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Topic Editors

1. School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
2. Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
1. Research Scientist, Institute of Carbon Neutrality Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
2. Guest Scientist, Building Technologies Urban Systems Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume

Abstract submission deadline
31 December 2024
Manuscript submission deadline
31 March 2025
Viewed by
24447

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic “Building Energy and Environment”.

In the presence of the serious global climate change problem, the building sector becomes a key area to achieve the goals of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality”. During the life cycle of buildings, the construction, operation, retrofit and removal phases all generate large amounts of carbon emissions. The pandemic has brought another issue for building environment control and carbon emissions. The transformation towards green and low-carbon buildings is of great urgency, and has become a global development trend. In the building sector, there are still many challenges to promote the development route of "low-carbon, carbon reduction, net zero carbon", including low-carbon building theory and technology systems, building materials, construction technology, low-carbon operation and management, renewable energy utilization, energy-saving and environmental protection equipment, etc.

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

1. Low-carbon buildings and healthy building environment;

2. Advanced building environment control strategies and technologies;

3. Low-carbon building theory, methodology and design;

4. Advanced and emerging green building materials and infrastructure structures;

5. Low-carbon building construction assembly technology;

6. Methodology for monitoring, predicting, evaluating and control of carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of buildings;

7. Renewable energy utilization and energy saving equipment integrations;

8. Coupled design of urban form and energy systems.

Prof. Dr. Shi-Jie Cao
Dr. Wei Feng
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • low-carbon and green buildings
  • building design
  • building construction
  • building operation
  • renewable energy
  • building health

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies 		3.0 6.2 2008 17.5 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Buildings
buildings 		3.1 3.4 2011 17.2 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Designs
designs 		- 3.9 2017 15.2 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Architecture
architecture 		- - 2021 33.6 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (17 papers)

