Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tianhu Zhang, Yuxin Zhang, Aoqi Li, Yi Gao, Yandi Rao, Qingxin Zhao
Summary: Ventilation is an effective method for removing indoor air pollutants, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method provides an efficient approach to studying the removal efficiency. However, the CFD method is often constrained by long computational times. This study investigates the kinetic characteristic of air pollutant removal by ventilation to reduce computational time. The results show that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model accurately predicts the removal efficiency of VOCs in the absence of barriers, while the removal of particulate matter is less accurately predicted. The L-H kinetic model is a useful tool for designing ventilation strategies when airflow-determined pollutants are present.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Murat Mustafa, Malcolm J. Cook, Robert S. McLeod
Summary: This study investigates the ability of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and natural ventilation systems to maintain thermal comfort in an auditorium with high internal heat gains and tiered seating. The results show that a thermally comfortable environment can be achieved for up to 80% of the year using mixed mode ventilation and intelligent design strategies. Natural ventilation mode also provides increased fresh air supply capacity, which is important for mitigating airborne viral transmission.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashraf Mimi Elsaid, M. Salem Ahmed
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in widespread infections and deaths, impacting global activities and the economy. Improving air conditioning systems, particularly air filters, is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain indoor air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
H. Proulx, M. Debia, S. Halle
Summary: Trichloramine (NCl3), a disinfection by-product (DBP), is formed in chlorinated swimming pool water and can cause respiratory illnesses when inhaled. This study investigates the effects of adding extraction vents at deck level in a swimming pool in Montreal on NCl3 concentrations. Numerical simulations reveal that the position of these vents can either lead to the accumulation or reduction of NCl3, with the most significant reduction achieved when the vents are placed on the side where low level air supplied grills are located. The findings emphasize the importance of numerically assessing airflow patterns above the water and deck before determining the position of these deck level extraction vents.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Richard Nagy, Eva Kridlova Burdova, Katarina Harcarova, Silvia Vilcekova
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the indoor environmental quality factors in a meeting room of an administrate building located in Kosice under different heating conditions. The results showed that a radiant ceiling heating system provided better thermal comfort, while low relative humidity was possibly caused by insufficient air conditioning settings. The CO2 concentrations were similar for both heating systems and did not exceed the recommended limit value. The presence of selected volatile organic compounds was not detected due to effective ventilation by air conditioning. The evaluation results were comparable and smaller fluctuations in values were attributed to other factors such as the presence of persons in the monitoring room or HVAC systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sunil Kumar, Maria D. King
Summary: COVID-19 spreads through air and HVAC approach can reduce virus spread. By simulating the diffusion of virus-laden droplets under different HVAC configurations, this study finds that low-speed air curtains can effectively remove aerosolized droplets, reducing the spread of disease.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mina Saad, Micheal A. William, Amr Ali Hassan, Ahmed A. Hanafy
Summary: Within the past few years, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) has become a popular topic globally. People's awareness of the importance of healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) has been growing with their standard of living. This study examines the effects of different types of air diffusers in an enclosed office space in Alexandria, Egypt, on air velocities and temperature gradients using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
P. H. Nimarshana, R. A. Attalage, K. Kapila C. K. Perera
Summary: This study investigates the impact of different RANS turbulence models on the airflow distribution and thermal comfort in horizontal planes of a building. The results show that different turbulence models exhibit distinct airflow patterns, and there are significant differences in airflow distribution and thermal comfort in horizontal planes. Therefore, acquiring accurate wind tunnel data in horizontal planes is necessary for CFD model validation.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ayman Alazazmeh, Muhammad Asif
Summary: Climate change is a major challenge for mankind, with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The building sector, responsible for a significant amount of energy consumption and emissions, especially HVAC systems, plays a crucial role. Retrofitting commercial buildings can significantly improve energy performance and indoor air quality, with potential cost savings.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Nehul Agarwal, Chandan Swaroop Meena, Binju P. Raj, Lohit Saini, Ashok Kumar, N. Gopalakrishnan, Anuj Kumar, Nagesh Babu Balam, Tabish Alam, Nishant Raj Kapoor, Vivek Aggarwal
Summary: This paper reviews control measures and preventive sustainable solutions for improving indoor air quality, emphasizing the importance of integrated non-pharmaceutical and engineering control measures. By reducing occupant density, maintaining social distance, and implementing advanced ventilation systems, healthy indoor air quality can be sustained.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fei Liu, Tengfei Tim Zhang, Haiqiao Zhang, Qiannan Huo, Jihong Wang, Zhengwei Long, Junjie Liu
Summary: A new upside-supply and multiple air-exhaust system is proposed to improve ventilation efficiency in airplane painting hangars. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and on-site testing demonstrated that the new system efficiently exhausts airborne pollutants, reducing VOC concentrations in the occupied zone significantly compared to conventional systems.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Michael P. Kinzel, Jules W. Lindau, Robert F. Kunz
Summary: A computational fluid dynamics model is used to study the internal gaseous flow of artificially ventilated supercavities, revealing that gas leakage originates from gaseous shear layers at the gas-water interface. A semi-empirical model is proposed to improve prediction capability for steady twin-vortex supercavities.
