jtire
Abstract : The Future of Research and Experimentation in Technological Design of the Relationships between Architecture, Energy and Environment
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Abstract: The problematic nature of the centrality of the focal core formed of the Technological Design/ Energy / Environment relationship has never been so evident as at the present time, together with the need to tackle it urgently. Humanity has been directly interfacing with the energy issue and the "non-renewability" of resources on the one hand, and the question of harmful and climate-changing emissions on the other part for other for at least thirty years. This is the reason why it is our principal scientific and ethical duty to focus a major part of our attention and efforts on research – as proved in Italy by a significant part of the activities of PhD Program in "Planning Design Technology" of Sapienza University of Rome, by "NZEB" cluster of SITdA Italian Society of Technology of Architecture and by National Work Group "Green Economy for Architecture and Cities" of CNGE National Council on the Green Economy – in order to take significant steps forward. And to provide incisive answers for the emergency situations represented by, to use the two iconic terms of the much larger set of questions, the Climate and Energy problems. On the other hand, if it is true that the Nearly Zero Energy Building slogan specifically alludes to the scale of action, what is certain is that, at an international level, this is not the sole correct level on which we can and we must operate in order to have a chance of success, effectiveness and obtainment of that efficiency referred to in the first European directive 2002/91/EC through to the most recent 2010/31/EU “Energy Performance of Buildings” and 2012/27/EU "Energy Efficiency" which, inter alia, establish the concept of NZE architecture. So the working dimension becomes primarily "a-scaleable", in its need to oscillate constantly, with ongoing feedback, between actions at various leveles. Research related to the broad areas of Nearly Zero Energy Architecture developed in recent years fits into Technological Design in this sense and in this light, mainly in relation to regeneration of the existing architectural heritage, technologies for new building projects, process governance, the systemic approach on an urban scale, environmental and energy sustainability protocols, smart communities and cultural heritage. Keywords: Near Zero Energy Architecture, Technological Design, Ecoefficiency, Built Environment, Green Economy. |
Abstract : Simulation of Dynamic Thermal Behaviour for Housing in Warm Climate: The Case of Thermal Mass in Lightweight Envelopes
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Abstract: Comparison between simulation results and measured performances is usually an open scientific problem, crucial to achieving the goal of NZEB performance. This paper addresses this issue in relation to residential buildings, using as a case study “RhOME for denCity”, the housing prototype developed by Roma TRE University and winner of Solar Decathlon Europe 2014. In a Mediterranean climate, the use of the mass combined with natural cross ventilation to control the indoor microclimate can be very effective in reducing HVAC use. Therefore, a “massive layer” was introduced in the inner surface of the envelope to not only contribute to the envelope transmittance value and the shifting phase of the thermal waves, but also as a thermal shock absorber to adjust the internal temperature, in both summer and winter. This experimental envelope was tested over two weeks during the competition in Versailles. Although prototype thermal behaviour was monitored only during the competition, and not over an extended period, initial results provide information on how to size the thermal mass contribution for indoor comfort. In-depth simulation through TRNSYS was run prior to the construction phase. This paper presents the comparison between monitored performance and simulations in order to measure the amount of mass needed to obtain a numerical improvement in indoor comfort performance. Keywords: Thermal mass contribution, Energy performance in Mediterranean Climate, Dynamic thermal simulation, Thermal mass in lightweight envelope, building performance comparison. |
Abstract : Adaptive Models for the Energy Efficiency of Building Envelopes
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Abstract: The debate on energy efficiency in buildings has already established the strategic role of the envelope to achieve the control objectives of consumption and housing quality. The study shows, it ranks in the innovative experimentation scenario, following the directions of the regulations 2010/31/EU (EPBD 2) and its objective is the realization of a building envelope "adaptive", characterized by the ability to dynamically respond to stress from the environmental context with which it relates. The experiment aimed at perfecting a model of intervention that can guide the design choices towards elements that make up the building envelope, characterized by a strong interactive-adaptive component. This is based on the combination of: layers of innovative envelope, systems using RES and SMART management requirements of the system, with a focus on intelligent control energy flows between external/internal and adaptive performance of the layers. The mode of "deferred layering" in relation to the orientation of the building and to climate periods, while for the control of wrap responses subjected to environmental stress, the research adopts BEMS & BIM systems and other related criteria will be defined. The experiment aims to satisfy the requirements to improve the energy performance of buildings by reducing the impacts (emissions), through the development of a technical system. The results obtained from inspections in progress, show that the constituent layers that envelope react in a synergistic way and adapted to different climatic conditions, ensuring high-quality performance, in line with the energy efficiency targets established by regulatory standards. Keywords: Building energy performance, SMART Building envelope, Energy efficiency, Integrated design, Adaptive components, Up-coming technologies. |
Abstract : Form follows Zero Energy: Technological Design for Sustainable Housing in Extreme Climate Areas
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Abstract: Hot and humid Extreme Climate Areas, like the United Arab Emirates, pose unique challenges for architects and engineers seeking innovative technologies for energy and environmental efficient building designs; at the same time, these regions are characterized by an innovative spirit that pushes to develop and implement projects to test renewable building technologies and solutions. The research team, which includes the Engineering faculty of The British University in Dubai, is working to develop design strategies that contribute to implementing low-energy and off-grid architecture in the UAE. The goal is to design a home balancing human comfort and efficient energy use, and to respond to the site’s climatic and contextual variables. The research aims to design a water-conserving, net-zero energy single-family home that can be used as a prototype for new building developments in this area. The approach developed toward an energy-efficient design process includes both traditional bioclimatic elements and high-performance active technological systems. The experimental design process also aims to reduce the building’s environmental impact while creating a comfortable and responsive living environment. In this way, efficient water use and renewable energy features can be aesthetically, economically and culturally integrated into the home’s architecture to improve its residents' quality of life. The house design responds to the climate challenges and complements active systems reducing energy use and associated carbon emissions. At the same time, it aims to contribute to the development of appropriate architecture, a starting point for simple architectural expression in the UAE. Keywords: Sustainable design, sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, on-site energy production, green energy, climatic resource, solar control, ventilation, passive cooling, natural elements, insulation. |
Abstract : Energy Efficiency of Low Quality Built Heritage: Methodological Reflections on Achieving the NZEB through a Case Study in the City of L'Aquila
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Abstract: About the building heritage and, in particular, about the widespread heritage without historical or architectural quality, it currently opens a challenge in perpetual evolution. This is the integration of innovative technological solutions for building regeneration, which can help a qualitative improvement of the living spaces and the reduction of energy consumptions. Context factors, the intensity of precipitation, the different types of soil, and the amount of solar irradiation or wind speed are doubtless the main causes of the degradation of the existing buildings. On another way, through the control of climatic and biophysical parameters, the focus on the properties of materials and a careful design process, these variables can increase the use of renewable energy sources, becoming environmental resources to reduce energy consumption, to provide comfortable living spaces and aiming the realization of a Near Zero Energy Building. The paper proposes a reflection on the main methodological issues emerged in the hypothesis of intervention experimented on a case study in the city of L’Aquila. The building, located near the historical center of the city, is in direct relation with important pre-existences such as the Forte Spagnolo and the San Salvatore hospital. It is an example of possible regeneration of low quality building in which the additional use of new functional spaces can increase not only energy performances, but also an increase of architectural value of the building. Keywords: Low quality built heritage, bioclimatic parameters, building regeneration, energy efficiency, building envelope. |