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34 pages, 651 KiB  
Review
How Can We Achieve a Long-Term Effect of Serious Energy Games on the Change in Residential Electricity Demand?
by Anton Belinskiy, Ioannis Lampropoulos, Hossein Nasrollahi, Jan Dirk Fijnheer, Remco C. Veltkamp and Wilfried van Sark
Energies 2024, 17(23), 5869; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235869 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
As global energy concerns escalate, there is a growing need for effective strategies to promote sustainable energy practices among individuals and communities. Gamification, the integration of game-design elements in non-game contexts, emerges as a promising tool to enhance user engagement and foster sustainable [...] Read more.
As global energy concerns escalate, there is a growing need for effective strategies to promote sustainable energy practices among individuals and communities. Gamification, the integration of game-design elements in non-game contexts, emerges as a promising tool to enhance user engagement and foster sustainable behaviour in energy management. In this review, we examine the theoretical aspects of gamification and its application in energy management in users’ households, highlighting its potential to transform repetitive or even monotonous tasks into engaging activities, focusing on studies that measure a long-term effect. We delve into various gamified elements adopted in long-term studies, such as feedback, social interactions, point systems, leader boards, narrative-driven challenges, etc., to understand their effect on user motivation and behavioural changes. From our set of studies, we found out that strong social game elements contribute the most to the long-term behaviour change of energy usage. One more condition of behaviour change is strong positive user satisfaction: the game should be engaging. We highlight the possible limitations of gamification in an energy management situation, a strong need for better practices of design and evaluation, and innovative approaches (such as DSM; Demand Side Management) in gamification for long-term engagement in household energy management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
25 pages, 22346 KiB  
Review
The Role of Solar Photovoltaic Roofs in Energy-Saving Buildings: Research Progress and Future Development Trends
by Qing Yin, Ailin Li and Chunmiao Han
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3091; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103091 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1825
Abstract
The depletion of global resources has intensified efforts to address energy scarcity. One promising area is the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs for energy savings. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 333 articles published between 1993 and 2023 in the [...] Read more.
The depletion of global resources has intensified efforts to address energy scarcity. One promising area is the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs for energy savings. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 333 articles published between 1993 and 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS) core database to provide a global overview of research on solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs, with a particular emphasis on their energy-saving benefits. The analysis identifies current trends and future development trajectories in this field. Over the past three decades, research on solar PV roofs has shown steady growth, progressing from initial exploration to stable development. Key research themes include integrating renewable energy with building efficiency, the synergistic benefits of green roofs and PV systems, the design and practical application of PV-integrated roofs, and optimization techniques for parametric models. Future research will likely prioritize the efficient integration of PV components with roof maintenance structures, shifting from solely assessing PV component performance to evaluating the holistic performance of roofs and their broader impact on the built environment. This shift underscores the importance of improving the overall sustainability of the building. By aligning research efforts with these emerging trends, stakeholders can contribute to developing more effective and sustainable energy solutions for the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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13 pages, 4758 KiB  
Article
A Control Optimization Model for a Double-Skin Facade Based on the Random Forest Algorithm
by Qing Sun, Yifan Du, Xiuying Yan, Junwei Song and Long Zhao
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103045 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Abstract: This study addresses the current difficulties in accurately controlling the indoor temperature of double-skin facades (DSFs), and its optimization, with a focus on the window opening angles of double-skin facades. The Spearman correlation coefficient method was used to select the main meteorological [...] Read more.
Abstract: This study addresses the current difficulties in accurately controlling the indoor temperature of double-skin facades (DSFs), and its optimization, with a focus on the window opening angles of double-skin facades. The Spearman correlation coefficient method was used to select the main meteorological factors, including outdoor temperature, dew point temperature, scattered radiation, direct radiation, and window opening angle. A modified random forest algorithm was used to construct the optimization model and 80% of the data were used for model training. In the experiments, the average accuracy of the optimization model was as high as 93.5% for all window opening angles. This study provides a data-driven method for application to double-skin facades, which can effectively determine and control the window opening angles of double-skin facades to achieve energy saving and emission reduction, reduce indoor temperature, improve comfort, and provide a practical basis for decision-making. Future research will further explore the applicability and accuracy of the model under different climatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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27 pages, 15835 KiB  
Article