Article
Thermodynamics
Le Zhao, Huang Zhou, Yuzhen Jin, Zeqing Li
Summary: The study found that the TVOC concentration in train cabins exceeded the Chinese Indoor Air Quality Standard by more than 4 times; introducing fresh air effectively eliminated pollutants; ventilation efficiency was highest at a distance of 2.5-5 meters from the center point of the cabin structure.
BUILDING SIMULATION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shamila Haddad, Afroditi Synnefa, Miguel Angel Padilla Marcos, Riccardo Paolini, Steven Delrue, Deo Prasad, Mattheos Santamouris
Summary: A field study was conducted in secondary school classrooms in Sydney, Australia, where the use of a cloud-connected demand-controlled mechanical extract ventilation system (DCV) significantly improved air quality and comfort. Students demonstrated adaptability to indoor temperature and CO2 concentration changes. Understanding indoor air quality and thermal environment is crucial for developing child-friendly design guidelines for schools.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Karolina Bralewska, Wioletta Rogula-Kozlowska, Adrian Bralewski
Summary: This study aimed to determine the concentrations of selected gaseous indoor air pollutants in a typical Polish sports center, evaluate the efficiency of the ventilation system, and identify the factors determining air quality. The results showed higher concentrations of pollutants during the heating season, except for CO2 outside. CO2 concentrations were mainly influenced by physical activity, while VOC, NO2, and SO2 concentrations were mainly influenced by outdoor sources. Specific substances were found only in indoor air and were influenced by specific indoor sources. The findings can be used to improve indoor air quality in sports facilities and minimize adverse health effects.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Claudia Naldi, Enzo Zanchini
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Giovanni Semprini, Andrea Natale Impiombato, Cesare Biserni, Eugenia Rossi di Schio
Article
Energy & Fuels
Claudia Naldi, Aminhossein Jahanbin, Enzo Zanchini
Summary: A new estimate of the thermal properties of sandbox grout and sand obtained by 2D finite-element simulations is presented in this study. The results are validated by comparison with experimental data, showing accurate reproduction of measured temperatures.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luca Pozza, Anna Degli Esposti, Alessandra Bonoli, Diego Talledo, Luca Barbaresi, Giovanni Semprini, Marco Savoia
Summary: This research discusses the seismic upgrading of existing buildings using eco-friendly and sustainable technology, as well as the performance assessment. It provides details on the technological aspects, installation phases, and feasibility study of the proposed upgrading intervention.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luigi Russi, Paolo Guidorzi, Beatrice Pulvirenti, Davide Aguiari, Giovanni Pau, Giovanni Semprini
Summary: This study aims to experimentally characterize air quality and thermal profile within an electric vehicle cabin, while measuring the energy consumption of the HVAC system. Low-cost sensors are used to measure pollutant concentrations in the vehicle cabin. The effects of the HVAC system configuration on cabin air quality are discussed. The novelty of this work lies in the combined measurement of comfort parameters and real-time energy consumption of the HVAC system using low-cost sensors in the automotive field.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Giovanni Semprini
Summary: This study investigates the combined effects of ventilation and heat source on indoor particle dispersion. The impact of different heating systems on particle decay rate was evaluated and compared. The results showed that increasing the ventilation rate can weaken the influence of heating system on particle decay rate.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eleonora Palka Bayard de Volo, Beatrice Pulvirenti, Aminhossein Jahanbin, Paolo Guidorzi, Giovanni Semprini
