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19 pages, 1577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energym: A Building Model Library for Controller Benchmarking

by Paul Scharnhorst, Baptiste Schubnel, Carlos Fernández Bandera, Jaume Salom, Paolo Taddeo, Max Boegli, Tomasz Gorecki, Yves Stauffer, Antonis Peppas and Chrysa Politi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3518; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083518 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3978

Abstract

We introduce the Python-based open-source library Energym, a building model library to test and benchmark building controllers. The incorporated building models are presented with a brief explanation of their function, location and technical equipment. Furthermore, the library structure is described, highlighting the necessary [...] Read more.

We introduce the Python-based open-source library Energym, a building model library to test and benchmark building controllers. The incorporated building models are presented with a brief explanation of their function, location and technical equipment. Furthermore, the library structure is described, highlighting the necessary features to provide the benchmarking and control capabilities, i.e., standardized evaluation scenarios, key performance indicators (KPIs) and forecasts of uncertain variables. We go on to characterize the evaluation scenarios for each of the models and give formal definitions of the KPIs. We describe the calibration methodologies used for constructing the models and illustrate their usage through examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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19 pages, 2987 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Accurate Prediction of Hourly Energy Consumption in a Residential Building Based on the Occupancy Rate Using Machine Learning Approaches

by Le Hoai My Truong, Ka Ho Karl Chow, Rungsimun Luevisadpaibul, Gokul Sidarth Thirunavukkarasu, Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Ben Horan, Saad Mekhilef and Alex Stojcevski

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052229 - 03 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3109

Abstract

In this paper, a novel deep neural network-based energy prediction algorithm for accurately forecasting the day-ahead hourly energy consumption profile of a residential building considering occupancy rate is proposed. Accurate estimation of residential load profiles helps energy providers and utility companies develop an [...] Read more.

In this paper, a novel deep neural network-based energy prediction algorithm for accurately forecasting the day-ahead hourly energy consumption profile of a residential building considering occupancy rate is proposed. Accurate estimation of residential load profiles helps energy providers and utility companies develop an optimal generation schedule to address the demand. Initially, a comprehensive multi-criteria analysis of different machine learning approaches used in energy consumption predictions was carried out. Later, a predictive micro-grid model was formulated to synthetically generate the stochastic load profiles considering occupancy rate as the critical input. Finally, the synthetically generated data were used to train the proposed eight-layer deep neural network-based model and evaluated using root mean square error and coefficient of determination as metrics. Observations from the results indicated that the proposed energy prediction algorithm yielded a coefficient of determination of 97.5% and a significantly low root mean square error of 111 Watts, thereby outperforming the other baseline approaches, such as extreme gradient boost, multiple linear regression, and simple/shallow artificial neural network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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20 pages, 4404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interoperability between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Model (BEM)

by Gabriela Bastos Porsani, Kattalin Del Valle de Lersundi, Ana Sánchez-Ostiz Gutiérrez and Carlos Fernández Bandera

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052167 - 01 Mar 2021

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 7404

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) is the first step towards the implementation of the industrial revolution 4.0, in which virtual reality and digital twins are key elements. At present, buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumption in Europe and, so, there is [...] Read more.

Building information modelling (BIM) is the first step towards the implementation of the industrial revolution 4.0, in which virtual reality and digital twins are key elements. At present, buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumption in Europe and, so, there is a growing interest in reducing their energy use. In this context, proper interoperability between BIM and building energy model (BEM) is paramount for integrating the digital world into the construction sector and, therefore, increasing competitiveness by saving costs. This paper evaluates whether there is an automated or semi-automated BIM to BEM workflow that could improve the building design process. For this purpose, a residential building and a warehouse are constructed using the same BIM authoring tool (Revit), where two open schemas were used: green building extensible markup language (gbXML) and industry foundation classes (IFC). These transfer files were imported into software compatible with the EnergyPlus engine—Design Builder, Open Studio, and CYPETHERM HE—in which simulations were performed. Our results showed that the energy models were built up to 7.50% smaller than in the BIM and with missing elements in their thermal envelope. Nevertheless, the materials were properly transferred to gbXML and IFC formats. Moreover, the simulation results revealed a huge difference in values between the models generated by the open schemas, in the range of 6 to 900 times. Overall, we conclude that there exists a semi-automated workflow from BIM to BEM which does not work well for big and complex buildings, as they present major problems when creating the energy model. Furthermore, most of the issues encountered in BEM were errors in the transfer of BIM data to gbXML and IFC files. Therefore, we emphasise the need to improve compatibility between BIM and model exchange formats by their developers, in order to promote BIM–BEM interoperability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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15 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Multidimensional Evaluation Approach for the Natural Parks Design

by Vincenzo Del Giudice, Pierfrancesco De Paola, Pierluigi Morano, Francesco Tajani and Francesco Paolo Del Giudice