A Framework for Adaptive Façade Optimization Design Based on Building Envelope Performance Characteristics
by Ping Chen and Hao Tang
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092646 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 799
Abstract
The adaptive façades serve as the interface between the indoor and outdoor energy of the building. Adaptive façade optimization design can improve daylighting performance, the thermal environment, view performance, and solar energy utilization efficiency, thus reducing building energy consumption. However, traditional design frameworks [...] Read more.
The adaptive façades serve as the interface between the indoor and outdoor energy of the building. Adaptive façade optimization design can improve daylighting performance, the thermal environment, view performance, and solar energy utilization efficiency, thus reducing building energy consumption. However, traditional design frameworks often neglect the influence of building envelope performance characteristics on adaptive façade optimization design. This paper aims to reveal the potential functional relationship between building façade performance characteristics and adaptive façade design. It proposes an adaptive façade optimization design framework based on building envelope performance characteristics. The method was then applied to a typical office building in northern China. This framework utilizes a K-means clustering algorithm to analyze building envelope performance characteristics, establish a link to adaptive façade design, and use the optimization algorithm and machine learning to make multi-objective optimization predictions. Finally, Pearson’s correlation analysis and visual decision tools were employed to explore the optimization potential of adaptive façades concerning indoor daylighting performance, view performance, and solar energy utilization. The results showed that the optimized adaptive façade design enhances useful daylight illuminance (UDI) by 0.52%, quality of view (QV) by 5.36%, and beneficial solar radiation energy (BSR) by 14.93% compared to traditional blinds. In addition, each office unit can generate 309.94 KWh of photovoltaic power per year using photovoltaic shading systems. The framework provides new perspectives and methods for adaptive façade optimization design, which helps to achieve multiple performance objectives for buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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23 pages, 5061 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Building Morphology on Energy Use Intensity of High-Rise Residential Clusters: A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
by Weijia Feng, Jintao Chen, Yi Yang, Weijun Gao, Qinfeng Zhao, Haowei Xing and Shuai Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072245 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 973
Abstract
Building operations account for a large amount of energy use and CO2 emissions, and the morphology of buildings in residential clusters strongly impacts energy efficiency performance. However, little research has focused on the morphology and energy electricity usage of high-rise residential clusters [...] Read more.
Building operations account for a large amount of energy use and CO2 emissions, and the morphology of buildings in residential clusters strongly impacts energy efficiency performance. However, little research has focused on the morphology and energy electricity usage of high-rise residential clusters in hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) regions. We investigated 96 residential clusters in Hangzhou, China, and established a corresponding morphology database. Additionally, we obtained annual electricity consumption for 16 of these residential clusters. With this database, we performed optimization of morphological parameters upon energy use intensity (EUI) using a genetic algorithm (GA). Specifically, the cooling, heating, and lighting EUIs of high-rise residential clusters were studied. After implementing the optimized morphological parameters, there was a reduction of up to 7.73% in EUI. According to regression analysis, the average aspect ratio was the most significant factor influencing EUI (r = −0.907), followed by floor area ratio (r = −0.755), average orientation (r = 0.502), and average number of floors (r = −0.453). These results indicate that a higher intensity of land development with a greater floor area ratio, average aspect ratio, and average number of floors can reduce total energy consumption. Additionally, we found that an average building orientation of southwest 15° (with respect to south) is optimal. The findings of this study can assist urban planners and designers in developing more sustainable residential clusters, leading to decreased energy costs and CO2 emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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25 pages, 4201 KiB  
Article
Exploring Performance of Using SCM Concrete: Investigating Impacts Shifting along Concrete Supply Chain and Construction
by Shiwei Chen, Zhukai Ye, Weizhuo Lu and Kailun Feng
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072186 - 16 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1062
Abstract
Concrete is one of the most used building materials globally, leading to a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) as replacements for cement in concrete provides an effective way to reduce GHG emissions. However, quantifying the construction [...] Read more.
