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)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fangli Hou, Jun Ma, Helen H. L. Kwok, Jack C. P. Cheng
Summary: The aim of this study is to develop a rapid prediction and optimization framework using Building Information Modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations to balance indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and energy consumption. The results of the comprehensive analysis showed that the optimized parameters led to a decrease in CO2 concentration, an improvement in thermal comfort, and energy savings.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Saman Taheri, Ali Razban
Summary: Concerns over indoor air quality have grown due to the negative health effects of high bio-effluents levels on occupants. Implementing efficient HVAC systems is crucial for improving air quality. Using machine learning algorithms to forecast CO2 concentrations can enhance indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption. Real-time adjustment of ventilation rates based on specific needs can effectively provide ventilation.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yi Li, Nan Ma, Lin Guo
Summary: This article proposes an air quality optimization strategy for HVAC systems based on IoT technology. By using dynamic models and the Lyapunov optimization method, the stochastic processes in HVAC systems can be captured and solved. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy and methods can effectively maintain a comfortable temperature range and provide more fresh air.
IEEE SYSTEMS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Economics
Love Odion Idahosa, Joseph Oscar Akotey
Summary: The study found that social norms can influence hotel guests' room temperature settings, indicating that thermal comfort is not only a physiological and psychological need, but also a social construct.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoqiang Ma, Asma Arif, Prabjot Kaur, Vipin Jain, Laila Refiana Said, Nafessa Mughal
Summary: This study examines the impact of technological innovation shocks on the environment, specifically focusing on the asymmetric effects on CO2 emissions in BRICS economies. The findings show that positive shocks from patents reduce emissions, while negative shocks increase emissions. Non-linear analysis allows for measuring the direction and magnitude of these shocks on environmental quality. As such, policymakers and environmentalists should consider the impacts of these shocks when formulating strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Peyman Raphe, Hachimi Fellouah, Sebastien Poncet, Mohamed Ameur
Summary: This study developed a mixed experimental-numerical method to evaluate the real efficiency of PDDs with different perforation patterns, revealing that the performance of PDDs is underestimated and they actually require lower airflow. By using a non-uniform perforation pattern, a more uniform air distribution can be achieved, leading to a decrease in required airflow and energy consumption.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Cihan Turhan, Silvio Simani, Gulden Gokcen Akkurt
Summary: The study aims to improve thermal comfort and energy savings in HVAC systems by developing a thermal comfort-driven control algorithm, which was tested in a real building and shown to increase thermal comfort satisfaction by 92% and reduce energy consumption by 13.2% compared to a conventional PID controller. This prototype is cost-effective and easily deployable in real environments, distinguishing it from other existing works in the field.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Younghun Kim, Dongho Shin, Kee-Jung Hong, Gunhee Lee, Sang Bok Kim, Inyong Park, Bangwoo Han, Jungho Hwang
Summary: This study established a theoretical model to estimate the performance of various indoor air quality management methods for controlling indoor PM2.5 concentrations and energy consumption. The model was verified through comparative experiments. The study identified efficient energy-saving PM2.5 management scenarios using different IAQ management methods based on the annual life patterns of residents in South Korea. The results showed that energy consumption could be significantly reduced by applying natural ventilation in certain seasons and mechanical ventilation in others.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jelena Tihana, Aleksandrs Zajacs, Dmitrijs Ivancovs, Baiba Gaujena
Summary: This article studies the relationship between the increase in construction volumes in Latvia and the improvement of living comfort, highlighting the importance of investments by owners to minimize energy consumption.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Christos Tsolkas, Evangelos Spiliotis, Elissaios Sarmas, Vangelis Marinakis, Haris Doukas
Summary: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy cost in the building sector requires effective energy management. This paper proposes a modular methodology that schedules the operating hours of the building's heating/cooling system using thermal comfort forecasts to ensure minimal energy consumption. The approach utilizes indoor air temperature and relative humidity forecasting models, as well as a data-driven algorithm to predict and maintain thermal comfort levels. Empirical evaluation shows improved user satisfaction and significant energy savings.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Naeim Farouk, Abdullah Alhumaidi Alotaibi, Abdullah H. Alshahri, Khalid H. Almitani
Summary: The addition of phase change materials (PCMs) can reduce the HVAC power demand in different climatic regions of Saudi Arabia, especially in the summer.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yasser M. Abdullatif, Ahmed Sodiq, Tareq Al-Ansari, Nashaat N. Nassar, Abdulkarem I. Amhamed
Summary: Direct air capture (DAC) technology still faces challenges in terms of high energy requirement, hindering its commercialization. This study explores the integration of DAC with HVAC systems to unlock its potential. By varying the adsorption and desorption conditions and positioning the DAC unit in different locations within the AHU, the efficiency of the DAC system is improved in Qatar's summer season. Locating the DAC unit after the exhaust fan achieves better performance in case of full air recirculation.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nilofar Asim, Marzieh Badiei, Masita Mohammad, Halim Razali, Armin Rajabi, Lim Chin Haw, Mariyam Jameelah Ghazali
