Search results for "efficiency"

Water-use efficiency and transpiration across European forests during the Anthropocene

2015

Considering the combined effects of CO2 fertilization and climate change drivers on plant physiology leads to a modest increase in simulated European forest transpiration in spite of the effects of CO2-induced stomatal closure. The Earth’s carbon and hydrologic cycles are intimately coupled by gas exchange through plant stomata1,2,3. However, uncertainties in the magnitude4,5,6 and consequences7,8 of the physiological responses9,10 of plants to elevated CO2 in natural environments hinders modelling of terrestrial water cycling and carbon storage11. Here we use annually resolved long-term δ13C tree-ring measurements across a European forest network to reconstruct the physiologically driven r…

Edifici storici ed efficienza energetica. Palermo come scenario di sperimentazione

2017

La monografia tratta l’efficienza energetica degli edifici storici sotto due profili. A livello generale ne esamina l’intreccio con i principi della conservazione, con la disciplina del restauro, con le prescrizioni di tutela; ripercorrendo il fervente dibattito sul tema, propone una panoramica sui principali campi d’indagine della ricerca scientifica e sugli interventi di miglioramento energetico proposti per il patrimonio culturale. Delineato un quadro d’insieme, il volume si sofferma sulla ricca e variegata architettura storica di Palermo, muovendosi tra la letteratura tecnica disponibile, il Piano Particolareggiato Esecutivo e il Manuale del recupero del centro storico. L’approfondiment…

Historic additional stories in the cultural heritage of Palermo: critical analysis for the purpose of structural and energy improvement

2018

This paper analyses construction features and performances of additional storeys in historic buildings. The recurring characteristics of these historic accretions are investigated by focusing on the cultural heritage of Palermo, where the practice of extending buildings by raising new levels was widespread both in monumental and vernacular architecture, in public and private constructions. The performance deficiencies of additional storeys are examined in terms of structural safety, thermal comfort and building energy demand. On this basis, the utility of mapping these structures, their morphology and their location in the urban fabric is discussed.

Contributo alla conoscenza delle proprietà termofisiche delle murature storiche palermitane

2014

This paper presents the preliminary findings of in situ measurements of thermal transmittance taken in a monumental complex in Palermo. The objective of energy efficiency, one of the main aspects of sustainable construction, is now relevant also for historic architecture. The research aims at analysing the energy performance of the stone walls of the complex, characterized by various thickness, age and construction features. Measurements are taken in accordance with the international standard ISO 9869:1994. The U-values so obtained are compared with tabular data from the Italian standard UNI/TS 11300-1:2008 and with values calculated following the UNI EN ISO 6946:2008. Nine preliminary meas…

Interdisciplinary building categorization - A method to support sustainable energy efficiency strategies in historic districts

2016

The balance of energy conservation and building conservation must be carefully considered when developing management policies for historic districts. One possible approach is using building stock modelling. However, as state of the art models do not normally encompass aspects or values related to cultural heritage significance, new interdisciplinary categorization methods are required to facilitate a sustainable management of the built heritage. This paper presents a categorization method that has been developed as part of the European research project EFFESUS. It shows the procedural categorization of two very different historic centers in Palermo (Italy) and Visby (Sweden) respectively, a…

Sekcijas "Latvijas uzņēmumu konkurētspēja ārējos tirgos (EKOSOC VPP 5.2.1)" Ekonomikas un vadības fakultātē (19. februāris, 2016): Referātu tēzes

2016

Assisting immersive virtual reality development with user experience design approach

2017

In our study we explored how to design a biography of a late Finnish artist as a VR experience. We conducted a development process assisted by user experience (UX) design methods, which increased the process efficiency, and resulted in a research prototype. Through previous research and our development process, we identified components affecting the user experience. These components are: Immersion, Presence, Disorientation, Sense of Control, Pleasantness, Exploration and Simulator Sickness. From our user study with 13 participants, we were able to draw implications that relate to these components. While the set of components could be incomplete or subject to change, shows that further resea…

La evolución energética del sector español de baldosas cerámicas

2014

espanolEl presente texto analiza como ha ido evolucionando el consumo y la eficiencia energetica de la industria espanola de baldosas ceramicas durante el siglo XX, y explora las posibilidades que se le plantean en el siglo XXI. Durante el pasado siglo este sector industrial acometio tres transiciones radicales al pasar de los combustibles tradicionales de biomasa a los hidrocarburos liquidos (fueloleo y gasoleo), y posteriormente a los gaseosos, principalmente gas natural. Aunque la informacion que permite evaluar de manera fiable la eficiencia energetica real en las plantas de fabricacion no es facil de obtener, los datos disponibles indican que se ha llegado a una elevada eficiencia con …

Ochotnicze Hufce Pracy – instytucja państwowa dla młodzieży i pracy z młodzieżą

2019

The article presents Voluntary Labour Corps (OHP) as an educational institution of the labour market in Poland. It attends difficult, young people who are socially excluded. The OHP is seen as the institution of the second chance, which embraces the needs of young people in a competent and complex way. It concentrates on providing the youth with proper education and preventing them from further social exclusion. The institution undertakes actions to include the youth in normal, adult life. Research shows that it is effective in its work and more than half of the graduates obtain a stable professional and social position

Results on performance and ageing of solar modules based on Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS™) from installations at various locations

2014

Abstract The present study aims to present the current status of the results obtained using Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS™) as feedstock basis for solar cell and modules. It is shown that solar cells based on ESS™ are able to follow the development of the solar industry obtaining comparable efficiencies to standard polysilicon based cells. The characteristics of ESS™ based solar cells, having normally higher V oc and FF and lower I sc , seem to give clear advantages in the field for solar modules located at high irradiance areas. Results from several locations show enhanced electricity production of ESS™ based solar modules compared to polysilicon at increasing solar irradiance. This is explaine…