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041767 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2109

Abstract

The design of a natural park is generated by the need to protect and organize, for conservation and/or for balanced growth, parts of the territory that are of particular interest for the quality of the natural and historical–cultural heritage. The necessary tool to [...] Read more.

The design of a natural park is generated by the need to protect and organize, for conservation and/or for balanced growth, parts of the territory that are of particular interest for the quality of the natural and historical–cultural heritage. The necessary tool to support the decision-making process in the design of a natural park are the financial and economic evaluations, which intervene in three successive steps: in the definition of protection and enhancement levels of the park areas; in the choice of the interventions to be implemented for the realization of these levels of protection and enhancement; in determining and verifying the economic and financial results obtainable from the project execution. This contribution deals with aspects and issues relating to the economic and financial evaluation of natural park projects. In particular, an application of the “Complex Social Value” to a concrete case of environmental design is developed on the basis of the elements that can be deduced from a feasibility study of a natural park: the levels of protection and enhancement of the homogeneous areas of the natural park are preliminarily defined, and the choice of the design alternative to be implemented is, therefore, rationalized with multicriteria analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

16 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of Employment Multipliers in China’s Expanding Cities

by Daquan Huang, Han He and Tao Liu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031016 - 23 Jan 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

In the process of urbanization in developing countries, creating enough jobs to realize the transition from an agricultural population to a non-agricultural population is a major goal of development. The differences and localities of cities need to be considered in the policymaking process. [...] Read more.

In the process of urbanization in developing countries, creating enough jobs to realize the transition from an agricultural population to a non-agricultural population is a major goal of development. The differences and localities of cities need to be considered in the policymaking process. This study estimated the local employment multipliers of expanding cities in China and calculated the employment multiplier of each city. First, there are obvious differences in the size of employment multipliers across cities; therefore, it is necessary to adopt different policies in employment promotion. Second, an inverted-U-shape relationship is detected between employment multiplier and city size, namely the larger the city, the greater the employment multiplier, but when the city size exceeds a certain value, the employment multiplier begins to decline. Third, different degrees of influence are generated by factors for cities at different levels of economic development. Based on the research results, we suggest that expansion of the trade sector be promoted in small- and medium-sized cities, to give full play to its employment multiplier effect; meanwhile, in large cities, the degree of specialization of the trade sector and diversification of the non-trade sector should be improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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24 pages, 10608 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Daylighting Performance of Light Shelf Photovoltaics (LSPV) for Office Buildings in Hot Desert-Like Regions

by Abdelhakim Mesloub and Aritra Ghosh

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(22), 7959; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10227959 - 10 Nov 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4715

Abstract

Visual comfort and energy consumption for lighting in large office buildings is an area of ongoing research, specifically focusing on the development of a daylight control technique (light shelf) combined with solar energy. This study aims to investigate the optimum performance of light [...] Read more.

Visual comfort and energy consumption for lighting in large office buildings is an area of ongoing research, specifically focusing on the development of a daylight control technique (light shelf) combined with solar energy. This study aims to investigate the optimum performance of light shelf photovoltaics (LSPV) to improve daylight distribution and maximize energy savings for the hot desert-like climate of Saudi Arabia. A radiance simulation analysis was conducted in four phases to evaluate: appropriate height, reflector, internal curved light shelf (LS) angle, and the integrated photovoltaic (PV) with various coverages (25%, 50%, 75%, and entirely external LS). The results revealed that the optimum is achieved at a height of 1.3 m, the addition of a 30 cm reflector on the top of a window with an internal LS curved angle of 10° with 100% coverage (LSPV1, LSPV2). Such an arrangement reduces the energy consumption by more than 85%, eliminates uncomfortable glare, and provides uniform daylight except for during the winter season. Hence, the optimization of the LSPV system is considered to be an effective solution for sustainable buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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Review

