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Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings
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Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 August 2024 | Viewed by 6036

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bruno Peuportier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre Efficacité Énergétique des Systèmes, Mines Paris - PSL, 60 Bd Saint-Michel, CEDEX 06, 75272 Paris, France
Interests: ecodesign; buildings; energy; thermal simulation; life cycle assessment
Dr. Zsuzsa Szalay

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Materials and Technologies, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), 1111 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: building energetics; life cycle assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor is inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings”. According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (contribution of WG III on mitigation), historical cumulative net CO2 emissions between 1850 and 2019 amount to about four-fifths of the total carbon budget for a 50% probability of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. It is therefore necessary to progress toward net zero GHG emissions both in new constructions and by retrofitting existing buildings.

This Special Issue will deal with novel solutions to reach this objective. Topics of interest for publication include but are not limited to:

  • New zero carbon building concepts;
  • Solutions for retrofitting;
  • Low carbon construction products, e.g., bio-based materials;
  • Low carbon equipment for heating, cooling, hot water production, ventilation, and lighting;
  • Integration of renewable energy systems in buildings;
  • Energy efficient building management and control systems;
  • Application of the IoT and/or AI in buildings;
  • Building design tools.

Prof. Dr. Bruno Peuportier
Dr. Zsuzsa Szalay
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • buildings
  • energy
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • life cycle assessment
  • envelope
  • equipment