Summary: HVAC systems are crucial for buildings as they are responsible for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. However, they also contribute to microbial contaminations and diseases, leading to a need for sustainability improvements. Understanding and considering various parameters related to HVAC system sustainability are important for providing healthy and energy-efficient options. The greatest opportunities for improvement lie in the design of new facilities and retrofitting of existing equipment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Michael J. Risbeck, Alexander E. Cohen, Jonathan D. Douglas, Zhanhong Jiang, Carlo Fanone, Karen Bowes, Jim Doughty, Martin Turnbull, Louis Diberardinis, Young M. Lee, Martin Z. Bazant
Summary: This study develops a simple protocol to predict transmission risk and energy consumption by combining infectious aerosol dynamics and HVAC operation with sensor data. It also validates a simple safety guideline that effectively limits transmission risk, providing a comprehensive framework for quantitative control of transmission risk while minimizing energy costs.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiang He, Jianping Chen, Shane Albin, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang
Summary: The microdroplet-based spray method is an emerging strategy for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks, offering improved heat and mass transfer rates for faster crystal formation. To optimize this synthesis route, further exploration of the dominant variables controlling product quality is needed, along with experiments and advanced computational analysis for guidance.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Zhang, Xiang He, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang, Sheng-Chieh Chen
Summary: The newly developed E-MOFilter coated with highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) particles has the ability to remove PM2.5 and VOCs simultaneously. Experimental results show that the MOF particles deposited more uniformly in the MERV 13 media, and the E-MOFilter performed well in terms of efficiency and air resistance during PM filtration tests.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Telecommunications
Weitao Wang, Yuebin Bai, Peng Feng, Jun Huang, Mo Sha, Jianpei Tantai
Summary: The paper presents a new DTN routing algorithm called DTN-Balance, which takes into account the forwarding capacity and queue of relay nodes for better load distribution in the network. By defining a message forwarding utility metric and incorporating small world theory, the algorithm significantly increases routing efficiency. Simulation results on real DTN traces show that the algorithm offers excellent forwarding efficiency despite a slight decrease in throughput.
WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Junyang Shi, Di Mu, Mo Sha
Summary: Low-power wireless mesh networks (LPWMNs) are widely used in wireless monitoring and control applications. Recent studies show that adding low-power wide-area network radios such as LoRa effectively overcomes the limitations of LPWMNs. However, users are reluctant to embrace this new communication approach due to the cost of hardware modification.
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON SENSOR NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Junyang Shi, Xingjian Chen, Mo Sha
Summary: IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless sensor-actuator networks play a significant role in improving industrial efficiency, but managing large and complex networks is difficult. This article presents a solution for enabling cross-technology communication from LoRa to ZigBee, providing reliable communication with high throughput and low bit error rate.
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON SENSOR NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Zhang, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang, Sheng-Chieh Chen
Summary: A new E-MOFilter was developed in this study for the simultaneous removal of PM2.5 and VOCs, with the PDMS-coated E-MOFilter performing the best. The study focused on the effectiveness of toluene adsorption under different RH conditions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianping Chen, Zan Zhu, Gustavo Monge, Wei-Ning Wang
Summary: This study investigates the formation of Cu-BDC MOF under different flow regimes by modulating operating pressure, and finds that decreasing pressure results in changes in crystal size, morphology, and orientation, as well as increased open metal sites and higher CO2 adsorption affinity for the MOFs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zan Zhu, Liang Bao, Dmitry Pestov, Ping Xu, Wei-Ning Wang
Summary: The surface-modulated photocatalyst with a positively charged layer enhances the affinity towards bacterial cells via electrostatic attractions. The experimental results demonstrate that the positively charged layer does promote the contact between bacteria and photocatalyst through electrostatic attractions. The cooperative effects of bacterial cell adhesion and ROS generation significantly enhance the disinfection performance of the photocatalyst.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhishang Wan, Lihong Gan, Wei-Ning Wang, Yi Jiang
Summary: Electrospray is an effective method for membrane surface functionalization using engineered nanomaterials. The lack of understanding of the deposition process hinders the practical applications of nanocomposite membranes. Advanced online characterization techniques and mathematical modeling are used to understand the key process parameters. The stabilization of deposited Ag NPs is achieved through polymeric solvent bonding. The results provide insights into the additive manufacturing of nanocomposite membranes with improved performance.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Xia Cheng, Junyang Shi, Mo Sha, Linke Guo
Summary: This paper presents a new threat to WirelessHART networks, smart selective jamming attacks, which can greatly reduce network reliability without being easily detected.
