 19 years of research, an analysis of thermal energy consumption for heating was carried out on a group of 22 residential multi-family buildings located in a temperate continental climate. The buildings were constructed with two different technologies based on prefabricated elements, and most of them were equipped with central heating cost allocators. A predictive control system for the central heating system was installed in the analyzed buildings, followed by a deep thermo-modernization. An evaluation was made regarding whether the use of a change in the method of central heating control, from the traditional one, which takes into account only the variable external temperature, to weather control, increases the energy efficiency of the thermo-modernized buildings. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of the modernization measures was analyzed by determining economic efficiency indicators; therefore, it was possible to identify the modernization variant that, with limited investment costs, could achieve the best energy efficiency resulting from the European energy policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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20 pages, 5979 KiB  
Article
Construction and Calibration of a Unique Hot Box Apparatus
by Abdalhadi Alhawari and Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya
Energies 2022, 15(13), 4677; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134677 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2832
Abstract
A variety of mathematical models are available to estimate the thermal performance of buildings. Nevertheless, mathematical models predict the thermal performance of buildings that might differ from the actual performance. The hot box is a widely-used test apparatus to assess the actual thermal [...] Read more.
A variety of mathematical models are available to estimate the thermal performance of buildings. Nevertheless, mathematical models predict the thermal performance of buildings that might differ from the actual performance. The hot box is a widely-used test apparatus to assess the actual thermal performance of various building envelope components (walls, roofs, windows) in the laboratory. This paper presents the process of designing, constructing, and calibrating a unique small-scale hot box apparatus. Despite its smaller metering area (1.0 m × 1.0 m), this apparatus met the key requirements (below ±0.25 °C fluctuations in chambers’ air temperature, and below 2.0% variation from the point-to-point temperature in reference to the temperature difference across the specimen) as prescribed in the ASTM C1363 and ISO 8990 standards. The walls of this apparatus are uniquely constructed using vacuum insulation panels or VIPs. The efficient and novel use of VIPs and workmanship during the construction of the apparatus are demonstrated through the temperature stability within the chambers. The achieved range of temperature steadiness below ±0.05 °C and point-to-point temperature variation below 1.0% of the temperature difference across the specimen allow for this apparatus to be considered unique among the calibrated hot box categories reported in the literature. In addition, having an affordable, simple-to-operate, and high-accuracy facility offers a great opportunity for researchers and practitioners to investigate new ideas and solutions. The apparatus was calibrated using two extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) specimens with thicknesses of 2″ and 4″. The calibration exercise indicates small differences between results obtained numerically, theoretically, and experimentally (below 3.0%). Ultimately, the apparatus was employed to measure the thermal properties of a specimen representing a lightweight steel framing (LSF) wall system, which is commonly used in cold climates. The results obtained experimentally were then compared to the ones estimated numerically using a 3D finite element modelling tool. The difference between the results obtained by both methods was below 9.0%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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19 pages, 10318 KiB  
Article
Corrosion of Metal Alloys in Potassium Acetate Solutions for Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification and Air Conditioning
by Kerry C. Rippy, Emily Volk, Reagan Beers, Eric Kozubal, Kristin Gauderman and Judith Vidal
Energies 2022, 15(12), 4421; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124421 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3094
Abstract
For commercial buildings, liquid desiccant air conditioners (LDACs) could provide up to 80% energy savings compared to high-efficiency vapor compression AC, but commonly utilized liquid desiccants are highly corrosive. This precludes the use of metallic components, necessitating specialized plastics and thereby driving up [...] Read more.
For commercial buildings, liquid desiccant air conditioners (LDACs) could provide up to 80% energy savings compared to high-efficiency vapor compression AC, but commonly utilized liquid desiccants are highly corrosive. This precludes the use of metallic components, necessitating specialized plastics and thereby driving up cost, weight, and limiting operational temperature and pressure ranges. Less corrosive alternatives are sought. Here, potassium acetate solutions are investigated as less-corrosive alternatives to the chloride salt solutions that are typically used in LDAC systems. Corrosion evaluations for a Cu alloy (C12200) and two Al alloys (Al3003 and Al1100) in both potassium acetate and chloride salt solutions are presented. We show that yearly corrosion rates are lower in potassium acetate solutions by up to three orders of magnitude. Active corrosion behavior is largely absent in potassium acetate solutions but is present in chloride salt solutions. Furthermore, solid corrosion products are observed in chloride salt solutions. Thus, we conclude that potassium acetate is a promising candidate as a less corrosive alternative liquid desiccant for LDAC systems with metallic components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 4688 KiB  
Article
Thermal Characterization of Recycled Materials for Building Insulation
by Arnas Majumder, Laura Canale, Costantino Carlo Mastino, Antonio Pacitto, Andrea Frattolillo and Marco Dell’Isola
Energies 2021, 14(12), 3564; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123564 - 15 Jun 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4334
Abstract
The building sector is known to have a significant environmental impact, considering that it is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions of around 36% and is also responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption. Of this, about 50% takes place [...] Read more.
