scholarly journals The Smart Evolution of Historical Cities: Integrated Innovative Solutions Supporting the Energy Transition while Respecting Cultural Heritage

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9358
Author(s):  
Georgios Tsoumanis ◽  
João Formiga ◽  
Nuno Bilo ◽  
Panagiotis Tsarchopoulos ◽  
Dimosthenis Ioannidis ◽  
...  

Building retrofitting is seen as an efficient method for improving a building’s energy performance. On the other hand, when historical buildings are considered for this procedure, retrofitting gets more complicated. As historical buildings typically consist of low-performance building and energy systems, energy retrofits can be highly beneficial. However, not every retrofit technology can be installed in a historical building. In this paper, the study carried out for the implementation of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) solutions in the Historic Centre of Évora is provided, within the framework of the European project POCITYF (Project H2020). The study took into consideration all the observations of the Regional Directorate of Culture of Évora and the administration of the involved schools (including the Association of Parents), the needs of the Municipality of Évora, and the capabilities of technology developers ONYX and Tegola. The proposed solutions aim at fulfilling all the guidelines for preserving the historic centre and achieving the positivity metrics agreed with the European Commission on the challenging and indispensable path to the decarbonisation of European cities.

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3412
Author(s):  
Reza Khalifeeh ◽  
Hameed Alrashidi ◽  
Nazmi Sellami ◽  
Tapas Mallick ◽  
Walid Issa

Semi-transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaics provide a fresh approach to the renewable energy sector, combining the potential of energy generation with aesthetically pleasing, multi-functional building components. Employing a range of technologies, they can be integrated into the envelope of the building in different ways, for instance, as a key element of the roofing or façade in urban areas. Energy performance, measured by their ability to produce electrical power, at the same time as delivering thermal and optical efficiencies, is not only impacted by the system properties, but also by a variety of climatic and environmental factors. The analytical framework laid out in this paper can be employed to critically analyse the most efficient solution for a specific location; however, it is not always possible to mitigate energy losses, using commercially available materials. For this reason, a brief overview of new concept devices is provided, outlining the way in which they mitigate energy losses and providing innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 4610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak ◽  
Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina ◽  
Bożena Orlik-Kożdoń ◽  
Tomasz Steidl ◽  
Tadeusz Tatara

The paper discusses thermal quality improvement in historic buildings. It is based on a case study of a wooden historical building in an architectural style typical of Zakopane, located in the Podhale region of Poland. The building’s historical value and timber structure prevent the application of typical thermal retrofitting solutions. This paper presents an analysis of the possibilities of the improvement of energy performance of a historic building (villa) which included: a review of the available energy performance improvement solutions applicable to this type of building, with a particular focus on applying internal insulation; a technical condition assessment using non-invasive methods, the identification of problematic areas in terms of the thermal retrofitting of buildings with timber walls and decks; in situ tests: thermovision tests which showed the places with temperature distribution field disturbances in the building’s envelope, focusing on thermal bridges; measurements of actual thermal transmittance coefficients for extant partitions; measurements of the building’s airtightness and the microclimate in selected rooms; numerical analysis: an assessment of the influence of the thermal bridges on the building’s existing condition, an analysis of water content changes in wall systems post-insulation. The presented approach enables the improvement of the energy performance of timber historical buildings while preserving the historical value of its architecture. It is innovative because it tries to fill in a research gap concerning a lack of relevant guidelines in Poland. The research questions that the authors asked were as follows. Is it possible to improve the thermal insulation of a building’s wooden walls without adversely affecting the building’s technical condition? With regard to the necessity to meet nZEB (nearly zero energy building) standards, is it feasible to improve the timber walls of historical buildings? The study found that under the correct assumptions and while maintaining a responsible approach to design, it is possible to improve the energy performance of historical buildings without interfering with historical heritage.