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 7475 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Framework and Research Proposal for Energy Utilization, Conservation, Production, and Intelligent Systems in Tropical Island Zero-Carbon Building
by Qiankun Wang, Ke Zhu and Peiwen Guo
Energies 2024, 17(6), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061339 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 514
Abstract
This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies [...] Read more.
This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies and resource wastage caused by the traditional segmented approach to building energy consumption management. Thus, it seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the zero-carbon building (ZCB) technology system. This article focuses on the demands for energy-efficient comfort and innovative industrialization in construction. Through an analysis of the characteristics of TIZCB and an explanation of their concepts, it establishes a theoretical framework for examining the system mechanisms of these buildings. Additionally, it delves into the energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. This approach results in the development of an implementation strategy for studying the mechanisms of energy usage, conservation, and intelligent production systems in TIZCB. The results show that: (1) this study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of TIZCB, emphasizing their evolution from a foundation of low-carbon and near-zero energy consumption. The primary goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions during building operation, with reliance on renewable energy sources. Design considerations prioritize adaptation to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, integrating regional culture along with the utilization of new materials and technologies. (2) A comprehensive technical framework for TIZCB is proposed, encompassing energy utilization, conservation, production capacity, and intelligent systems. Drawing from systems theory, control theory, and synergy theory, the research employs a macro–meso–micro analytical framework, offering extensive theoretical support for the practical aspects of design and optimization. (3) The research implementation plan establishes parameterized models, unveiling the intricate relationships with building performance. It provides optimized intelligent system design parameters for economically viable zero-carbon operations. This study contributes theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of TIZCB and aligns with the dual carbon strategy in China and the clean energy free trade zone construction in Hainan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)
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17 pages, 3183 KiB  
Article
Achieving Net Zero Carbon Performance in a French Apartment Building?
by Alpha Hamid Dicko, Charlotte Roux and Bruno Peuportier
Energies 2023, 16(22), 7608; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227608 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 820
Abstract
Containing global warming to 1.5 °C implies staying on a given carbon budget and therefore being able to design net zero carbon buildings by 2050. A case study corresponding to a French residential building is used to assess the feasibility of achieving this [...] Read more.
Containing global warming to 1.5 °C implies staying on a given carbon budget and therefore being able to design net zero carbon buildings by 2050. A case study corresponding to a French residential building is used to assess the feasibility of achieving this target. Starting from an actual construction built in 2016, various improvement measures are studied: lowering heating energy needs, implementing bio-sourced materials and renewable energy systems (geothermal heat pump, solar domestic hot water production, and photovoltaic electricity production). Dynamic thermal simulation is used to evaluate energy consumption and overheating risk in hot periods. Greenhouse gas emissions are quantified using a consequential life cycle assessment approach, considering that during a transition period, exporting electricity avoids impacts corresponding to marginal production on the grid. Avoided impacts decrease and become zero when the grid is ultimately “decarbonized”. From this point, the building should be net zero emissions, but there remain unavoidable emissions. Residual GhG (greenhouse gas) emissions account for 5.6 kgCO2 eq/m2 annually. The possibility of offsetting these emissions is investigated, considering sequestration in forests or vegetation systems. A net zero emission level can be achieved, but on a national level, it would require that the whole sequestration potential of forest growth be devoted to offset emissions of new construction. A circular economy for construction products and equipment and considering water use will be needed to further decrease environmental impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)
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14 pages, 2225 KiB  
Article
Prospective PCM–Desiccant Combination with Solar-Assisted Regeneration for the Indoor Comfort Control of an Office in a Warm and Humid Climate—A Numerical Study
by Edson Manyumbu, Viktoria Martin and Justin Ningwei Chiu
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5391; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145391 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 656
Abstract
Favorable thermal conditions within buildings are a necessity. Mechanical air conditioning, although effective, contributes a significant percentage of the world’s total energy use, which contributes to global warming. In addition, the refrigerants used in air conditioning also contribute to global warming. Passive means [...] Read more.
Favorable thermal conditions within buildings are a necessity. Mechanical air conditioning, although effective, contributes a significant percentage of the world’s total energy use, which contributes to global warming. In addition, the refrigerants used in air conditioning also contribute to global warming. Passive means to provide thermal comfort have therefore been considered as alternative solutions. Phase-change materials (PCMs) have been considered as one passive cooling option. Although this option achieves a certain degree of effectiveness, especially in warm and dry climatic conditions, its effectiveness in warm humid climates is subdued due to its inability to handle humidity. In the present study, the suitability of a novel passive comfort provision strategy that combines a PCM and a desiccant is assessed. The passive system operates in a cycle of two phases: the moderating phase and the regenerating phase. For the proposed strategy, the regeneration process first involves the external desiccant bed, then night air drying using the regenerated external bed; the dried air subsequently regenerates the internal wall surface. The study involves the modeling of the proposed strategy and simulation of its performance. The simulation results indicate the significant potential for providing satisfactory comfort and health conditions through application of a combination of a desiccant and a PCM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)
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23 pages, 7395 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Evaluation of the Effects of Heat Island on Building Energy Simulation: A Case Study in Wuhan, China
by Long Pei, Patrick Schalbart and Bruno Peuportier
Energies 2023, 16(7), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073032 - 26 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1456
Abstract
The climate data used for dynamic energy simulation of buildings located in urban regions are usually collected in meteorological stations situated in rural areas, which do not accurately represent the urban microclimate (e.g., urban heat island effect), and this might affect the simulation [...] Read more.
The climate data used for dynamic energy simulation of buildings located in urban regions are usually collected in meteorological stations situated in rural areas, which do not accurately represent the urban microclimate (e.g., urban heat island effect), and this might affect the simulation accuracy. This paper aims at quantitatively evaluating the effects of heat island on a high-rise building’s energy performance based on the microclimate simulation tool ENVI-met and the building energy simulation tool COMFIE. However, the computation of microclimate models is time consuming; it is not possible to simulate every day of a year in a reasonable time. This paper proposes a method that generates hourly “site-specific climate data” to avoid long microclimate simulation times. A coupling method of ENVI-met and COMFIE was developed for more precise building energy simulation, accounting for the heat island effect. It was applied to a high-rise building in Wuhan, China. The results showed that the yearly average urban heat island effect intensity at the height of 3 m was estimated to be 0.55 °C and decreased with height. Compared to the simulation considering the outdoor temperature variation with the height and orientation, using the original climate data collected in rural areas led to an overestimation of the heating load by around 5.8% and an underestimation of the cooling load by around 8.7%. Compared to the weather file at the height of 3 m near the north facade neglecting the temperature variation along the height, the heating load was overestimated by 8.2% and the cooling load was underestimated by 10.8%. The methods proposed in this paper can be used for the more precise application of urban building energy simulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)
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21 pages, 4213 KiB  
Article
A Comparison between Solution-Based Synthesis Methods of ZrO2 Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Applications
by Maria Leonor Matias, Emanuel Carlos, Rita Branquinho, Hadassa do Valle, João Marcelino, Maria Morais, Ana Pimentel, Joana Rodrigues, Teresa Monteiro, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins and Daniela Nunes
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6452; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176452 - 03 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
The present study is focused on the synthesis of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanomaterials using the hydrothermal method assisted by microwave irradiation and solution combustion synthesis. Both synthesis techniques resulted in ZrO2 powders with a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic phases. [...] Read more.
The present study is focused on the synthesis of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanomaterials using the hydrothermal method assisted by microwave irradiation and solution combustion synthesis. Both synthesis techniques resulted in ZrO2 powders with a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic phases. For microwave synthesis, a further calcination treatment at 800 °C for 15 min was carried out to produce nanopowders with a dominant monoclinic ZrO2 phase, as attested by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the ZrO2 nanopowder was investigated by in situ XRD measurements. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the presence of near spherical nanoparticles was clear, and TEM confirmed the ZrO2 phases that comprised the calcinated nanopowders, which include a residual tetragonal phase. The optical properties of these ZrO2 nanopowders were assessed through photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) at room temperature (RT), revealing the presence of a broad emission band peaked in the visible spectral region, which suffers a redshift in its peak position, as well as intensity enhancement, after the calcination treatment. The powder resultant from the solution combustion synthesis was composed of plate-like structures with a micrometer size; however, ZrO2 nanoparticles with different shapes were also observed. Thin films were also produced by solution combustion synthesis and deposited on silicon substrates to produce energy storage devices, i.e., ZrO2 capacitors. The capacitors that were prepared from a 0.2 M zirconium nitrate-based precursor solution in 2-methoxyethanol and annealed at 350 °C exhibited an average dielectric constant (κ) of 11 ± 0.5 and low leakage current density of 3.9 ± 1.1 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 1 MV/cm. This study demonstrates the simple and cost-effective aspects of both synthesis routes to produce ZrO2 nanomaterials that can be applied to energy storage devices, such as capacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solutions towards Zero Carbon Buildings)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: The Role of Blockchain-secured Digital Twins in Promoting Energy Performance-based Contracts for Buildings
Authors: Mohamed Nour El-Din, João Poças Martins, Nuno M.M. Ramos and Pedro Pereira.
Affiliation: CONSTRUCT-FEUP

