Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ardeshir Mahdavi, Christiane Berger, Hadeer Amin, Eleni Ampatzi, Rune Korsholm Andersen, Elie Azar, Verena M. Barthelmes, Matteo Favero, Jakob Hahn, Dolaana Khovalyg, Henrik N. Knudsen, Alessandra Luna-Navarro, Astrid Roetzel, Fisayo C. Sangogboye, Marcel Schweiker, Mahnameh Taheri, Despoina Teli, Marianne Touchie, Silke Verbruggen
Summary: The expected energy use of buildings often differs from actual observations, a phenomenon known as the energy performance gap. While various factors can contribute to this gap, there is ongoing debate about the extent to which occupants play a significant role. Current evidence does not sufficiently support the claim that occupants are the main cause of the energy performance gap.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hevar Palani, Aslihan Karatas
Summary: This study found that changing hotel guests' energy-related behavior can effectively reduce energy consumption, providing guidance and suggestions for decision makers in the hospitality industry to develop more effective energy reduction strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sajad M. R. Khani, Fariborz Haghighat, Karthik Panchabikesan, Milad Ashouri
Summary: The study uses a data mining-based framework to provide practical insights into occupants' energy behavior in residential buildings, introducing new indicators OAI and REII, and demonstrating its utility in a three-bedroom apartment.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bart Merema, Dirk Saelens, Hilde Breesch
Summary: In educational buildings, the HVAC system plays a major role in energy consumption. This study developed a model predictive control (MPC) framework for an all-air system to control room temperature and CO2 concentrations. Two model identification techniques, autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX-MPC) and grey-box resistor-capacitor nonlinear model (RC-NMPC), were compared. The study showed that the ARX-MPC had advantages in simplicity and computational efficiency. The implemented MPC strategies in a real-use educational building achieved energy savings of 10%-40% for electric energy use and 21%-55% for thermal energy use.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Livio Pedone, Filippo Molaioni, Andrea Vallati, Stefano Pampanin
Summary: This research aims to develop simplified data-driven predictive models to estimate the energy consumption of existing school buildings in Italy and support the decision-making process in energy refurbishment intervention planning. An extensive database is assembled through comprehensive on-site surveys, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) models are developed and validated for each school. Predictive models are generated through multiple linear regression method based on the identified relevant parameters for energy consumption.
Article
Environmental Studies
Hebatalla Nazmy, Suk-Kyung Kim, Eunsil Lee
Summary: Occupant behavior is an important factor in building energy consumption. This study focused on the impact of spatial factors on occupants' behavioral beliefs about operating windows and adjusting blinds. The results showed a significant relationship between spatial factors and occupants' behavioral beliefs. It is recommended to consider these beliefs in the design process for efficient space planning and improved energy performance.
ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Natalia Giraldo Vasquez, Ricardo Forgiarini Rupp, Rune Korsholm Andersen, Jorn Toftum
Summary: This paper presents a critical review of studies on the effects of window views, daylighting, and lighting on occupant behavior, perception, performance, and well-being. The analysis shows that differences in predictors, data collection methods, and outcomes have led to inconclusive results. The authors propose a simple model for predicting occupant performance, but due to limited data and scattered points, there are uncertainties in the model.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ervin Lumnitzer, Elena Lukac Jurgovska, Miriam Andrejiova, Ruzena Kralikova
Summary: In recent decades, the background level of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has dramatically increased due to the improvement in quality, volume, and speed of mobile operators' voice and data services. This paper focuses on protecting the internal environment from the negative effects of EMFs through the use of metal materials that absorb this radiation. Measurements were conducted on different days and hours, and the results were evaluated using the ANOVA method. The goal was to understand the effects of electromagnetic fields and propose measures to eliminate their impact indoors. Additionally, measurements were taken using shielding elements made of various metal materials to compare their efficiency. It is recommended to use shading blinds with the highest efficiency to enhance safety, protect people's health, and mitigate electromagnetic fields.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Majdi M. Alomari, Hania EL-Kanj, Ayse Topal, Nafesah I. Alshdaifat
Summary: The continuous increase in energy consumption has led to strategies worldwide to encourage energy conservation behavioral strategies. Limited literature focuses on the university occupants' energy conservation behaviors. This study examined the performance of three university occupant groups in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP) hypotheses and found that faculty demonstrated a more confident energy conservation behavior and have a more positive intention than students and staff. Additionally, students displayed greater trust in social norms (SNs) than faculty and staff. This research suggests the implementation of unique energy education methods and approaches for each occupant.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ruth Woods, Judith Thomsen
Summary: The prioritization of technical requirements for sustainable buildings in EU funding emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research and greater occupant engagement. However, the tendency to black box building research results in limited opportunities for participation from occupants. It is suggested that some research projects should remain unboxed to make complexity visible and focus on challenges faced by occupants, promoting collaboration between disciplines and occupants in designing successful building solutions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anna Zyczynska, Dariusz Majerek, Zbigniew Suchorab, Agnieszka Zelazna, Vaclav Koci, Robert Cerny
Summary: The article evaluates the impact of thermal retrofitting on the energy quality improvement of public buildings in terms of heating, finding that actual effects were lower than forecasted, with more complex refurbishing showing better results. Special attention should be paid to energy use in operating conditions.
