bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new data-driven Life Cycle Assessment tool at the urban scale: the case of the Milan building stock analysis to reduce the related environmental potential impacts
Authors: Famiglietti Jacopo , Motta Mario , Mazzarella Livio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Given the ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction set by the European Union and the importance of cities in achieving these goals, there is an increasing need to analyze a city’s environmental footprint with a life cycle approach. The life cycle assessment is considered the leading methodology for environmental metrics, permitting a holistic environmental perspective on cities. Life Cycle Assessment software applications are aimed at single product evaluation, making urban scale, data management, and environmental assessment complicated or impractical, mainly due to the massive data processing required. The novelty of this work is a new tool, utilizing a data-driven approach, that allows an extensive environmental evaluation of buildings (following the EN 15978 standard, considering 20 impact categories). The tool was applied to analyze the city of Milan. Approximately 240 000 building units were investigated and compared using as activity data the information described in the energy performance certificates of building units. The results for Residential, Commercial, and Retail building units (old and new) are 58, 65, and 84 kg CO2eq / (m2 of useful floor area * year), respectively, considering space heating, domestic hot water, and controlled mechanical ventilation. Actions linked with: (i) improving energy systems, (ii) the decarbonization of energy carriers (i.e., electricity and natural gas), and (iii) the retrofitting of envelopes by running the tool developed. The outcomes obtained were used to verify pieces of legislation listed in the “Fit for 55” and “REPowerEU.” The scenarios lead to the conclusion (for Milan) that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% (by 2030) is achievable only by retrofitting at a rate of 1.6% per year both energy systems and envelopes, plus also acting on the decarbonization of energy carriers.
A review on outdoor urban environment modelling
Authors: Naila  , Prataviera Enrico , Carli Michele De 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Outdoor environment modelling is crucial for multiple facets of a sustainable urban development, such as mitigating the detrimental environmental impacts (i.e. greenhouse gas emissions), proposing energy-efficient building designs, optimizing the usage of green resources, and improving the overall comfort level of urban residents. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the techniques and models related to the various aspects of an outdoor urban environment modelling, including the microclimate dynamics modelling, solar radiation modelling, wind-flow and air-temperature assessment simulations, urban-canyons and heat island effects modelling, and green-infrastructure planning. Each section covers and compares the traditionally used methods and models in the field with the newer artificial intelligence (AI) based models, aiming to explore their relevant efficiencies and areas of improvement. For instance, microclimate’s traditional models like radiative transfer models are evolving to machine-learning based high-resolution remote sensing methodologies and community-based participatory models. Similarly, wind-flow section encompasses the traditional CFD, and wind-tunnel models modified by machine learning (ML) and data-driven methodologies. Moreover, the paper also discusses the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and the related models. Overall, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive state of the art on the traditional and cutting-edge methodologies of all the necessary aspects of outdoor environment modelling, to help provide informed decision-making for sustainable urban environments.
CFD simulation of the increased electric boost effects on the glass melting process in a real glass furnace to support decarbonisation of glass industry
Authors: Cravero Carlo , Marsano Davide , Milanese Gabriele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The glass industry plays a pivotal role in modern manufacturing, providing essential materials for a multitude of applications ranging from construction to consumer goods. However, the substantial energy demands, primarily driven by the intense heat required to melt raw materials within furnaces, pose significant challenges. Traditionally, thermal energy is sourced from combustion processes in dedicated chambers. Yet, in the pursuit of efficiency and environmental sustainability, there is a growing preference for integrated systems. Notably, the utilization of electrode installations within glass baths emerges as a promising choice for direct melting augmentation through electricity in a more efficient way. This study introduces a sophisticated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, developed by the authors, tailored to simulate the real operation of a glass furnace. The model fully couples the reactive flow in the combustion space (the furnace) with convective motions within the glass tank including the effect of the electrodes. By changing the thermal energy from combustion with varying levels of electrode operation (keeping the same overall heat flux to the glass), the furnace behaviour is investigated. The research specifically examines the effects of electrode operation on crucial furnace parameters, including flame heat release and convective motions inside the glass bath, across different scenarios. Insights are gained into the complex interplay between electrode operation, thermal dynamics, and glass quality within the furnace environment. The findings of this study not only deepen the understanding of fundamental processes within glass manufacturing but also offer actionable insights for industry stakeholders. By elucidating the intricate relationship between electrode operation and glass melting process, this research provides practical guidance for optimizing furnace design and operation, enhancing efficiency and CO2 reduction, with the same product quality, in the glass industry.