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19 pages, 3886 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomimicry and the Built Environment, Learning from Nature’s Solutions

by Elmira Jamei and Zora Vrcelj

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7514; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167514 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 19862

Abstract

The growing interest in biomimicry in built environments highlights the awareness raised among designers on the potentials nature offers to human and system function improvements. Biomimicry has been widely utilized in advanced material technology. However, its potential in sustainable architecture and construction has [...] Read more.

The growing interest in biomimicry in built environments highlights the awareness raised among designers on the potentials nature offers to human and system function improvements. Biomimicry has been widely utilized in advanced material technology. However, its potential in sustainable architecture and construction has yet to be discussed in depth. Thus, this study offers a comprehensive review of the use of biomimicry in architecture and structural engineering. It also reviews the methods in which biomimicry assists in achieving efficient, sustainable built environments. The first part of this review paper introduces the concept of biomimicry historically and practically, discusses the use of biomimicry in design and architecture, provides a comprehensive overview of the potential and benefits of biomimicry in architecture, and explores how biomimicry can be utilized in building envelops. Then, in the second part, the integration of biomimicry in structural engineering and construction is thoroughly explained through several case studies. Finally, biomimicry in architectural and structural design of built environments in creating climate-sensitive and energy-efficient design is explained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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19 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Can Existing Buildings with Historic Values Contribute to Achieving Emission Reduction Ambitions?

by Selamawit Mamo Fufa, Cecilie Flyen and Anne-Cathrine Flyen

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5978; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135978 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

In line with the Paris Agreement, Norway aims for an up to 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to be a low-emission society by 2050. Given that 85–90% of today’s buildings are expected to still [...] Read more.

In line with the Paris Agreement, Norway aims for an up to 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to be a low-emission society by 2050. Given that 85–90% of today’s buildings are expected to still be in use in 2050, refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing buildings can help in achieving the environmental goals. The aim of this work is to provide a holistic picture of refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, including buildings with heritage values, seen from a life cycle perspective. The methods applied are a literature review of LCA studies and experiences from quantitative case study analysis of selected Norwegian case studies. The findings show that extending the service life of existing buildings by refurbishment and adaptive reuse has significant possibilities in reducing GHG emissions, keeping cultural heritage values, and saving scarce raw material resources. The findings show limited LCA studies, uncertainties in existing LCA studies due to variations in case-specific refurbishment or intervention measures, and a lack of transparent and harmonized background data and methodological choices. In conclusion, performing a holistic study covering the whole LCA and including socio-cultural values and economic aspects will enable supporting an argument to assert the sustainability of existing buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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23 pages, 16024 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber Structures in a Seismic Area: Overview and Future Trends

by Antonio Sandoli, Claudio D’Ambra, Carla Ceraldi, Bruno Calderoni and Andrea Prota

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052078 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6932

Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings are recognized as a robust alternative to heavyweight constructions, because beneficial for seismic resistance and environmental sustainability, more than other construction materials. The lightness of material and the satisfactory dissipative response of the mechanical connections provide an excellent seismic [...] Read more.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings are recognized as a robust alternative to heavyweight constructions, because beneficial for seismic resistance and environmental sustainability, more than other construction materials. The lightness of material and the satisfactory dissipative response of the mechanical connections provide an excellent seismic response to multi-story CLT buildings, in spite of permanent damage to timber panels in the connection zones. Basically, CLT constructions are highly sustainable structures from extraction of raw material, to manufacturing process, up to usage, disposal and recycling. With respect to other constructions, the potential of CLT buildings is that their environmental sustainability in the phases of disposal and/or recycling can be further enhanced if the seismic damage in structural timber components is reduced or nullified. This paper reports a state-of-the art overview on seismic performance and sustainability aspects of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions. Technological issues and modelling approaches for traditional CLT buildings currently proposed in literature are discussed, focusing the attention on some research advancements and future trends devoted to enhance seismic performance and environmental sustainability of CLT buildings in seismic prone regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments in 21st Century)

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