Concrete is one of the most used building materials globally, leading to a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) as replacements for cement in concrete provides an effective way to reduce GHG emissions. However, quantifying the construction performance of using SCM concrete is hard because of complex interactions between concrete’s mechanical properties and construction characteristics, like local energy supply, surrounding temperature and construction plans, which leads to only the fragmental performance of using SCM concrete being explored in previous studies. There still lacks an effective way to quantify the comprehensive performance and provide decision support for contractors about how to use SCM concrete. To deal with the gap, this research proposes a Collection–Simulation–Calculation–Decision (CSCD) method to analyze the complex interactions between concrete and construction, and to quantify the performance of the supply chain–construction when using SCM. A case study is also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective in quantifying the performance of using SCM concrete in construction and providing decision support for construction decision makers. A scenario analysis is also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in different project characteristics, including the global warming potential (GWP) factors for different construction sites, seasonal temperature changes and different construction plans. The proposed method is an effective tool to quantify the construction performance of using SCM concrete considering complex interactions between concrete mechanical properties and construction characteristics. The results of the research can assist construction decision makers to make decisions about using SCM concrete by comprehensively understanding the impacts shifting along the concrete supply chain and construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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47 pages, 159306 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency Assessment of Existing Rural Houses in Nantong Based on Human Thermal Comfort
by Zhongcheng Duan, Haoran Li, Kuntao Hu and Chen Shi
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071974 - 29 Jun 2024
Viewed by 715
Abstract
Current research on rural houses in China mainly focuses on improving energy efficiency, with relatively few studies addressing energy-saving measures and enhancing thermal comfort for residents. Therefore, this paper focuses on existing rural houses in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, as the research object. [...] Read more.
Current research on rural houses in China mainly focuses on improving energy efficiency, with relatively few studies addressing energy-saving measures and enhancing thermal comfort for residents. Therefore, this paper focuses on existing rural houses in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, as the research object. Through on-site measurements and questionnaire surveys, it was found that the average indoor temperature of rural houses is 28.5 °C in summer and below 10 °C in winter, failing to meet the comfort needs of the villagers. To further study human thermal comfort, a linear regression method was used to establish an indoor Mean Thermal Sensation (MTS) model for Nantong’s rural houses. The neutral temperature in summer was found to be 26.46 °C, and an adaptive thermal comfort model for rural residents in the Nantong area was established. Through single-factor simulation and orthogonal experiments, the optimal comprehensive energy-saving renovation scheme was proposed. Finally, a typical rural house in Zhangzhuang Village was used as a case for building renovation practice. After the renovation, the number of thermal comfort hours increased by 145 h per year, the thermal comfort compliance rate reached 47.07%, and the overall energy-saving rate was 57.41%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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17 pages, 6780 KiB  
Essay
Low-Carbon Construction in China’s Construction Industry from the Perspective of Evolutionary Games
by Xiaozhuang Yang and Keyun Liu
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061593 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 606
Abstract
Industrialization and increased energy use are leading to a greater influence of environmental and climate challenges on human existence and progress. China’s emissions in 2023 totaled 12.6 gigatons, representing 35% of global emissions, establishing it as the top carbon emitter globally. Combined with [...] Read more.
Industrialization and increased energy use are leading to a greater influence of environmental and climate challenges on human existence and progress. China’s emissions in 2023 totaled 12.6 gigatons, representing 35% of global emissions, establishing it as the top carbon emitter globally. Combined with China’s industrial structure, it is essential to investigate carbon reduction in the building sector due to its significant contribution to carbon emissions. This study introduces a third-party organization into the relationship between stakeholders, based on traditional government regulation. It constructs a three-party dynamic evolution model involving the government, environmental protection organization, and construction enterprise. The study analyzes the evolution process of the three-party strategy selection using evolutionary game theory. We analyze the elements influencing decision-making for the three parties through simulation analysis and provide appropriate recommendations. The study’s findings indicate that low-carbon construction in China’s construction sector is an intricate system involving several stakeholders, each guided by their own interests when determining their behavioral methods. Government penalties and financial subsidies can influence construction enterprises to adopt low-carbon production practices to some degree, but excessive rewards and punishments may not support system stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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25 pages, 8400 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on a Photovoltaic Direct-Drive and Municipal Electricity-Coupled Electric Heating System for a Low-Energy Building in Changchun, China
by Qi Zhao, Xiaoyue Liu, Shijie Gu, Jin Tao, Wende Wu, Shuang Ma and Hongwen Jin
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092048 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 854
Abstract
This paper takes a low-energy building in Changchun, China, as an object to test and study the characteristics of two heating modes, AC/DC (Alternative current/Direct current) switching and AC/DC synthesis, from the perspectives of temperature change, irradiation intensity, power generation, electricity consumption, etc. [...] Read more.