Hourly carbon intensity of natural gas combined cycles compared to the current and future electricity mixes in Italy
Authors: Fambri Gabriele , Noussan Michel , Badami Marco , Chiaramonti David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The current solutions for power generation include a wide range of technologies, each providing specific advantages and limitations. In a decarbonization perspective, their carbon intensity will represent a crucial factor in determining their success towards a future low-carbon electricity mix. Today, natural gas combined cycles are among the most efficient plants, especially when operating in combined heat and power mode. This paper presents the analysis of the actual carbon intensity of a large-scale natural gas combined cycle, calculated on an hourly basis over several years of operational data, compared with the average hourly emissions of the Italian power grid both with the most recent electricity mix and the forecast to 2030 and 2040, based on the decarbonization targets that are currently in place. The results of this study highlight the very low carbon intensity of the electricity produced in CHP mode, with average monthly values as low as 242 g/kWh during the winter months, compared to around 350 g/kWh when operating in full-electric mode in summer. These values are lower than the current performance of the Italian electricity mix in winter, although the opposite is true in summer, confirming the importance of the cogeneration in decreasing the carbon intensity of the energy output. However, in a future low-carbon electricity system, fossil gas CHP units will have higher carbon emissions than the average mix. In order to achieve the decarbonisation objective it is necessary to take these considerations into account. The availability of a high-resolution estimate of the performance of power generation will support policy makers in developing strategies to deploy the most effective technologies to decarbonize the energy system.
Exergy Analysis of Gas Turbine Open Cycle with Pressure Gain Combustion Based on Humphrey Cycle
Authors: Dubey Abhishek , Sorce Alessandro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper describes an exergy comparison of the pressure gain combustion (PGC) gas turbine (GT) with conventional GT. PGC has recently emerged as a promising approach to achieve major performance improvements in the current gas turbines operating on the Joule cycle, where the potential for major performance upgrades has nearly plateaued. However, the inherently unsteady and periodic nature of this combustion technology presents challenges in modelling the PGC process and understanding its impact on the cycle. In this work, PGC is represented by a steady-state model of constant volume combustion based on the Humphrey cycle, along with a constant pressure combustion loss model for capturing practical losses. Exergy performance was analysed in terms of exergy destruction for three air-cooled GT cycles with different combustors: a conventional isobaric combustor, an optimistic PGC combustor with no losses and a realistic PGC combustor with losses. Gas turbine cycles were modelled in WTEMP (Web-based Thermo-Economic Modular Program) software, a modular and flexible cycle analysis tool developed by TPG at the University of Genova. Simulations were performed at compressor pressure ratios from 5 to 40 at turbine inlet temperatures of TIT=1300°C and TIT=1700°C, and results were analysed in terms of exergy destruction and exergy efficiency. It was found that a PGC combustor with optimistic losses recovers more exergy than a conventional combustor due to pressure gain. At a cycle pressure ratio of 20 and 1700°C TIT, the PGC combustor with a pressure ratio of 1.35 resulted in an exergy efficiency of 79.6% compared to 77.9% of the Joule combustor. However, with realistic loss from inlet pressure drop and constant pressure combustion in the PGC combustor, the PGC combustor showed higher irreversibility than conventional combustor but the overall benefit on the cycle was retained at low compressor pressure ratios. Moreover, the percentage increase in turbine irreversibility from blade cooling was found to be slightly lower for the PGC cycle as compared to Joule.
Numerical and experimental investigation on the performance of a biodiesel ICE-ORC integrated system
Authors: Falbo Luigi , Perrone Diego , Morrone Pietropaolo , Algieri Angelo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Improving the efficiency of energy systems is a fundamental step towards decarbonized energy production. Waste thermal energy recovery from internal combustion engines (ICEs) is critical, and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology is one of the most effective solutions. In this work, a performance analysis was carried out on an integrated system consisting of a compression ignition engine fuelled with biodiesel bottoming with an ORC used for the waste heat recovery from the exhaust gas. In particular, experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of biodiesel as a substitute for diesel fuel and the main differences with traditional fuel in terms of electric efficiencies and exhaust gas temperatures. Furthermore, an experimental investigation was performed on a micro-ORC system. Mathematical models were developed for both sub-systems to allow coupling and evaluate the performance of the integrated apparatus, even when the size of the engine varies. The results show that the electric efficiency of the biodiesel ICE is comparable with the pure diesel, whereas the exhaust gas temperature is lower. The integrated ICE-ORC system guarantees higher electric efficiency and power than the standard internal combustion engine.
