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Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 January 2023) | Viewed by 35462

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Prof. Dr. Izabela Sówka

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Department of Environment Protection Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego st., 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: methods standardization; odor emission regulation; air quality monitoring; dynamic olfactometry; odor mapping; odor modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Szulgowska-Zgrzywa

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Department of Air Conditioning, Heating, Gas and Air Protection, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego st., 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: renewable energy sources; energy efficiency; heat pumps; thermo-modernisation; sustainable development; modelling of the energy efficiency of buildings and heating systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate changes are recognized as an important problem by the European community. EU actions are currently focused on achieving zero emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). This requires actions in many areas of the economy. Strategic areas include increasing energy efficiency, increasing the RES share in the energy balance, decreasing GHG emissions (including from transportation) and developing the circular economy. One of the key areas will be energy management in buildings. In this context, thermo-modernization processes are particularly important because most of the buildings in Europe were built before the introduction of the rigorous norms concerning energy effectiveness, so their modernization is an inevitable element of the transformation. Additionally, the changes should be supported by the introduction of the RES both in individual systems and as an element of centralized heating and electric energy systems. Increasing the energy efficiency of systems and devices and promoting the usage of heat pumps and intelligent building and infrastructure management systems are important actions toward zero emissions. This should be accompanied by changes in transportation aimed at decreasing emissions to make the air cleaner and reduce noise levels. The processes toward zero emissions should also be supported by the effective utilization of resources and the circular economy.

Prof. Dr. Izabela Sówka
Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Szułgowska-Zgrzywa
Guest Editors

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Keywords

climate changes
greenhouse gas emissions
power engineering
heating
transportation
energy saving and zero-energy systems

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detailed Analysis of the Causes of the Energy Performance Gap Using the Example of Apartments in Historical Buildings in Wroclaw (Poland)

by Małgorzata Szulgowska-Zgrzywa, Ewelina Stefanowicz, Agnieszka Chmielewska and Krzysztof Piechurski

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041814 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

This paper presents the results of measuring and calculating the final energy consumption for heating and domestic hot water preparation in six apartments located in pre-war tenement houses in Wroclaw (Poland). The calculations were carried out based on energy models of dwellings calibrated with measurement data. Calculation variants were characterized by seven internal parameters (indoor air temperature, heat transfer coefficient by transmission through the internal partition, internal heat gains, air exchange multiplicity in the dwelling, domestic hot water consumption, and domestic hot water temperature and cold water temperature) and two external parameters (outdoor air temperature and insolation). By comparing calculations with measurements, the energy performance gap (EPG) values associated with each parameter were determined. The presented results indicate how much of the differences could be attributed to weather conditions and how much to other factors. It is quite common for the influence of some factors to cancel out the influence of others. Identifying and understanding the real causes of the energy gap may allow for the proposal of better retrofitting solutions or appropriate financial support to households at risk of energy poverty. It is important to note that only in-depth interviews with residents and measurements, such as those carried out in this case, allow such situations to be identified in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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16 pages, 1201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Energy Efficiency and Environmental Ship Index by Cruise Seaports in Northern Europe

by Joanna Kizielewicz

Energies 2022, 15(12), 4215; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124215 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Environmental organizations have alerted that rapid weather phenomena have intensified in recent years, such as floods, hurricanes, whirlwinds, droughts, fires and storms, caused by the deteriorating condition of the natural environment. Carbon emissions, which are the main cause of the deteriorating environment condition and dramatic climate change, are largely caused by the use of heavy fuel by shipping companies and generate large quantities of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. These compounds exert a strong negative impact on the environment and human health. Care for improving the marine environment and coastal areas has become the subject of interest of many international institutions, such as the International Maritime Organization, Organization of United Nations, European Sea Port Organization, European Commission and others, which introduce restrictive regulations and guidelines on the level of permissible harmful emissions into the environment as a result of ship operations in ports and at sea. In addition, they propose to monitor the level of pollution through the use of indicators, such as the Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and Environmental Ship Index (ESI), among others. The aim of this paper is to assess the Northern Europe seaports’ commitment to monitor the level of pollutants emitted by cruise ships in their ports. This article may constitute a subject of interest for seaport authorities and cruise ship operators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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18 pages, 2368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Consumption by DHW System with a Circulation Loop as an Energy Efficiency Component, Based on an Example of a Residential Building

by Marcin Klimczak, Grzegorz Bartnicki and Piotr Ziembicki

Energies 2022, 15(11), 3952; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15113952 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1937

