Energies

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5 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021

by Paola Clerici Maestosi

Energies 2022, 15(6), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15062168 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1669

Abstract

This Special Issue of Energies, “Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021”, introduces contemporary research on Smart Cities and on Positive Energy Districts. The present Special Issue, namely the fourth Special Issue, Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban [...] Read more.

This Special Issue of Energies, “Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021”, introduces contemporary research on Smart Cities and on Positive Energy Districts. The present Special Issue, namely the fourth Special Issue, Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021, has been dedicated to tools, technologies, and system integration for Smart Cities and for Positive Energy Districts. The topic highlights the variety of research within this field, including research on: tools facilitating the evaluation of Sustainable Plus Energy neighborhoods, of enabling-technologies and procedures for Positive Energy Districts, and of multicriteria assessment for the identification of Positive Energy Districts; system integration related to optimized energy and air quality management in the COVID-19 scenario; system integration upgrading existing residential areas to the status of Positive Energy Districts; and renovation models for large scale actions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

Research

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18 pages, 4745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Positive Energy Districts and Energy Efficiency in Buildings: An Innovative Technical Communication Sheet to Facilitate Policy Officers’ Understanding to Enable Technologies and Procedure

by Tiziana Ferrante and Teresa Villani

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8551; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248551 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

The Horizon 2020 framework programme is defining funding strategies for research and innovation projects in European cities and promoting policies and solutions for the transition to a competitive energy system at an urban scale. Given that Horizon Europe, thanks to the Driving Urban [...] Read more.

The Horizon 2020 framework programme is defining funding strategies for research and innovation projects in European cities and promoting policies and solutions for the transition to a competitive energy system at an urban scale. Given that Horizon Europe, thanks to the Driving Urban Transition Partnership, will fund RD&I projects regarding transitions to urban sustainability; how municipalities will implement different strategies is a relevant key to developing replicable models. We conducted this study on Italian cities through a mapping exercise on selected case studies. The aim was to provide a knowledge framework to municipalities undertaking sustainable urban development actions. We selected case studies based on energy efficiency in buildings, both in retrofits and new constructions. This highlighted how the adoption of multifaceted technological solutions blended well with each other, and led, not only, to satisfy the initial requirements, in terms of expected impacts from the single actions, but also provided relevant and replicable samples. For this, the analysis of solutions tested by different municipalities in the selected projects led to spreadsheets and indicators related to energy efficiency in buildings, which enabled a transition to a PED, which could facilitate an understanding of elements that must be clearly indicated in a preliminary design document (Directive 2014/24/UE). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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18 pages, 6320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS-Based Multicriteria Assessment for Identification of Positive Energy Districts Boundary in Cities

by Beril Alpagut, Arantza Lopez Romo, Patxi Hernández, Oya Tabanoğlu and Nekane Hermoso Martinez

Energies 2021, 14(22), 7517; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227517 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2406

Abstract

Discussions regarding the definition of Positive Energy Districts and the concept of a boundary are still being actively held. Even though there are certain initiatives working on the boundary limitations for PEDs, there is no methodology or tool developed for selecting peculiar spaces [...] Read more.

Discussions regarding the definition of Positive Energy Districts and the concept of a boundary are still being actively held. Even though there are certain initiatives working on the boundary limitations for PEDs, there is no methodology or tool developed for selecting peculiar spaces for future PED implementations. The paper focuses on a flexible GIS-based Multicriteria assessment method that identifies the most suitable areas to reach an annual positive non-renewable energy balance. For that purpose, a GIS-based tool is developed to indicate the boundary from an energy perspective harmonized with urban design and land-use planning. The method emphasizes evaluation through economic, social, political, legal, environmental, and technical criteria, and the results present the suitability of areas at macro and micro scales. The current study outlines macro-scale analyses in six European cities that represent Follower Cities under the MAKING-CITY H2020 project. Further research will be conducted for micro-scale analyses and the outcomes will pursue a technology selection process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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17 pages, 5492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possibilities of Upgrading Warsaw Existing Residential Area to Status of Positive Energy Districts

by Hanna Jędrzejuk and Dorota Chwieduk

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5984; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185984 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2314

Abstract

This paper analyses possibilities of refurbishment of Warsaw’s residential buildings towards standards of the Positive Energy District. The annual final energy consumption in the city in 2019 for the district heating was 8668 GWh, gas (pipelines) was 5300 GWh, electricity from the grid [...] Read more.