Experimental on-site measurement of thermal conductance by means of heat flow meter applied to nanocomposite thermal insulating mortar coating
Authors: Bergero S. , Cavalletti A. , Chiari A. , Marafioti C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the energy refurbishment of buildings, the declared thermal conductivity is the key to meet the minimum requirements concerning energy efficiency and tax incentives. Regardless of the assessment method for thermal conductivity, in situ measurements using the heat flow meter technique can be always performed, especially in case of very low and self-declared thermal conductivities. In the present work, the reliability of the heat flow meter approach is validated considering a multilayer wall, with all thermal properties declared by means of technical regulations or CE marking. The measured total conductance of the wall is in very good accordance with the calculated one. Then, the heat flow meter has been applied to a plastered stone masonry wall before and after the application of a nanocomposite, thermal insulating, mortar coating 8 mm thick, with a self-declared thermal conductivity of 0.0019 W/(m K) without CE marking or appropriate laboratory tests. The thermal conductance obtained from the on-site measurements is about five times greater than the expected one. The increase in thermal resistance due to the mortar is comparable to a material with the same thickness, but with the thermal conductivity one order of magnitude greater than the self-declared value.
Preliminary results of the deployment of the Smart Readiness Indicator in Italy
Authors: Canale Laura , Bongiorno Stefano , Monaco Marianna De , Pietra Biagio Di , Notte Luca La , Badan Nicola , Ficco Giorgio , Puglisi Giovanni , Dell’Isola Marco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) was firstly introduced by the 3rd Energy Performance of Buildings Directive as an optional certification scheme to rate the smart readiness of buildings and promote building smartness throughout Europe. According to the 4th EPBD recast the Commission shall, by June 2027, adopt a delegated and an implementing act by requiring the application of a common scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings to highly energy intensive non-residential buildings. Although the SRI legal framework is now well defined, on the technical hand, national authorities must provide details of the SRI calculation for their own building stocks. Nowadays, only a generic technical framework designed after extensive European stakeholder consultations is available, allowing the SRI currently being officially tested in 13 EU countries. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the research activities currently ongoing at a national level on SRI to define a methodological approach for SRI calculation tailored for the national context. The standard and tailored methodologies were then compared using two representative case studies in the tertiary sector of the Italian building stock. Despite the high level of technological equipment, the results showed that the SRI indicator obtainable with the standard methodology was low. This suggests that an adaptation of the catalogue of smart-ready services will be required to make it more responsive to the characteristics of existing buildings and to the devices currently available on the market.
Multi-criteria analysis of the improvement interventions related to the Superbonus 110%: efficiency, renewables
Authors: Romano Giada , Scarlet Sferra Adriana , Mancini Francesco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The 2050 long-term strategy of the European Union contains an analysis of the actions that need to be taken for the transition to a zero GHG emission economy and to to build a better future for all by 2050. The outlined scenarios envisage ambitious objectives in terms of the energy efficient building improvements, the use of RES and the reduction of climate-changing emission. Following this European vision, EU Member States have developed national long-term strategies and focusing on the building sector, in Italy the Recovery and Resilience Plan is providing financing and national and European investment is expected to enable the renovation of more than 100,000 buildings, with a total upgraded area of more than 36 million square metres. The expected energy saving is about 191 Ktoe/year with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of about 667 Kton CO2/year. At the end of 2023, the energy requalification of buildings reached about 12 million square metres. By 31 December 2025, the objective is to ensure the energy requalification of buildings for at least 32 million square metres. The proposed research aims to investigate the effects of the renovation activities related to the Superbonus 110% through a multi-criteria analysis, taking into account the beneficial effects consisting of the energy efficiency improvement. The research has been conducted starting from a database of 1,545 dwellings on the territory of Italy, using a data collection questionnaire to estimate the energy consumption of a dwelling, with an in-house developed calculation code based on a simplified dynamic simulation. The database has been set to satisfy different purposes: to characterize the energy uses of residential utilities and identify flexible loads; to estimate the effects of energy upgrading interventions; to analyse the transformation potential of residential buildings with the introduction of an integrated PV-Heat Pump-Thermal Storage system; to evaluate the best energy upgrading proposal based on the climate zone and building location; to evaluate the cost of energy upgrading interventions. The proposed activity aims to complement the studies carried out by projecting the existing situation into more scenarios congruent with the national and European context; the envisioned scenario interprets the need to increase the building stock efficiency and integrate more renewable energy resources into energy systems. In light of the estimates produced and the results achieved, the research aims to emphasize the reuse of building materials issue, looking at circular reuse, offering a different and broader assessment of interventions aimed at the construction sector and, more specifically, the residential sector.