Abstract

In the EU countries, almost 50% of the produced energy is used in residential buildings. More than 25% of this energy is used to produce domestic hot water, of which almost 80% is used to heat water in domestic hot water circulation systems. This is due to high expectations on the part of residents based on their comfort, in particular regarding the supply of heat for heating and domestic hot water. In the course of their long-term research conducted on real systems, the authors confirmed that the operation of domestic hot water distribution systems causes significant costs, mainly due to heat losses. Therefore, typical variants of energy optimization of such systems were analyzed. Tests have shown that selected solutions, such as the use of control automation, are not sufficient, and recommended additional thermal insulation may not be applicable due to technical reasons. With an aim of finding a solution to the problem, the publication analyzes operational data from an existing heat source and domestic hot water circulation system in a residential building. On the basis of these analyses, a solution was proposed to reduce energy consumption within the installation by means of its hydraulic optimization. The reduction of heat losses in domestic hot water installation by means of a method presented by the authors is estimated at approximately 20%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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20 pages, 4339 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Energy Recovery from Waste—Closing the Municipal Loop

by Emilia den Boer, Kamil Banaszkiewicz, Jan den Boer and Iwona Pasiecznik

Energies 2022, 15(3), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031246 - 8 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3789

Abstract

Municipal waste management in the EU has been challenged to a thorough transformation towards a Circular Economy. It is addressed by a number of quantitative policy targets, including a restriction on municipal waste landfilling to 10% in 2035. This paper presents the data on municipal waste composition in a large Polish city, based on thorough waste sorting analyses. On average, 374 kg of municipal waste is collected per capita in Wroclaw, of which 41% are separately collected fractions. The approach to implement the EU recycling targets until 2035 is presented, including an increase of sorting and recycling efficiency and a significant share of recyclables being retrieved from the residual waste fraction. Notwithstanding the recycling targets, an important stream of residual waste remains, amounting to 200 k ton in 2020 and approx. 130 k ton in 2035, which is available for energy recovery. The respective LHV values range from 8.5 to 7.6 MJ/kg. The results indicate that the residual waste stream, after satisfying the recycling targets, is still suitable for energy recovery through the whole period until 2035. Moreover, it is a necessary step towards closing the materials cycling in the municipal sector and the only option so far to reduce landfilling sufficiently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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25 pages, 7507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Climate Change on Primary Air Treatment Processes and Energy Demand in Air Conditioning Systems—A Case Study from Warsaw, Poland

by Maria Kostka and Agnieszka Zając

Energies 2022, 15(1), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010355 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

This article presents the impact of climate change on air treatment processes and energy demand in a selected air-conditioning system. The analysis was performed for a system supplying rooms with pre-treated primary air. Further treatment occurred directly in the rooms with individual devices such as fan coils or chilled beams. The analysis of the second stage of air treatment was not part of this study. The calculations were made for the city of Warsaw, where, according to the climate analysis for the period 1961–2020, an increase in outside temperature by 0.4 °C per decade and an increase in air humidity by 0.2 g/kg per decade were observed. The system analysis was divided into two stages. The first, including calculations made for monthly average climate data for the entire period of 1961–2020, shows changes in the energy demand of the system, resulting from progressive climate change. This analysis confirmed the general tendency of increasing demand for cooling energy and decreasing demand for heating energy, which is also observed in many other regions of the world. The second stage, based on calculations for hourly climate data in selected years, is an analysis of the operation of all elements of the system equipment. Research has identified areas that will have an increasing impact on the energy efficiency of the whole air condition system during further climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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23 pages, 11249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct-Contact Air, Gravel, Ground Heat Exchanger in Air Treatment Systems for Cowshed Air Conditioning

by Maciej Besler, Wojciech Cepiński and Piotr Kęskiewicz

Energies 2022, 15(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010234 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2314