2014 ◽  
Vol 875-877 ◽  
pp. 629-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Corrao ◽  
Dario D'Anna ◽  
Marco Morini ◽  
Luisa Pastore

The paper shows the first results of the optical performance analysis carried out on the DSSC integrated glassblock, an innovative building product developed at the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo. In the field of a research that is being conducted in order to define innovative solutions for the construction of photovoltaic and energy efficient translucent building envelopes, different hypotheses of integration of DSSC into the glassblock have been foreseen. The integration of glassblock with third generation PV systems allows to define a novel building-PV product that meets the current requirements of the BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) market. By means of OptiCAD® software, several numerical simulations were conducted to analyse the solar factor, the light transmittance and the shading coefficient of the device.


2021 ◽  
Vol 304 ◽  
pp. 117731
Author(s):  
Suwin Sandu ◽  
Muyi Yang ◽  
Han Phoumin ◽  
Reza Fathollahzadeh Aghdam ◽  
Xunpeng Shi

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Edomah

Abstract Background The rising need for transition towards more sustainable energy sources requires a rethink in the governance of energy systems. Arguably, policy makers have very important roles in governing transitions in any given society through established institutional frameworks. It has also been argued that energy infrastructure choices are determined by institutional dynamics and structures. However, what are the underlying influences required to change energy systems and what lessons can we draw from them for the governance of energy transition? This study focuses on understanding the dynamics of energy transition governance in the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change. Methods Using explorative research tools, this study investigates the dynamics of energy transition governance in the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change. Data from primary and secondary sources in documentary archives as well as other published sources that are linked with the provision of the Nigerian historical energy infrastructure were used for the analysis in order to draw lessons on energy transition dynamics in Nigeria. Results The study revealed that there were three important factors that had a direct impact on energy transition and energy systems change in Nigeria’s electricity sector. These are: (1) Changing perceptions and goals (during the period leading up to Nigeria’s independence, 1890–1960s); (2) Direct government interventions in energy infrastructure provisions (1940s–1970s); and (3) Major changes in market rules (from 2005 and beyond). Conclusions The study concludes by highlighting that: (1) there is a need for government institutions to tackle energy access issues that address the needs of the poor; (2) it is imperative to explore technological options that are more sustainable; and (3) there is a need to address energy consumption patterns that are more energy intensive. Indeed, available energy resources, technological changes in electricity supply systems, and the ‘geographies of energy’ are major factors that influence energy production and consumption dynamics. All of them needs should be considered, as energy decisions are primarily political choices.


Author(s):  
E. Turikova ◽  
◽  
O. Nedoshytko ◽  
A. Akopova ◽  
◽  
...  

In this article specific examples of historical interiors are identified and characterized, environment-forming factors determining the individuality of the historic interior and its renovation strategy are highlighted; shows the methods of renovation andreprofiling of historical interiors, their selection and testing in real environmental conditions.The historical buildings that make up the golden fund for the development of old cities often carry a bunch of contradictions: their interiors do not alwaysmeet today's requirements for the geometry of interior spaces, their hygiene, lighting, acoustics; the structural basis does not allow to increase the load; they are not designed for new functions, modes of operation, flows of people, etc.; the existing aesthetic system contradicts modern materials and stylistic priorities. Incorrect adaptation of historical interiors to a foreign function leads to irreplaceable cultural and artistic losses. Therefore, it is relevant to identify techniques for the renovation of historical interiors, architectural and design tools to ensure consistent interaction of the historical foundation and modern equipment.The study allowed to clarify the concept of “interior of a historic building”; to reveal the factors that determine the design approaches to the renovation of the interior: initial geometry, hue-color certainty and potential, artistic and stylistic integrity, scenographic potential, sanitary-hygienic and ergonomic, safety, human factor, compositional reality and potential. The identified factors made it possible to formulate the tasks and means of renovating aspecific historical interior. The methods of renovation are: the introduction of a contrasting accent; creation of alternative environmental and stylistic scenarios, points and perspectives of perception; use of environmentalinstallations from equipment; the formation of a single visual field of the interior and exterior through the use of font, elements of historical style.The article “Architectural and design techniques for renovating the interiors of historical buildings” clarifies the concept of “interior of a historical building”. The features of such interiors were identified and characterized, environment-forming factors determining the individuality of the historical interior and the strategy for its renovation, as well as design approaches to interior renovation: initial geometry, light-color certainty and potential, artistic and stylistic integrity, scenographic potential, sanitary-hygienic and ergonomic, were identified, security, human factor, compositional givenness and potential. The methods of renovation and reprofiling of historical interiors are shown, they are selected and tested in real environmental conditions. The identified factors made it possible to formulate the tasks and means of renovating aspecific historical interior. The methods of renovation are: the introduction of a contrasting accent; creation of alternative environmental and stylistic scenarios, points and perspectives of perception; use of environmental installations from equipment; the formation of a single visual field of the interior and exterior through the use of font, elements of historical style. The article is illustrated with graphic materials from the course student work (Art. Yulia Shtyrbu).


