Search results for " Building Design"

A Survey on Daylighting Education in Italian Universities : Knowledge of Standards, Metrics and Simulation Tools

2021

Daylighting is a strategic topic to achieve sustainable buildings, so it is more and more imperative that it is implemented in architecture curricula to prepare a new generation of daylighting-oriented practitioners. In this frame, the DAYKE project (Daylight Knowledge in Europe) was set up to explore the level of knowledge about daylighting among European professionals and students. DAYKE-Europe was replicated as DAYKE-Italy to study the knowledge of daylight standards, metrics and software among Italian architecture students, and to compare it to that observed within DAYKE-Europe. A sample of 542 questionnaires were collected in five universities. Primary outcomes were: (i) a general low …

Building integrated solar thermal design: assessment of performances of a low cost solar wall in a typical Italian building

2016

Abstract Present work deals with the topic of building integration of solar thermal collector (BIST) as a refurbishment measure. Such equipment, more than its main function as heating generator, plays a specific role as a building component (envelope finishes, thermal insulation layer, roof cover etc). Consequently, from a heat transfer point of view, an integrated component affects twice the global building balance: supporting the thermal plant (i.e. providing heat for final uses) and modifying the wall heat-transfer pattern (i.e. reducing thermal losses). In turn, the collector performance itself is influenced by the wall structure (back losses reduction). Present work proposes a method f…

THE OPTIMUM SELECTION OF THE WINDOW SHADING LEVELS AND OF THE INDOOR VENTILATION RATES AS A DESIGN STRATEGY FOR BIOCLIMATIC COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

1991

ABSTRACT Ventilation rates, shading level of windows and indoor air temperature are analyzed together in order to single out the optimum mix referred to the thermal comfort situations of thermally moderate commercial buildings. Thermal comfort is here taken into account by means of the Predicted Mean Vote ( Fanger, 1970 ). A short selection of graphs is proposed, able to provide the simultaneous view of the effects produced, on the PMV, by modifications of the above cited parameters. Graphs can be usefully adopted for the proper design of the glazed surfaces, especially for passive solar buildings.

Analysis and Improving Methods of Efficiency of Solar Energy in Municipal Heating System

2011

This paper introduces the current state of solar heating system among Wanzleben city heating net. In view of low efficiency (only 20-30%) of this system, it analyses the shortcomings of this applied system from sensors' situation, fixed flow problem, the influence of the user's water temperature and the length of pipe separately. Some improving methods which are effective by theoretical analysis are suggested. The implementation steps have to be discussed in more detail with the utility.

Energy planning methodology of net-zero energy solar neighborhoods in the Mediterranean basin

2016

The article proposes a simplified methodology to optimize solar energy gains at district level in the Mediterranean area toward the achievement of the net-zero energy district target, to be applicable as well in similar hot climates. The approach includes a wide use of parametric analysis to explore the most impactful aspects of the design of solar net-zero energy districts: single unit shape, building mutual distances, road shape, building orientation, photovoltaics area availability to identify the optimal design solution. Thirty-two different district configurations are explored: results show that in the Mediterranean context, it is possible to reach the net-zero energy district target i…

The calculation of the mean radiant temperature of a subject exposed to the solar radiation – A generalised algorithm

2005

Abstract The thermal sensation experienced by a subject in a confined environment is significantly affected by the radiative heat exchange between the human body and the surrounding surfaces: it contributes as far as 30% of the whole thermal exchanges of the subject. Besides, the presence of high-intensity radiation sources like, for example, the sun, may appreciably modify the radiant field to which people are exposed. As a consequence, this could alter notably the comfort conditions. In order of properly taking into account this issue, a simple analytical method is introduced in this work, that allows the easy evaluation of the thermal radiant field induced by the presence of the solar ra…

Aspects and issues of daylighting assessment: A review study

2016

Abstract Proper assessment of indoor daylighting conditions can significantly reduce energy consumption due to artificial lighting and can improve indoor visual comfort. This paper gives a critical review of the fundamental aspects of daylighting indices with the aim to provide a broad overview of methods and indices available to assess daylighting from varying points of view. Assessments cover distribution, availability over time and in specific climatic contexts, uniformity in the space, visual comfort issues and the relations between each of these aspects and a proper building and lighting design. A special focus on the assessment of indoor spatial and temporal uniformity is given. An an…

MASS-PRODUCED ELEMENT IN STRUCTURAL GLASS: “ARTIFICIAL VINEYARD”

2014

The aim is to design an architectural element flexible and easily adaptable to different urban situations using a material such as glass that, for the last years, is being employed as a structural element. The mass-production is rarely applied to glass construction systems that instead are usually designed case by case. The paper reports the results of a research carried out by the Dipartmento di Architettura and Dipartimento DICAM (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Aerospaziale, dei Materiali), of the University of Palermo, within the project "VESTRA" (POFESR 2007/2013 - Action Line 4.1.1.1), that aims to the experimentation of mass-produced elements in structural glass. The p…

Evaluation of Daylight Availability for Energy Savings.

2015

Dynamic daylight simulations are very useful instruments in daylighting design process. They allow an in depth analysis of indoor daylight availability levels and define if they are adequate to perform a particular visual task. Their results can be used to design shading devices or lighting control systems and compare different technical solutions. The use of these simulations is likely to spread in the common design practice since some regulations and green building rating systems suggest their use. This paper presents dynamic daylight simulation results related to an open-plan office, performed with Autodesk 3ds Max Design ® , which is a calculation software validated by recent researches…

A multi-methodology and sustainability-supporting framework for implementation and assessment of a holistic building renovation

La ristrutturazione degli edifici in futuro dovrà essere condotta secondo una prospettiva più olistica legata alla sostenibilità vista in una più ampia gamma di obiettivi/criteri e facilitata dagli scenari di ristrutturazione possibili. La ristrutturazione degli edifici dovrebbe servire a migliorarne le performance al fine di soddisfare le esigenze degli utenti, rendendo questi ultimi meno vulnerabili in relazione ai futuri costi energetici. Vi è un grande potenziale per ridurre il consumo di energia negli edifici esistenti. Tuttavia, ciò non deve comprometterè i valori architettonici e di qualità che rendono particolari. Pertanto, non possono essere semplicemente rinnovati, ma devono subir…