Search results for "Energy performance"

Artificial neural network decision support tool for assessment of the energy performance and the refurbishment actions for the non-residential buildi…

2017

The public buildings sector represents one of the most intensive items of EU energy consumption; the application of retrofit solutions in existing buildings is a crucial way to reduce its impact. To facilitate the knowledge of the energy performance of existing non-residential buildings and the choice of the more adequate actions, Public Administrations (PA) should have the availability of proper tools. Within the Italian project "POI 2007-13", a database and a decision support tool, for easy use, even to a non-technical user, have been developed. A large set of data, obtained from the energy audits of 151 existing public buildings located in four regions of South Italy have been analysed, …

Energy and economic analysis and feasibility of retrofit actions in Italian residential historical buildings

2016

Abstract The application of retrofit actions to existing building stocks can improve the energy performance of the residential sector. In this context, particular attention should be given to historical buildings, which represent a large part of the Italian building stock. To improve the energy performance of them, adequate retrofit actions must be applied. Many studies and regulations have focused on identifying the best refurbishment measures. However, the selection of these measures is difficult due to restrictive regulations, which are dictated by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, high retrofit costs, and variable climate zones. Thus, energy renovations in Italian buildi…

An innovative approach to manage uncertainties and stock diversity in the EPBD cost-optimal methodology

2018

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2010/31/EU is a step in the right direction to promote near zero energy buildings (NZEB) in a step-wise manner, starting with minimum energy performance and cost optimal thresholds for “reference buildings” (RBs) for each category. Nevertheless, a standard method for defining RBs does not exist, which led to a great divergence between MS in the level of detail used to define RBs for the EPBD cost-optimal analysis. Such lack of harmonisation between MS is further evident given the resulting large discrepancies in energy performance indicators even between countries having similar climate. Furthermore, discrepancies of 30% or higher betw…

Application of optimized artificial intelligence algorithm to evaluate the heating energy demand of non-residential buildings at European level

2019

Abstract A reliable preliminary forecast of heating energy demand of a building by using a detailed dynamic simulation software typically requires an in-depth knowledge of the thermal balance, several input data and a very skilled user. The authors will describe how to use Artificial Neural Networks to predict the demand for thermal energy linked to the winter climatization of non-residential buildings. To train the neural network it was necessary to develop an accurate energy database that represents the basis of the training of a specific Artificial Neural Networks. Data came from detailed dynamic simulations performed in the TRNSYS environment. The models were built according to the stan…

MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMISATION OF BUILDINGS AND BUILDING CLUSTERS PERFORMANCE: A LIFE CYCLE THINKING APPROACH

2021

Vegetation growth parameters and leaf temperature: Experimental results from a six plots green roofs' system

2016

Abstract The paper provides a contribution for populating database of three physical parameters needed to model energy performance of buildings with green roofs: “coverage ratio” ( σ f ), leaf area index (LAI) and leaf temperature ( T f ). On purpose, six plant species were investigated experimentally: Phyla nordiflora, Aptenia lancifolia , Mesembryanthenum barbatus , Gazania nivea, Gazania uniflora , and Sedum . Proper ranges of the cited parameters have been found for each species. The here indicated ranges of σ f values refer to different growth levels of the species in the same lapse of time, that is four months. Single measured LAI values are also reported for the same plants. As for t…

Economic impact of BACS and TBM systems on residential buildings

2013

The paper presents the results of a study on the economic impact of building automation control systems and technical building management systems on residential buildings. The different functions considered by European Standard EN 15232 and having impact on the energy performance of buildings are applied to a test house, varying its energy efficiency class. The economic impact due to the introduction of each BACS or TBM function is evaluated using the BAC factors method, considering the real costs for the purchase and the installation of the components that implement the specific functions and the yearly energy costs of the building before and after their installation.

Role of Sky-gardens in Improving Energy Performance of Tall Buildings

2018

Natural ventilation has been used as a passive strategy for many decades but only now its importance in tall buildings for addressing the issues of high energy usage and reducing carbon footprints is emerging. Sky-gardens can play an important role in successful implementation of natural ventilation through amplification of natural wind speeds. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on optimization of tall buildings energy performance through incorporation of sky-gardens. Pros and cons of use of natural ventilation for multi-story buildings are highlighted. Details of involved technical difficulties and barriers in the construction and operation process of sky-gardens are also given.…

INNOVATIVE PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL HEAT PUMP SOLUTIONS FOR DOMESTIC HOT WATER PRODUCTION

2022

With the rapid growth of energy consumption in the building sector and the consequent necessity to develop energy efficiency strategies, the application of heat pump systems seems to be a competitive solution to improve energy efficiency. In particular, air-source heat pump (ASHP) systems assisted by solar energy have drawn great attention, owing to their great feasibility in buildings for space heating/cooling and hot ater production purposes. The complementation system between solar and air energy can solve the poor performance of the air source heat pump under low-temperature conditions and can also make up for the shortcoming of the solar collector as an unstable energy source. Both sol…

Experimental validation of the BAC factor method for lighting systems

2017

In the last few years, many buildings have been equipped with Building Automation and Control (BAC) systems. BAC systems can be used to achieve a significant reduction of the electrical consumption and to have all the well acknowledged benefits from the daylight (e.g. occupant comfort, health, well-being and productivity). For this reason, Standard EN 15232 "Energy performance of buildings — Impact of Building Automation, Controls and Building Management" puts into evidence the importance of the presence of BAC and Technical Building Management (TBM) systems, suggests a classification of these systems, explains their main functionalities and presents a simplified method to estimate their im…