This paper analyses possibilities of refurbishment of Warsaw’s residential buildings towards standards of the Positive Energy District. The annual final energy consumption in the city in 2019 for the district heating was 8668 GWh, gas (pipelines) was 5300 GWh, electricity from the grid was 7500 GWh, while the emission of the carbon dioxide was 5.62 × 10⁹ kg. The city consists of 18 districts, which are heterogeneous in terms of typology and structure of buildings. The great variety of buildings can be seen, for example, by the annual final energy demand for space heating and hot water preparation per unit of room area. This annual index ranges from over 400 kWh/m² in historic buildings to 60 kWh/m² in modern buildings. A reduction in the consumption of non-renewable energy sources and carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved by improving the energy standard of residential buildings and by using renewable energy sources: solar energy, geothermal energy and biogas. The potential barriers for achieving the status of a positive energy district, for example, problems connected with ownership, financing new investments and refurbishment and legal boundaries, have been identified. Moreover, changing the existing electrical grid and district heating systems in urban areas in Warsaw requires comprehensive modernization of practically the entire city’s infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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32 pages, 4541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Sufficiency, Efficiency and Flexibility to Achieve Positive Energy Districts Targets

by Silvia Erba and Lorenzo Pagliano

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4697; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154697 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5149

Abstract

Energy efficiency, generation from renewable sources and more recently energy flexibility are key elements of present sustainability policies. However, we are beginning to see a recognition of the need to couple technological solutions with lifestyle and behavioral changes, sometimes labeled under the term [...] Read more.

Energy efficiency, generation from renewable sources and more recently energy flexibility are key elements of present sustainability policies. However, we are beginning to see a recognition of the need to couple technological solutions with lifestyle and behavioral changes, sometimes labeled under the term “sufficiency”. Appropriate policies and design principles are necessary to enable sufficiency options, which in turn reveal that there is a bidirectional influence between the building and the district/city level. In this context, the authors discuss how city and building re-design should be implemented combining energy efficiency, flexibility, production from renewables and sufficiency options for achieving a positive energy balance at the district level even within the constraints of dense cities. Based on a review of recent advances, the paper provides a matrix of interactions between building and district design for use by building designers and city planners. It also compares possible scenarios implementing different strategies at the building and urban level in a case study, in order to evaluate the effect of the proposed integrated approach on the energy balance at yearly and seasonal time scales and on land take. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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16 pages, 17363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Evaluation of the Feasibility of Positive Energy Districts in Selected Urban Typologies in Vienna Using a Bottom-Up District Energy Modelling Approach

by Hans-Martin Neumann, Ali Hainoun, Romana Stollnberger, Ghazal Etminan and Volker Schaffler

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154449 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

This article investigates the potential of selected urban typologies in Vienna to reach the state of Positive Energy Districts (PED) by achieving a positive annual energy balance. It follows the EU initiative for implementing at least 100 PED in Europe by 2025. Four [...] Read more.

This article investigates the potential of selected urban typologies in Vienna to reach the state of Positive Energy Districts (PED) by achieving a positive annual energy balance. It follows the EU initiative for implementing at least 100 PED in Europe by 2025. Four urban typologies have been assessed using the bottom-up energy modelling tool MAPED that enables a simplified energy demand-supply analysis at the district scale. Considering relevant urban typologies in different construction periods, the analysis focused on converting the allocated building stocks into PED by employing comprehensive thermal refurbishment and energy efficiency measures, electrification of end-uses and fuel switching, exploitation of local renewable energy potential, and flexible interaction with the regional energy system. The results reveal that a detached housing district can achieve a positive annual energy balance (for heat and power) of 110% due to the fact that there are sufficient surfaces (roofs, facades, open land) available for the production of local renewable energy, whereas the remaining typologies fail to achieve the criteria with an annual balance ranking between 61% and 97%, showing additional margins for improvement to meet the PED conditions. The presented concept offers a practical approach to investigate the PED suitability of urban typologies. It will help the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action and Environment to identify appropriate strategies for the refurbishment of existing urban areas towards the PED standard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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25 pages, 5021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods: Moving Beyond the Traditional Building Energy Assessment

by Jaume Salom, Meril Tamm, Inger Andresen, Davide Cali, Ábel Magyari, Viktor Bukovszki, Rebeka Balázs, Paraskevi Vivian Dorizas, Zsolt Toth, Sheikh Zuhaib, Clara Mafé, Caroline Cheng, András Reith, Paolo Civiero, Jordi Pascual and Niki Gaitani