Indoor Thermal Comfort Impact of Windcatcher Ventilation in Tropical Climates: A Case Study in Panama via Fluid Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Bernal Ana , Montilla Lenin , Mora Dafni , Chen Austin Miguel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Different ventilation approaches are recommended to address the effects of low indoor air quality while reducing electrical consumption. One of these approaches follows the natural ventilation strategy, such as windcatchers. This results in a practical method to improve occupant health by positively influencing air quality and reducing electrical consumption for air conditioning. Due to the small temperature difference between a building’s inner and outer spaces, windcatchers prove effective even in tropical climates. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the potential of windcatchers with local indicators, such as air velocity, pressure, and temperature, using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) module integrated into DesignBuilder software v7. This study consists of two CFD analyses of a single-zone and single-story building in Panama City with a short semicircular windcatcher. Results showed that implementing natural ventilation combined with a windcatcher is effective during seasons with high wind velocities, as the model experienced an inlet airflow velocity of 0.67 m/s and an outlet airflow velocity of 0.43 m/s. Meanwhile, during low wind velocities, the model experimented with inlet and outlet airflow velocities of 0.26 m/s and 0.07 m/s, respectively. Therefore, incorporating a windcatcher is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Future studies will focus on developing improvements in its geometry and characteristics.
Monitoring the impact of micro-photovoltaic production on a real residential case study
Authors: Lauro Fiorella , Romano Sabrina , Botticelli Martina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this paper a case study of micro-photovoltaic (MPV) production impact on real houses in Rome area is presented. The experimentation was conducted as part of the “Electrical System Research” Program, funded by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, and thanks to a Collaboration Agreement between ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) and ARETI (the Distributor System Operator in Rome urban area). During this experimental activity, it was possible to carry out a few pilot cases and integrate the Smart Home Kit, supplied by ENEA, with the new generation electricity meters, supplied by ARETI. Different types of users were involved, both simple consumers and prosumers equipped with micro-photovoltaic and photovoltaic (PV) panels. Starting from the collected data, some considerations were made regarding the percentage of self-sufficiency of the users. The common goal was to test innovative energy management methods aimed at increasing users’ energy awareness and encouraging a more virtuous and flexible use of energy, also thanks to a greater diffusion of the electric vector.
High-efficiency waste heat recovery systems integrated with thermal energy storage for sustainable Data Centres.
Authors: Sechi Alessandro , Serra Fabio , Casti Efisio , Cocco Daniele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper proposes an advanced energy recovery system for Data Centres (DCs), highly energy-intensive facilities that can be effectively coupled with eco-sustainable technologies to meet the Green New Deal targets. In this context, this study aims to assess the opportunities of recovering the waste heat produced by a DC to satisfy the energy heating demand of some office buildings. The evaluation was carried out by a simulation model developed in MATLAB-Simulink environment. The considered DC was cooled with rear door and CPU cold plate heat exchangers coupled with two chillers and a water TES. The parametric analysis showed how an average 53 kW DC placed in south Sardinia (Italy) can effectively meet the heating needs for office building volumes from 20000 to 40000 m3. Since the recovered energy never exceeds 60% of the available energy from the DC, the payback time is always higher than 10 years. Further analysis, considering more demanding utilities, as hospitals, district heating or industrial processes, could make this solution more profitable.
Advancing Energy Efficiency in Automotive Production: A Model-Based Optimization of Pneumatic Blowing Processes for Metal Sheet Separation
Authors: Rakova Elvira , Simeone Antonio , Frosina Emma , Fusco Aniello , Senatore Adolfo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the high energy demand of pneumatic systems in automotive production and presents the development of a predictive model for optimizing the blowing process. Through experimental validation, the findings highlight significant energy savings and operational efficiency improvements. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of energy optimization in pneumatic systems, specifically focusing on metal sheet separation in the automotive industry.