Article
Economics
Qiang Du, Xiao Han, Yi Li, Zhe Li, Bo Xia, Xiqian Guo
Summary: This study measures the direct rebound effect of residential buildings in urban and rural China using the LA-AIDS model, finding that the anticipated energy savings are not fully achieved, especially in rural areas where a significant back-fire effect exists. The study suggests the need for more targeted policies to address energy efficiency in residential buildings, such as education programs for urban residents and clean energy projects for rural residents.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yichao Wang, Zhichao Wang, Xiaofeng Li, Haorong Li, Yingxia Yang, Jun Xiong
Summary: Based on data recorded from 104 air conditioners in 13 hotels in 5 cities, this study analyzed the usage and occupant behavior of split air conditioners in hotel buildings. The study found that over half of the occupants turn on the air conditioner within 2 minutes of entering their room, and this probability is influenced by the room temperature. By simulating the occupant behavior model, it was found that the usage method of split air conditioners can significantly reduce the energy consumption in hotel buildings.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Manuela Neri, Eva Cuerva, Elisa Levi, Pablo Pujadas, Edgardo Muller, Alfredo Guardo
Summary: The circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves sharing, borrowing, reusing, repairing, reconditioning, and recycling existing materials and products. This study focuses on reusing facemasks made of polyamide fabric to reduce waste generated by pandemics. The recycled polyamide fiber shows comparable thermal, acoustic, and fire performance properties to commercial insulation materials, making it a viable option for enhancing thermal and acoustic comfort in low-income households.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Elena Guidetti, Maria Ferrara
Summary: This paper investigates the potential of embodied energy in existing buildings for supporting city-level decisions and reuse, proposing a comprehensive method for defining and calculating embodied energy. The results highlight new issues for further research.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Negar Mohtashami, Nico Fuchs, Maria Fotopoulou, Panagiotis Drosatos, Rita Streblow, Tanja Osterhage, Dirk Mueller
Summary: The design of adaptive facades that dynamically respond to weather conditions and occupants' demands is becoming increasingly popular in modern constructions due to their high energy efficiency. This paper provides a systematic review of the technologies used in the design of Adaptive Dynamic Building Envelopes (ADBEs), highlighting the most prevalent practices and the most cutting-edge research approximations. The analysis shows that photovoltaics (PVs) are widely used in ADBE design, followed by mechanical ventilation and heat pumps. There is a clear gap between the use of simulation methods and experimental work in the field.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jan Richarz, Sarah Henn, Tanja Osterhage, Dirk Muller
Summary: Modernizing existing non-residential buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption in the European building stock and contribute to achieving emission reduction goals. The use of a mixed-integer linear program helps determine the optimal combination of modernization measures and their timing, with multi-objective optimization aimed at minimizing carbon emissions and net present value.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Florian Stinner, Belen Llopis-Mengual, Thomas Storek, Alexander Kuempel, Dirk Mueller
Summary: Optimizing building energy systems can reduce energy consumption, but it requires detailed system information for automatic detection, which is rarely available in the needed quality. This study uses real and simulated data to train deep learning algorithms for detecting connections, achieving over 60% improvement compared to real results.
AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Christian Vering, Mirko Engelpracht, Stephan Goebel, Sina Hoseinpoori, Fabian Wuellhorst, Christian Schwenzer, Matti Rademacher, Sven Hinrichs, Friederike Chandra, Philipp Mehrfeld, Dirk Mueller
Summary: This article introduces an open-source Vapor Compression Library called VVCLib, which combines simulation models of vapor compression cycles and provides a modular and scalable modeling approach. By using this library, users can accurately assess the performance of vapor compression cycles.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Christoph Hoeges, Valerius Venzik, Christian Vering, Dirk Mueller
Summary: The working fluid in heat pumps needs to meet various requirements for efficient and safe operation. This study screens the market for alternative working fluids and evaluates their performance in heat pump cycles. It identifies 32 fluids that meet the requirements, mostly hydrocarbons (HC) or hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) which are flammable. Among them, RC270 and R161 exhibit the highest efficiencies. However, their high compressor output temperatures make them unsuitable. HC show significantly higher efficiencies than HFO. Propane, propene, and their mixtures demonstrate the best performance.
FORSCHUNG IM INGENIEURWESEN-ENGINEERING RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marco Wirtz, Thomas Schreiber, Dirk Mueller
Summary: 5GDHC networks are a promising technology to reduce carbon emissions from heating and cooling, but there are uncertainties and knowledge gaps in planning and operation. The survey results show that these networks are mostly planned for small new build districts, with heat sources such as horizontal geothermal collectors, and network temperatures typically ranging from -5°C to 20°C, with significant variation in design and political decisions among different regions.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sebastian Blechmann, Igor Sowa, Markus Hans Schraven, Rita Streblow, Dirk Mueller, Antonello Monti
Summary: In this work, an open source platform based on the FIWARE software framework is used for experimental cloud control in the smart building and smart grid domains. Encryption, authentication, and authorization measures are implemented for communication between the platform and the field layer. The platform is validated and suitable for both use cases, but limitations and areas for improvement are identified.
AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jan Stock, Andre Xhonneux, Dirk Mueller
Summary: This study presents a developed framework that automatically identifies, tests, and evaluates possible network separations to utilize existing heat sources. The framework can separate existing district heating systems into two independent networks to better utilize sustainable heat sources.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Phillip Stoffel, Laura Maier, Alexander Kuempel, Thomas Schreiber, Dirk Mueller
Summary: Advanced building control strategies like model predictive control and reinforcement learning, combined with forecasts for weather, occupancy, and energy prices, have the potential to reduce buildings' energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, there is a lack of comparability among different control algorithms in the literature. This paper extensively evaluates six advanced control algorithms based on quantitative and qualitative key performance indicators.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Marco Wirtz, Miguel Heleno, Alexandre Moreira, Thomas Schreiber, Dirk Mueller
Summary: The planning of district energy systems is crucial for providing communities with proper heating and cooling networks. This paper introduces a Dantzig-Wolfe approach to decompose a complex optimization problem related to 5th generation district heating and cooling networks, resulting in improved computational efficiency without sacrificing the accuracy of results.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Business
Jan Richarz, Stephan Wegewitz, Sarah Henn, Dirk Mueller
Summary: To address climate change caused by human-induced greenhouse effect, research funding for carbon emission reduction solutions has increased. This study utilized natural language processing to extract keywords from energy research project descriptions and conducted a keyword network analysis. The results showed a shift in focus from individual components to energy systems and the integration of renewable technologies with existing infrastructure.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Telecommunications
Markus Hans Schraven, Kai Droste, Carlo Guarnieri Calo Carducci, Dirk Mueller, Antonello Monti
Summary: The Internet of Things (IoT) has potential benefits in the building automation system (BAS) domain, but integrating it into existing systems remains challenging due to the variety of conventional interfaces used. Most research focuses on developing alternative systems rather than connecting with legacy components. This study presents an embedded solution to connect to common interfaces in BAS applications, shared as an open-source platform for public use and customization.