Energies 2021, 14(14), 4314; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144314 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4295 | Correction

Abstract

There are international activities and on-going initiatives, particularly at the European level, to define what Positive Energy Districts should be, as the driving concept for the urban transition to a sustainable future. The first objective of the paper is to contribute to the [...] Read more.

There are international activities and on-going initiatives, particularly at the European level, to define what Positive Energy Districts should be, as the driving concept for the urban transition to a sustainable future. The first objective of the paper is to contribute to the on-going and lively debate about the definition of the notion of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhood (SPEN), which highlights the multiple dimensions when talking about sustainability in districts moving beyond the traditional and strict building energy assessment. Based on a holistic methodology which ensures the consideration of the multidimensional nature and goals of SPEN, the paper outlines an evaluation framework. The evaluation framework defines the key performance indicators distributed in five categories that consider energy and power performance, GHG emissions, indoor environmental quality, smartness, flexibility, life cycle costs and social sustainability. This framework is designed to be implemented during integrated design processes aiming to select design options for a neighbourhood as well within during the operational phase for monitoring its performance. Further work will include the implementation and validation of the framework in four real-life positive energy neighbourhoods in different climate zones of Europe as part of syn.ikia H2020 project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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21 pages, 5007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PEDRERA. Positive Energy District Renovation Model for Large Scale Actions

by Paolo Civiero, Jordi Pascual, Joaquim Arcas Abella, Ander Bilbao Figuero and Jaume Salom

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2833; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102833 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3386

Abstract

In this paper, we provide a view of the ongoing PEDRERA project, whose main scope is to design a district simulation model able to set and analyze a reliable prediction of potential business scenarios on large scale retrofitting actions, and to evaluate the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we provide a view of the ongoing PEDRERA project, whose main scope is to design a district simulation model able to set and analyze a reliable prediction of potential business scenarios on large scale retrofitting actions, and to evaluate the overall co-benefits resulting from the renovation process of a cluster of buildings. According to this purpose and to a Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) approach, the model combines systemized data—at both building and district scale—from multiple sources and domains. A sensitive analysis of 200 scenarios provided a quick perception on how results will change once inputs are defined, and how attended results will answer to stakeholders’ requirements. In order to enable a clever input analysis and to appraise wide-ranging ranks of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) suited to each stakeholder and design phase targets, the model is currently under the implementation in the urbanZEB tool’s web platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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17 pages, 2179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Energy and Air Quality Management of Shared Smart Buildings in the COVID-19 Scenario

by Giuseppe Anastasi, Carlo Bartoli, Paolo Conti, Emanuele Crisostomi, Alessandro Franco, Sergio Saponara, Daniele Testi, Dimitri Thomopulos and Carlo Vallati

Energies 2021, 14(8), 2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082124 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3433

Abstract

Worldwide increasing awareness of energy sustainability issues has been the main driver in developing the concepts of (Nearly) Zero Energy Buildings, where the reduced energy consumptions are (nearly) fully covered by power locally generated by renewable sources. At the same time, recent advances [...] Read more.

Worldwide increasing awareness of energy sustainability issues has been the main driver in developing the concepts of (Nearly) Zero Energy Buildings, where the reduced energy consumptions are (nearly) fully covered by power locally generated by renewable sources. At the same time, recent advances in Internet of Things technologies are among the main enablers of Smart Homes and Buildings. The transition of conventional buildings into active environments that process, elaborate and react to online measured environmental quantities is being accelerated by the aspects related to COVID-19, most notably in terms of air exchange and the monitoring of the density of occupants. In this paper, we address the problem of maximizing the energy efficiency and comfort perceived by occupants, defined in terms of thermal comfort, visual comfort and air quality. The case study of the University of Pisa is considered as a practical example to show preliminary results of the aggregation of environmental data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2021)

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