Summary: This study evaluates the distribution of global and local thermal comfort indices inside an office room, considering heating and cooling conditions. The results show an asymmetry in air velocity and temperature distribution due to low energy efficiency. The study found that maximizing the velocity of discharged air in heating mode improved the predicted mean vote values, but increased the vertical air temperature gradient. In cooling conditions, the minimal airflow rate met the acceptable range of draught rate without solar radiation, but failed to meet the required cooling load with solar radiation, resulting in higher floor temperature. The findings provide insights for optimizing the position of working stations for thermal comfort.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Paolo Valdiserri, Giovanni Semprini
Summary: The present study presents a multi-objective analysis of an innovative decentralized system for producing and storing domestic hot water (DHW), focusing on the combined effects of technology, control strategy, and user behavior. Through thermal energy storage, the proposed system separates energy production and demand, reduces peak energy demand, and provides more autonomy to users. Dynamic simulations using a coupled TRNSYS-MATLAB code calibrated and validated by experimental measurements are conducted to identify interactions in the DHW system. The results show that the proposed system cuts the required annual electrical energy in half, with up to 82% supplied from renewable sources, compared to previous electrical-decentralized systems. Optimization of control strategies indicates that a three-time charging scheme provides a more stable temperature profile and higher hot water temperature, reducing total annual electricity by 5.2% and improving total thermal loss by 4.0% compared to on-demand operation. Sensitivity analysis emphasizes the significant role of user behavior in electrical energy consumption.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Giovanni Semprini, Maurizio Goni
Summary: This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a novel retrofit solution for domestic hot water production. Experimental results show that the proposed solution reduces energy consumption and thermal loss compared to existing systems. The initial investment for this system is lower than a traditional centralized system, but the cost of control systems is higher.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Construction & Building Technology
G. Evola, G. Margani, V Costanzo, A. Artino, D. L. Distefano, G. Semprini, M. Lazzaro, D. Arnone
Summary: The EU-funded e-SAFE project is developing a new deep renovation system for non-historical RC framed buildings, aiming to improve energy efficiency and seismic resistance. This paper describes the functionalities of the e-SAFE Decision Support System (e-DSS), which guides technicians and building owners in a conscious preliminary co-design activity to choose the most suitable renovation solution. The e-DSS assesses the building's energy performance, environmental benefits, costs, ROI, and identifies unsuitable solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ENERGY AND BUILDINGS 2022
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Giovanni Semprini
Summary: The present study investigates the integrated effects of ceiling radiant cooling and ventilation on the dispersion and deposition of indoor airborne particles. A CFD model is developed and validated to predict airflow characteristics, thermal performance, and particle trajectories. Results show that the particle decay rate is influenced by the temperature difference between the surface of the cooling panel and surrounding walls, and the surface temperature of the panel is a more effective parameter than the inlet air velocity in particle deposition rate.
THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRESS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Aminhossein Jahanbin, Giovanni Semprini, Beatrice Pulvirenti
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the performance of various nanofluids in single U-tube borehole heat exchangers (BHEs). The results show that Ag- and Cu-based nanofluids exhibit the highest heat transfer enhancement with a trade-off of higher pressure drop and required pumping power. SiO2- and TiO2water nanofluids have the lowest thermal performance but also the lowest pressure drop. A simple equation is proposed to evaluate the outlet fluid temperature for nanofluids. The study also finds that using nanofluids to reduce BHE length is not a promising choice.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