JOURNAL OF SENSOR AND ACTUATOR NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jonas Klingebiel, Moritz Salamon, Plamen Bogdanov, Valerius Venzik, Christian Vering, Dirk Mueller
Summary: Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are crucial for sustainable heating and cooling applications, but frosting affects their performance. This study proposes a self-optimizing defrost initiation controller that uses deep reinforcement learning to maximize heat pump performance under dynamic frosting conditions.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiaoye Cai, Thomas Schild, Alexander Kuempel, Dirk Mueller
Summary: The growing share of renewable energy sources in building energy systems leads to more complex energy conversion and distribution systems. The current process of developing appropriate control functions for energy systems is insufficient and error-prone. A new method called MODI is proposed to systematically develop mode-based control algorithms for buildings, aiming to reduce design errors in the early stages and improve system efficiency.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Christian Ankerstjerne Thilker, Peder Bacher, Davide Cali, Henrik Madsen
Summary: This paper proposes non-linear autoregressive models with exogenous inputs to model the air temperature in each room of a Danish school building. It introduces methods to estimate the solar radiation effect and the valve position of the radiator thermostats. The models are able to accurately predict the temperature 24 hours ahead and capture the variations in solar radiation and heat inputs.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Samiran Khorat, Debashish Das, Rupali Khatun, Sk Mohammad Aziz, Prashant Anand, Ansar Khan, Mattheos Santamouris, Dev Niyogi
Summary: Cool roofs can effectively mitigate heatwave-induced excess heat and enhance thermal comfort in urban areas. Implementing cool roofs can significantly improve urban meteorology and thermal comfort, reducing energy flux and heat stress.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qi Li, Jiayu Chen, Xiaowei Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the vertical wind conditions as a main external factor that limits the energy assessment of high-rise buildings in urban areas. Traditional tools for energy assessment of buildings use a universal vertical wind profile estimation, without taking into account the unique wind speed in each direction induced by the various shapes and configurations of buildings in cities. To address this limitation, the study developed an omnidirectional urban vertical wind speed estimation method using direction-dependent building morphologies and machine learning algorithms.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiaojun Luo, Lamine Mahdjoubi
Summary: This paper presents an integrated blockchain and machine learning-based energy management framework for multiple forms of energy allocation and transmission among multiple domestic buildings. Machine learning is used to predict energy generation and consumption patterns, and the proposed framework establishes optimal and automated energy allocation through peer-to-peer energy transactions. The approach contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhances environmental sustainability.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ying Yu, Yuanwei Xiao, Jinshuai Chou, Xingyu Wang, Liu Yang
Summary: This study proposes a dual-layer optimization design method to maximize the energy sharing potential, enhance collaborative benefits, and reduce the storage capacity of building clusters. Case studies show that the proposed design significantly improves the performance of building clusters, reduces energy storage capacity, and shortens the payback period.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Felix Langner, Weimin Wang, Moritz Frahm, Veit Hagenmeyer
Summary: This paper compares two main approaches to consider uncertainties in model predictive control (MPC) for buildings: robust and stochastic MPC. The results show that compared to a deterministic MPC, the robust MPC increases the electricity cost while providing complete temperature constraint satisfaction, while the stochastic MPC slightly increases the electricity cost but fulfills the thermal comfort requirements.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Somil Yadav, Caroline Hachem-Vermette
Summary: This study proposes a mathematical model to evaluate the performance of a Double Skin Facade (DSF) system and its impact on indoor conditions. The model considers various design parameters and analyzes their effects on the system's electrical output and room temperature.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruijun Chen, Holly Samuelson, Yukai Zou, Xianghan Zheng, Yifan Cao
Summary: This research introduces an innovative resilient design framework that optimizes building performance by considering a holistic life cycle perspective and accounting for climate projection uncertainties. The study finds that future climate scenarios significantly impact building life cycle performance, with wall U-value, windows U-value, and wall density being major factors. By using ensemble learning and optimization algorithms, predictions for carbon emissions, cost, and indoor discomfort hours can be made, and the best resilient design scheme can be selected. Applying this framework leads to significant improvements in building life cycle performance.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