IEEE-ACM TRANSACTIONS ON NETWORKING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Zhang, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang, Sheng-Chieh Chen
Summary: A new type of metal-organic framework (MOF) coated electret filter, named E-MOFilter, was developed to remove PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) simultaneously. Photocatalytic nanosheets Bi2WO6/BiOCl were synthesized and coated on MIL-125-NH2 to create p-BWO@MIL, which was further applied to the electret filter to form PE-MOFilter. The results showed that PE-MOFilter was capable of capturing and degrading VOCs, as well as effectively removing PM2.5 through adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation. The research provides insights into the development of semiconductor@MOF coated electret media for improving indoor air quality with low energy consumption.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Information Systems
Qi Li, Keyang Yu, Dong Chen, Mo Sha, Long Cheng
Summary: As more and more people use IoT devices to monitor and control their environments, the security and privacy of these devices become a growing concern. One recent research reveals that VPN-encrypted IoT network traffic is not anonymous and can be disaggregated into individual device traffic, potentially exposing sensitive user information. To investigate this privacy threat, researchers develop a new smart home traffic disaggregator called TrafficSpy, which accurately disaggregates VPN traffic into device-level data. However, this disaggregated data is susceptible to further attacks that can reveal user sensitive information. TrafficSpy represents both a serious privacy threat and a potentially valuable tool for smart home monitoring and automation.
2022 IEEE CONFERENCE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK SECURITY (CNS)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Junyang Shi, Mo Sha
Summary: This paper presents a novel approach to localize a campus shuttle using the LoRa link characteristics measured by a single base station and deep learning. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed solution achieves high accuracy without requiring new hardware and introducing additional communication overhead.
2022 31ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS (ICCCN 2022)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mo Sha, Yuchen Li, Kian-Lee Tan
Summary: The paper introduces SAGE, a self-adaptive graph traversal method on GPUs that operates directly on common graph representations without the need for preprocessing. Through techniques such as Tiled Partitioning, Resident Tile Stealing, and Sampling-based Reordering, SAGE achieves superior graph traversal performance under different architectural scenarios.
SIGMOD '21: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANAGEMENT OF DATA
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Jianping Chen, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang
Summary: This article reviews a rapid microdroplet-based nanomanufacturing process to fabricate MOFs-based functional materials with controlled hierarchical nanostructures. Strategies to integrate MOFs with semiconductors to form hybrid photocatalysts for addressing environmental challenges, particularly CO2 photoreduction, are summarized. In-situ techniques were used to explore the quantitative mechanisms of CO2 adsorption, activation, and charge transfer within the hybrid nanostructures.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Parth Bansal, Steven Jige Quan
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between urban form and canopy layer urban heat island (CUHI) using a relatively large sample of microclimate sensors in Seoul, Korea. The study compares different statistical models and finds that the spatially explicit gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model has the highest accuracy. The study also shows that the effect of urban form on CUHI varies at different time instances during the day. These findings provide valuable insights for planners to understand the complexity of urban climate and reduce CUHI magnitude.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Miaomiao Liu, Salah Almazmumi, Pinlu Cao, Carlos Jimenez-bescos, John Kaiser Calautit
Summary: Windcatchers provide effective low-energy ventilation and summer passive cooling in temperate climates. However, their use in winter is limited due to significant ventilation heat loss and potential discomfort. This study evaluates the applicability of windcatchers in low-temperature conditions, highlighting the need for control strategies to reduce over-ventilation and the integration of heat recovery or thermal storage to enhance winter thermal conditions.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Behrouz Nourozi, Aneta Wierzbicka, Runming Yao, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This article presents a systematic review of ventilation solutions in hospital wards, aiming to enhance pathogen removal performance while maintaining patient and healthcare staff comfort using air-cleaning techniques. The study reveals the importance of proper ventilation systems in reducing infection risk and adverse effects of cross-contamination.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhen Yang, Weirong Zhang, Hongkai Liu, Weijia Zhang, Mingyuan Qin
Summary: The study examines the influence of personalized local heating on the thermal comfort of occupants in old residential buildings. The findings reveal that personalized local heating can increase the overall thermal sensation of occupants, but only a few methods are effective in enhancing thermal comfort. The chosen heating methods and background temperature affect the participants' selection of heating parts.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hong Cheng, Dan Norback, Huilin Zhang, Liu Yang, Baizhan Li, Yinping Zhang, Zhuohui Zhao, Qihong Deng, Chen Huang, Xu Yang, Chan Lu, Hua Qian, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Wei Yu, Juan Wang, Xin Zhang