Abstract

This paper describes the analysis of the possibility of use of the direct-contact air, gravel, ground heat exchanger (acronym GAHE), patented at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, as a means of improving microclimate parameters in dairy cows’ barns. Different possibilities of introducing GAHE to the standard mechanical ventilation system of cowsheds have been proposed and investigated. Based on literature data, the required air parameters in the barns of dairy cows were determined and discussed. Computer simulations were carried out and the results obtained were compared to the baseline model. Year-round changes in microclimate parameters, especially air temperature, relative humidity, and THI index were investigated. The benefits of GAHE use were indicated. The possible increase in the minimum air volume of ventilation during the winter season and the decrease in the maximum values of this parameter in the summer were presented. Indications were made of the systems where the application of GAHE could be the most beneficial. A further research path has been proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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39 pages, 14446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Visibility, Air Pollution Index and Annual Mortality Rate in Association with the Occurrence of Rainfall—A Probabilistic Approach

by Grzegorz Majewski, Bartosz Szeląg, Anita Białek, Michał Stachura, Barbara Wodecka, Ewa Anioł, Tomasz Wdowiak, Andrzej Brandyk, Wioletta Rogula-Kozłowska and Grzegorz Łagód

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8397; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248397 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

An innovative method was proposed to facilitate the analyses of meteorological conditions and selected air pollution indices’ influence on visibility, air quality index and mortality. The constructed calculation algorithm is dedicated to simulating the visibility in a single episode, first of all. It was derived after applying logistic regression methodology. It should be stressed that eight visibility thresholds (Vis) were adopted in order to build proper classification models with a number of relevant advantages. At first, there exists the possibility to analyze the impact of independent variables on visibility with the consideration of its’ real variability. Secondly, through the application of the Monte Carlo method and the assumed classification algorithms, it was made possible to model the number of days during a precipitation and no-precipitation periods in a yearly cycle, on which the visibility ranged practically: Vis < 8; Vis = 8–12 km, Vis = 12–16 km, Vis = 16–20 km, Vis = 20–24 km, Vis = 24–28 km, Vis = 28–32 km, Vis > 32 km. The derived algorithm proved a particular role of precipitation and no-precipitation periods in shaping the air visibility phenomena. Higher visibility values and a lower number of days with increased visibility were found for the precipitation period contrary to no-precipitation one. The air quality index was lower for precipitation days, and moreover, strong, non-linear relationships were found between mortality and visibility, considering precipitation and seasonality effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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24 pages, 4244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Users’ Sensations in the Context of Energy Efficiency Maintenance in Public Utility Buildings

by Edyta Dudkiewicz, Marta Laska and Natalia Fidorów-Kaprawy

Energies 2021, 14(23), 8159; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14238159 - 5 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Research towards understanding the relationship between maintaining thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the public utility buildings was undertaken among 323 1st year students during class hours. Questionnaires surveys and measurements of indoor conditions were performed. The article identified students’ sensations and perceptions concerning indoor conditions. Temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and CO₂ concentration measured to assess room conditions showed that the auditorium had almost comfortable conditions according to the literature guidelines. The indices used to assess students’ perceptions were: Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV), Thermal Preference Vote (TPV), Air Freshness Sensation Vote (AfSV), Air Movement Preference Vote (AmPV), and Relative Humidity Preference Vote (RHPV). The interpretation of these indicators showed that while the students’ requests for temperature changes and increased air movement are adequate for the air conditions in the room, the evaluation of stuffiness and requests for changes in humidity levels are surprising. Striving uncritically to meet the desired room parameters, according to the users votes, can lead to deterioration of the air and not only the increase in energy consumption but even waste it. Better understanding of users’ preferences and behaviour and further application of this knowledge indirectly aim at increasing energy efficiency in buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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17 pages, 4172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Waste Heat Recovery by Air-to-Water Heat Pump from Exhausted Ventilating Air for Heating of Multi-Family Residential Buildings

by Piotr Kowalski, Paweł Szałański and Wojciech Cepiński

Energies 2021, 14(23), 7985; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14237985 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2978