This paper takes a low-energy building in Changchun, China, as an object to test and study the characteristics of two heating modes, AC/DC (Alternative current/Direct current) switching and AC/DC synthesis, from the perspectives of temperature change, irradiation intensity, power generation, electricity consumption, etc. Firstly, the experimental research was conducted under two heating cable modes by establishing mathematical models and a test rig, and it was found that the photoelectric conversion efficiency on sunny, cloudy, and overcast days was 18%, 14.5%, and 12%, respectively. A simulation model was established by TRNSYS to run an ultra-low-energy building throughout the year. It was found that the highest and lowest monthly power generation occurred in February and July, respectively. The annual power generation of the system was 6614 kWh, and the heating season power generation was 3293.42 kWh. In the current research, the DC electricity consumption was slightly higher than the AC electricity consumption. Under conditions of similar radiation intensity and power generation, the indoor temperature of the AC/DC synthesis cable heating mode were 1.38% higher than the AC/DC switching heating able mode, and the electricity consumption were 10.9% and 4.76% higher, respectively, than those of the AC switching heating cable mode. This is of great significance for clean-energy heating, energy savings, and emissions reduction in northern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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24 pages, 9734 KiB  
Article
Impact of Diffuser Location on Thermal Comfort Inside a Hospital Isolation Room
by Mustafa Alkhalaf, Adrian Ilinca, Mohamed Yasser Hayyani and Fahed Martini
Designs 2024, 8(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs8020019 - 20 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2146
Abstract
Thermal comfort is increasingly recognized as vital in healthcare facilities, where patients spend 80–90% of their time indoors. Sensing, controlling, and predicting indoor air quality should be monitored for thermal comfort. This study examines the effects of ventilation design on thermal comfort in [...] Read more.
Thermal comfort is increasingly recognized as vital in healthcare facilities, where patients spend 80–90% of their time indoors. Sensing, controlling, and predicting indoor air quality should be monitored for thermal comfort. This study examines the effects of ventilation design on thermal comfort in hospital rooms, proposing four distinct ventilation configurations, each with three airflow rates of 9, 12, and 15 Air Changes per Hour (ACH). The study conducted various ventilation simulation scenarios for a hospital room. The objective is to determine the effect of airflow and the diffuser location distribution on thermal comfort. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, along with the k–ε turbulence model, were used as the underlying mathematical representation for the airflow. The boundary conditions for the simulations were derived from the ventilation standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and insights from previous studies. Thermal comfort and temperature distribution were assessed using indices like Predicted Percentage Dissatisfaction (PPD), Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), and Air Diffusion Performance Index (ADPI). Although most of the twelve scenarios failed to attain thermal comfort, two of those instances were optimal in this simulation. Those instances involved the return diffuser behind the patient and airflow of 9 ACH, the minimum recommended by previous studies. It should be noted that the ADPI remained unmet in these cases, revealing complexities in achieving ideal thermal conditions in healthcare environments. This study extends the insights from our prior research, advancing our understanding of ventilation impacts on thermal comfort in healthcare facilities. It underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to environmental control, setting the stage for future research to refine these findings further. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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26 pages, 13369 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Green Engineering Solutions for Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings Towards Sustainability: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
by Abdullah ALshabanat and Siddig Omer
Architecture 2023, 3(4), 713-738; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture3040039 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2747
Abstract
Developing countries in hot climate regions such as Saudi Arabia have witnessed rapid population growth, which has led to greater resource consumption as a result of the increased demand for new buildings. This research proposes a multi-objective evaluation of the potential green engineering [...] Read more.
Developing countries in hot climate regions such as Saudi Arabia have witnessed rapid population growth, which has led to greater resource consumption as a result of the increased demand for new buildings. This research proposes a multi-objective evaluation of the potential green engineering solutions to conserve energy using a building within the ROSHN housing project, which is one of the mega projects in Saudi Arabia, as a case study for this paper with the aid of simulation software, taking into consideration the context of the sustainability concept. The results showed that traditional passive architectural design, whether courtyards or Mashrabiya, had the nearly greatest influence, with percentages ranging from −4% to −5.15% for varied parameters and designs compared to the base case energy usage. Furthermore, energy efficiency solutions for the building envelope’s external insulation and finish system (EIFS) enabled a drop in the U-value that lowered energy usage to −5.40%. However, the wall insulation thickness beyond 300 mm in this system has no substantial influence on energy savings. This research’s most clear finding is that a P2P system for PV panels on a district scale can supply enough energy to meet its needs after implementing the optimal strategy of the other proposed solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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22 pages, 130429 KiB  
Article
A Case Study on Multi-Objective Optimization Design of College Teaching Building Atrium in Cold Regions Based on Passive Concept
by Zhengshu Chen, Yanqiu Cui, Haichao Zheng, Ruihan Wei and Shuo Zhao
Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092391 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