Author(s):  
Luigi Bottecchia ◽  
Pietro Lubello ◽  
Pietro Zambelli ◽  
Carlo Carcasci ◽  
Lukas Kranzl

Energy system modelling is an essential practice to assist a set of heterogeneous stakeholders in the process of defining an effective and efficient energy transition. From the analysis of a set of open source energy system models, it has emerged that most models employ an approach directed at finding the optimal solution for a given set of constraints. On the contrary, a simulation model is a representation of a system that is used to reproduce and understand its behaviour under given conditions, without seeking an optimal solution. Given the lack of simulation models that are also fully open source, in this paper a new open source energy system model is presented. The developed tool, called Multi Energy Systems Simulator (MESS), is a modular, multi-node model that allows to investigate non optimal solutions by simulating the energy system. The model has been built having in mind urban level analyses. However, each node can represent larger regions allowing wider spatial scales to be be represented as well. MESS is capable of performing analysis on systems composed by multiple energy carriers (e.g. electricity, heat, fuels). In this work, the tool’s features will be presented by a comparison between MESS itself and an optimization model, in order to analyze and highlight the differences between the two approaches, the potentialities of a simulation tool and possible areas for further development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2042 (1) ◽  
pp. 012096
Author(s):  
Christoph Waibel ◽  
Shanshan Hsieh ◽  
Arno Schlüter

Abstract This paper demonstrates the impact of demand response (DR) on optimal multi-energy systems (MES) design with building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) on roofs and façades. Building loads and solar potentials are assessed using bottom-up models; the MES design is determined using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model (energy hub). A mixed-use district of 170,000 m2 floor area including office, residential, retail, education, etc. is studied under current and future climate conditions in Switzerland and Singapore. Our findings are consistent with previous studies, which indicate that DR generally leads to smaller system capacities due to peak shaving. We further show that in both the Swiss and Singapore context, cost and emissions of the MES can be reduced significantly with DR. Applying DR, the optimal area for BIPV placement increases only marginally for Singapore (~1%), whereas for Switzerland, the area is even reduced by 2-8%, depending on the carbon target. In conclusion, depending on the context, DR can have a noticeable impact on optimal MES and BIPV capacities and should thus be considered in the design of future, energy efficient districts.


Author(s):  
Igor Tyukhov ◽  
Hegazy Rezk ◽  
Pandian Vasant

This chapter is devoted to main tendencies of optimization in photovoltaic (PV) engineering showing the main trends in modern energy transition - the changes in the composition (structure) of primary energy supply, the gradual shift from a traditional (mainly based on fossil fuels) energy to a new stage based on renewable energy systems from history to current stage and to future. The concrete examples (case studies) of optimization PV systems in different concepts of using from power electronics (particularly maximum power point tracking optimization) to implementing geographic information system (GIS) are considered. The chapter shows the gradual shifting optimization from specific quite narrow areas to the new stages of optimization of the very complex energy systems (actually smart grids) based on photovoltaics and also other renewable energy sources and GIS.


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