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the application of an air-to-water electric compressor heat pump (AWHP) for the recovery of waste heat from the exhaust air in a typical multifamily residential building and the use of this heat for space heating, as well as the impact of this solution on the building energy performance (the PPR index). Simulations were performed in TRNSYS for five locations in Poland (Koszalin, Wrocław, Lublin, Białystok, Suwałki), for various heating system parameters (80/60 °C, 75/65 °C, 70/50 °C, 55/45 °C, 35/28 °C), for various temperature limitations of heat pump operation. It was shown that the analyzed system has great potential from an energy and environmental point of view. It can provide significant benefits in terms of the energy performance of the building, depending on the system parameters. The results show that the most energy-efficient system is the one with the lowest heating system temperatures. Moreover, implementing a temperature limitation on the heat pump operation improves its efficiency, but the higher the design parameters of the heating installation and the lower the limitation, the lower the heat pump contribution, and the higher the SCOP and the PPR. The energy effect is also influenced by location, but its scale depends on the parameters of the heating system and the temperature limitation of the heat pump’s operation. It is more significant for lower heating system parameters. This system enables the possibility of further reducing the demand for nonrenewable primary energy by powering the heat pump with photovoltaic cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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23 pages, 2384 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Municipal, Road Traffic, and Natural Sources on PM₁₀: The Hourly Variability at a Rural Site in Poland

by Tomasz Mach, Wioletta Rogula-Kozłowska, Karolina Bralewska, Grzegorz Majewski, Patrycja Rogula-Kopiec and Justyna Rybak

Energies 2021, 14(9), 2654; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14092654 - 6 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3037

Abstract

The paper presents data from a monthly campaign studying the elemental composition of PM₁₀, as measured by a specific receptor in Kotórz Mały (Opole Voivodeship)—located in the vicinity of a moderately inhabited rural area—measured in one-hour samples using a Horiba PX-375 analyzer. The hourly variability of SO₂, NO, NO₂, CO, and O₃ concentrations, as well as the variability of meteorological parameters, was also determined. On average, during the entire measurement period, the elements related to PM₁₀ can be arranged in the following order: As < V < Ni < Pb < Cr < Mn < Cu < Ti < Zn < K < Fe < Ca < Al < Si < S. Trace elements, including toxic elements—such as As, V, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Mn—were present in low concentrations, not exceeding 10 ng/m³ (average daily value). These elements had fairly even concentrations, both daily and hourly. The concentrations of the main elements in the PM₁₀, as measured by the receptor, are subject to strong hourly changes related not only to changes in the structures of the sources identified in the statistical analysis, but also to wind speed and direction changes (soil and sand particle pick-up and inflow of pollutants from coal combustion). It has been shown that the transport emissions measured by the receptor can have an intense effect on PM₁₀ in the afternoon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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Review

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19 pages, 2473 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen Storage in Geological Formations—The Potential of Salt Caverns

by Aleksandra Małachowska, Natalia Łukasik, Joanna Mioduska and Jacek Gębicki

Energies 2022, 15(14), 5038; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145038 - 10 Jul 2022

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8344

Abstract

Hydrogen-based technologies are among the most promising solutions to fulfill the zero-emission scenario and ensure the energy independence of many countries. Hydrogen is considered a green energy carrier, which can be utilized in the energy, transport, and chemical sectors. However, efficient and safe large-scale hydrogen storage is still challenging. The most frequently used hydrogen storage solutions in industry, i.e., compression and liquefaction, are highly energy-consuming. Underground hydrogen storage is considered the most economical and safe option for large-scale utilization at various time scales. Among underground geological formations, salt caverns are the most promising for hydrogen storage, due to their suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties that ensure safe and efficient storage even at high pressures. In this paper, recent advances in underground storage with a particular emphasis on salt cavern utilization in Europe are presented. The initial experience in hydrogen storage in underground reservoirs was discussed, and the potential for worldwide commercialization of this technology was analyzed. In Poland, salt deposits from the north-west and central regions (e.g., Rogóźno, Damasławek, Łeba) are considered possible formations for hydrogen storage. The Gubin area is also promising, where 25 salt caverns with a total capacity of 1600 million Nm³ can be constructed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Zero-Energy Systems: Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy)

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