The atrium space represents one of the most energy-intensive areas within buildings. This is especially evident in college teaching buildings, where the inclusion of atriums often leads to increased energy consumption, primarily due to enhancements in lighting and thermal comfort. To address this [...] Read more.
The atrium space represents one of the most energy-intensive areas within buildings. This is especially evident in college teaching buildings, where the inclusion of atriums often leads to increased energy consumption, primarily due to enhancements in lighting and thermal comfort. To address this issue, this study investigates atriums in cold regions within college teaching buildings and establishes four distinct atrium models for such buildings through typological abstraction and evolution. This study utilizes the Grasshopper (Ladybug Tools; developed by Robert McNeel & Assoc, Inc. in the United States.) parametric performance simulation platform to simulate daylight comfort and energy consumption within the atriums. Range analysis is subsequently applied to assess the impact of variables on energy consumption, and variables with the least influence are eliminated. Subsequently, the Octopus plug-in is employed to conduct multi-objective optimization for the four atrium types, resulting in the attainment of a Pareto-optimized solution set. Following optimization, the energy efficiency rates for the four atrium types are determined as 10.3%, 17.6%, 37.2%, and 30.5%, respectively, while the daylight comfort rates experience enhancements of 4.4%, 10.4%, 44.7%, and 34%, respectively. This study provides designers with a reference for optimizing design parameters during the early stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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18 pages, 7262 KiB  
Article
GIS Retrofitting Technique for Hong Kong Sports Center with a Large Hall
by Ming-Lun Alan Fong and Kai-Kwong Dennis Tsang
Architecture 2023, 3(3), 410-427; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture3030022 - 4 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1592
Abstract
The energy consumption of air conditioning systems in large spaces is a concern due to inefficiencies caused by the high ceiling. This paper presents the Green aIr-distribution System (GIS) retrofitting technique as a solution to reduce energy consumption and optimize thermal comfort in [...] Read more.
The energy consumption of air conditioning systems in large spaces is a concern due to inefficiencies caused by the high ceiling. This paper presents the Green aIr-distribution System (GIS) retrofitting technique as a solution to reduce energy consumption and optimize thermal comfort in a large Hong Kong sports center to achieve carbon neutrality. A comparison is made between the existing air distribution system with ceiling supply and return as baseline model and the GIS with occupied wall supply and ceiling return as retrofit models regarding ventilation performance, thermal comfort, and energy aspects. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to analyze the average operative temperature, airspeed, and other thermal comfort parameters. The findings demonstrate that implementing the GIS in the large sports center allows for a 1.5 °C increase in the supply temperature without significantly compromising thermal comfort. The algorithm for developing GIS for the large space application is also discussed. Additionally, the GIS model exhibits notable improvements in ventilation factors, such as Local Mean Age (LMA), Local air change index (LACI), and Air Distribution Performance Index (ADPI), resulting in improved air quality and reduced energy use within the occupied space. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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18 pages, 4586 KiB  
Article
Performance Analysis of Transcritical CO2 Quasi-Secondary Compression Cycle with Ejector Based on Pinch Point
by Junlan Yang, Xin Zhang, Linxiu Wang, Yufan Du and Yifei Han
Designs 2023, 7(4), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs7040089 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1185
Abstract
To investigate the performance of transcritical CO2 quasi-secondary compression cycle with ejector (TCIEJ) for heat pump water heaters, the thermodynamic model of TCIEJ is established based on the pinch point, and TCEX, TCEJ, and TCI are selected as comparisons. The effects of [...] Read more.
To investigate the performance of transcritical CO2 quasi-secondary compression cycle with ejector (TCIEJ) for heat pump water heaters, the thermodynamic model of TCIEJ is established based on the pinch point, and TCEX, TCEJ, and TCI are selected as comparisons. The effects of changing high pressure and ambient temperature on the heating COP and compressor exhaust temperature are analyzed, and the influence of cooling water inlet and outlet temperature and vapor injection pressure on TCIEJ is further analyzed. The results show that there are optimal high pressures that make the heating COP of the four heat pump cycles reach the maximum value, of which TCIEJ has the best performance. At an ambient temperature of −15 °C, the maximum heating COP of TCIEJ increased by about 20.5%, 14.9%, and 7.9% compared with TCEX, TCEJ, and TCI. With the increase in ambient temperature, the optimal high pressure continues to increase, and the corresponding maximum heating COP gradually increases. Selecting the geometric mean of high pressure and evaporation pressure as the optimal vapor injection pressure for TCIEJ, the error is small compared to the actual optimal vapor injection pressure. With the increase in ambient temperature and cooling water outlet temperature, the optimal high pressure of TCIEJ continues to increase, and the correlation formula of optimal high pressure is fitted according to the simulation results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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16 pages, 3153 KiB  
Article
Unsteady Heat Flux Measurement and Predictions Using Long Short-Term Memory Networks
by Byung Kyu Park and Charn-Jung Kim
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030707 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Energy consumption modeling has evolved along with building technology. Modeling techniques can be largely classified into white box, gray box, and black box. In this study, the thermal behavior characteristics of building components were identified through time-series data analysis using LSTM neural networks. [...] Read more.