Title: Study of Dynamic and Thermal Performance of a Solar Collec-tor with Perforated Longitudinal and Transverse Baffles
Authors: Ghizlene Boussouar 1, Michał Gęca 2 and Arkaidusz Gola 3,*
Affiliation: 1 Lublin University of Technology, PhD School; ul. Nadbystrzycka 38B, 20-618 Lublin, Poland 2 Lublin University of Technology, Department of Thermodynamics of Fluid Mechanics and Aerospace Drives; ul. Nadbystrzycka 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland 3 Lublin University of Technology, Department of Production Comptuerisation and Robotisation; ul. Nadbystrzycka 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
Abstract: Air-plate solar collectors are a promising technology for heat production from solar energy. They combine simplicity, efficiency, and versatility, making them an attractive option for indi-viduals, businesses, and communities, with the potential to significantly reduce reliance on fos-sil fuels for building heating. This translates to a lower life cycle carbon footprint for buildings compared to conventional heating systems. Flat-plate solar collectors are extensively employed for generating renewable energy, yet their efficiency is often constrained by the laminar flow of fluid within the collector. This study aims to quantify the impact of transverse baffles also per-forated baffles and the on heat transfer performance and identify the optimal design for maxim-izing efficiency. By optimizing the baffle design, this research seeks to contribute to reducing the overall energy demand of buildings and their associated carbon emissions. The following de-scribes the numerical investigation of a flat-plate solar collector equipped with perforated transverse baffles. A three-dimensional model of the collector was developed using Katia Workbench software. Mesh generation was performed with ANSYS ICEM, and ANSYS Fluent was used to obtain the results. This software suite allows for detailed analysis of the flow and thermal behavior within the collector.

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