The building sector is known to have a significant environmental impact, considering that it is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions of around 36% and is also responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption. Of this, about 50% takes place during the building operational phase, while around 10–20% is consumed in materials manufacturing, transport and building construction, maintenance, and demolition. Increasing the necessity of reducing the environmental impact of buildings has led to enhancing not only the thermal performances of building materials, but also the environmental sustainability of their production chains and waste prevention. As a consequence, novel thermo-insulating building materials or products have been developed by using both locally produced natural and waste/recycled materials that are able to provide good thermal performances while also having a lower environmental impact. In this context, the aim of this work is to provide a detailed analysis for the thermal characterization of recycled materials for building insulation. To this end, the thermal behavior of different materials representing industrial residual or wastes collected or recycled using Sardinian zero-km locally available raw materials was investigated, namely: (1) plasters with recycled materials; (2) plasters with natural fibers; and (3) building insulation materials with natural fibers. Results indicate that the investigated materials were able to improve not only the energy performances but also the environmental comfort in both new and in existing buildings. In particular, plasters and mortars with recycled materials and with natural fibers showed, respectively, values of thermal conductivity (at 20 °C) lower than 0.475 and 0.272 W/(m⋅K), while that of building materials with natural fibers was always lower than 0.162 W/(m⋅K) with lower values for compounds with recycled materials (0.107 W/(m⋅K)). Further developments are underway to analyze the mechanical properties of these materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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21 pages, 15553 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Modernization of a Single-Family Building in Poland Including Thermal Comfort
by Bernard Zawada and Joanna Rucińska
Energies 2021, 14(10), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102925 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2434
Abstract
The impact of thermal comfort demand on the renovation process was carried out on an optimization basis for the thermo-modernization process of an exemplary single-family home located in Warsaw. The verified TRNSYS simulation program was used to generate a set of variants of [...] Read more.
The impact of thermal comfort demand on the renovation process was carried out on an optimization basis for the thermo-modernization process of an exemplary single-family home located in Warsaw. The verified TRNSYS simulation program was used to generate a set of variants of building modernization solutions. This variants set was used afterwards as a database for optimization. The analysis performed includes the internal air temperature, indicators of thermal comfort (PPD), and annual energy demand for heating and cooling, and investment costs of modernization building. The results indicated the importance of analyzing various variants of building modernization solutions. Performing modernization without analyzing its effects can have positive as well as negative consequences, e.g., achieving a significant reduction in the primary energy demands at the expense of the deteriorated thermal comfort of users. It was shown that separate analysis of indicators leads to completely different solutions and should not be recommended during modernization of single-family buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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13 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Timescale Bilinear Model for Optimization and Control of HVAC Systems with Consistency
by Zelin Nie, Feng Gao and Chao-Bo Yan
Energies 2021, 14(2), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14020400 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2259
Abstract
Reducing the energy consumption of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems while ensuring users’ comfort is of both academic and practical significance. However, the-state-of-the-art of the optimization model of the HVAC system is that either the thermal dynamic model is simplified [...] Read more.
Reducing the energy consumption of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems while ensuring users’ comfort is of both academic and practical significance. However, the-state-of-the-art of the optimization model of the HVAC system is that either the thermal dynamic model is simplified as a linear model, or the optimization model of the HVAC system is single-timescale, which leads to heavy computation burden. To balance the practicality and the overhead of computation, in this paper, a multi-timescale bilinear model of HVAC systems is proposed. To guarantee the consistency of models in different timescales, the fast timescale model is built first with a bilinear form, and then the slow timescale model is induced from the fast one, specifically, with a bilinear-like form. After a simplified replacement made for the bilinear-like part, this problem can be solved by a convexification method. Extensive numerical experiments have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of this model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Energy Management: Materials, Modeling, and Components)
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