Energy consumption modeling has evolved along with building technology. Modeling techniques can be largely classified into white box, gray box, and black box. In this study, the thermal behavior characteristics of building components were identified through time-series data analysis using LSTM neural networks. Sensors were installed inside and outside the test room to measure physical quantities. As a result of calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient according to the international standard ISO 9869-1, the U value of the multi-window with antireflection coating was 1.84 W/(m2∙K). To understand the thermal behavior of multiple windows, we constructed a neural network using an LSTM architecture and used the measured data-set to predict and evaluate the heat flux through deep learning. From the measurement data, a wavelet transform was used to extract features and to find appropriate control time-step intervals. Performance was evaluated according to multistep measurement intervals using the error metric method. The multistep time interval for control monitoring is preferably no more than 240 s. In addition, multivariate analysis with several input variables was performed. In particular, the thermal behavior of building components can be analyzed through heat flux and temperature measurements in the transient state of physical properties of pre-installed building components, which were difficult to access with conventional steady-state measurement methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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22 pages, 6411 KiB  
Article
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making of Countermeasure Combination for Mitigating the Stack Effect in High-Rise Office Building
by Yiran Li, Neng Zhu and Yingzhen Hou
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030653 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Energy loss and performance deterioration caused by the stack effect are emerging issues in high-rise office buildings (HROB). However, a single countermeasure may not completely remove the stack effect problems, so combinations of countermeasures are often considered in building commissioning or retrofit projects [...] Read more.
Energy loss and performance deterioration caused by the stack effect are emerging issues in high-rise office buildings (HROB). However, a single countermeasure may not completely remove the stack effect problems, so combinations of countermeasures are often considered in building commissioning or retrofit projects to achieve the desired results. Therefore, a comprehensive study on combinations is necessary for the final decision-making. In this study, a multi-criteria decision-making model is proposed, which is utilized to calculate the ranking of countermeasure combinations for the final decision-making index by assigning weights and conducting comprehensive analysis on four criteria: infiltration energy loss, maximum pressure difference, investment cost, and implementation resistance. Based on a two-level Fractional-Factorial design (FFD), the interaction effects between countermeasures were verified, and the regression models of infiltration energy loss and maximum pressure difference were obtained as well. The investment cost and implementation resistance were defined according to the investigation and survey. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to establish the weights of each criterion. A weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was applied to establish the decision-making index. Through the case study of a HROB located in northern China, it was concluded that the ideal combination can reduce infiltration and pressure difference by 26.88% and 87.58%, respectively, with low-level investment costs and implementation resistance. The results indicate that the multi-criteria model provides a comprehensive ranking of countermeasure combinations, which can serve as a quantitative basis for the final decision-making. Furthermore, this multi-criteria decision-making approach can be extended to other buildings in other regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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Article
Patio Design Optimization for Huizhou Traditional Dwellings Aimed at Daylighting Performance Improvements
by Rui Gao, Jiaping Liu, Zihan Shi, Guanjie Zhang and Wen Yang
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030583 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1957
Abstract
Hui-style architecture is a mature architectural school in the late period of ancient Chinese society with distinct regional cultural characteristics. Especially as the most direct carrier of Huizhou people’s living culture, Hui-style architecture is the witness of ancient Huizhou society, history, and culture. [...] Read more.
Hui-style architecture is a mature architectural school in the late period of ancient Chinese society with distinct regional cultural characteristics. Especially as the most direct carrier of Huizhou people’s living culture, Hui-style architecture is the witness of ancient Huizhou society, history, and culture. However, with the continuous development of society, residents gradually put forward higher requirements for the living environment. In this paper, the indoor light environment of Huizhou dwellings is measured and found to have problems such as poor indoor light environment and low light quality. In order to improve the indoor lighting quality, this study extracts the key design parameters (window edge height, window width, patio length, and patio width) that affect the indoor lighting quality through field research and literature analysis, and then uses Honeybee to carry out multi-factor orthogonal experiments and single factor quantitative comparative analyses on the key design parameters to determine the degree of influence. The results show that reducing the window edge height can improve the lighting effect near the window, and increasing the window width and patio width can improve the overall lighting quality of the room, thus providing a reference for optimizing the lighting effect of Huizhou traditional dwellings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume)
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