Summary: The home environment and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in five southern Chinese cities have been studied over time. The study found a decrease in asthma prevalence and an increase in allergic rhinitis. Cockroaches, rats, mice, mosquitoes or flies were identified as consistent biological risk factors for SBS symptoms, while redecoration, buying new furniture, and traffic air pollution were identified as other risk factors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chaojie Xing, Zhengtao Ai, Zhiwei Liu, Cheuk Ming Mak, Hai Ming Wong
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the emission characteristics of droplets around the mouth during dental treatments. The results showed that the peak mass fraction of droplets occurs within the size range of 20 μm to 100 μm, and droplets with a diameter less than 200 μm account for over 80% of the mass fraction. The dominant emission direction of droplets is towards the dummy's head and chest, forming an approximately cone shape.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhijian Liu, Zhe Han, Lina Hu, Chenxing Hu, Rui Rong
Summary: This study compared the effects of different respiratory behaviors on the distribution of aerosols in a ward and the risk of infection for healthcare workers using numerical simulation. It was found that talking in the ward significantly increased aerosol concentrations, particularly short periods of talking. Wards designed with side-supply ventilation had lower overall infection risk. Talking alternately between healthcare workers and patients slightly extended the impact time of aerosols.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yan Yan, Mengyuan Kang, Haodong Zhang, Zhiwei Lian, Xiaojun Fan, Chandra Sekhar, Pawel Wargocki, Li Lan
Summary: In a high-density city, opening windows for sleep may lead to increased indoor temperature, higher PM2.5 concentration, and noise disturbance, which can negatively impact sleep quality.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yan Bai, Liang Liu, Kai Liu, Shuai Yu, Yifan Shen, Di Sun
Summary: This study developed a non-intrusive personal thermal comfort model using machine learning techniques combined with infrared facial recognition. The results showed that the ensemble learning models perform better than traditional models, and the broad learning model has a higher prediction precision with lower computational complexity and faster training speed compared to deep neural networks. The findings provide a reference for optimizing building thermal environments.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yue Lei, Zeynep Duygu Tekler, Sicheng Zhan, Clayton Miller, Adrian Chong
Summary: Mixed-mode ventilation is a promising solution for achieving energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environments. This study found that occupants can thermally adapt when switching between natural ventilation (NV) and air-conditioning (AC) modes within the same day, with the adaptation process stabilizing between 35 to 45 minutes after the mode switch. These findings are important for optimizing thermal comfort in mixed-mode controls, considering the dynamic nature of thermal adaptation.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nan Mo, Jie Han, Yingde Yin, Yelin Zhang
Summary: This study develops a method based on the LCZ framework for a comprehensive evaluation of urban-scale heat island effects, considering the impact of geographic factors on LST. The results show that Guilin's geomorphological conditions lead to abnormal heat island effects during winter, and the cooling effects of mountains and water bodies vary seasonally in different built areas, with LCZ 2 exhibiting the strongest cooling effect.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tunga Salthammer
Summary: Monitoring the potential formaldehyde emission of wood-based materials through test chamber investigations has significantly contributed to reducing indoor formaldehyde concentrations. However, the different methodologies used in these procedures prevent direct result comparison. Empirical models for converting formaldehyde steady-state concentrations based on temperature, humidity, air change rate, and loading were developed in the 1970s and have been modified to accommodate the development of lower-emitting materials. Formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials are complex and require nonlinear regression tools for mathematical analysis.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Katarina Stebelova, Katarina Kovacova, Zuzana Dzirbikova, Peter Hanuliak, Tomas Bacigal, Peter Hartman, Andrea Vargova, Jozef Hraska
Summary: This study investigated the impact of reduced short-wavelength light on the hormone melatonin metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (u-sMEL) and examined the association between previous day's light exposure and u-sMEL. It was found that reducing short-wavelength light during the day did not change the concentration of u-sMEL. Personal photopic illuminance was positively correlated with u-sMEL in the reference week. The illuminance had a significant impact on u-sMEL, as shown by the evaluation of the mean of all three urine samples. However, this correlation was not found in the experimental week.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruoxin Xiong, Ying Shi, Haoming Jing, Wei Liang, Yorie Nakahira, Pingbo Tang
Summary: This study proposes a data-model integration method to identify and calibrate uncertainties in machine learning models, leading to improved thermal perception predictions. The method utilizes the Multidimensional Association Rule Mining algorithm to identify biased human responses and enhances prediction accuracy and reliability. The study also evaluates different calibration techniques and discovers their potential in enhancing prediction reliability.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Beichao Hu, Zeda Yin, Abderrachid Hamrani, Arturo Leon, Dwayne McDaniel
Summary: This paper introduces an innovative super-resolution approach to model the air flow and temperature field in the cold aisle of a data center. The proposed method reconstructs a high-fidelity flow field by using a low-fidelity flow field, significantly reducing the computational time and enabling real-time prediction.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)