bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing PV solar collection using the upper edges in balconies
Authors: Valdivia-Sisniegas R H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The current increment of electric prices over the world has created economic problems, but it is also a turning point to a serious rethink about the dependency on fossil fuels. Adapting balconies to produce energy with mini PV installations is increasing in many countries, because not only it reduces costs; but also promotes the energy transition and adaptation as well “plug&save” systems has made the access to photovoltaic electricity easier in existing apartments by using the balustrade or parapets in balconies. Moreover, the stock of multi-story building apartments represents a significant number of dwellings, which is in favor of density and sustainable cities. The current evolution of the market is producing lightweight panels, which combined with new patented devices can improve the solar incidence collection; thus, using upper edges in balconies can result in an easy, and flexible way to install and maintain.
Optimization of Building integrated photovoltaic and thermoelectric hybrid energy harvesting system for different climatic regions
Authors: Kang Yong-Kwon , Jo Su-Young , Park Hyo-Lim , Jeong Jae-Weon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As energy saving emerges as a critical factor for the sustainable development of humankind, the importance of Zero-Energy Buildings (ZEB) is gradually increasing. Therefore, much research is being conducted on high-efficiency renewable energy technologies that can be applied in urban areas. However, increasing the efficiency of BIPV were proposed and studied because of the need for the renewable energy source. Such as using phase change material (PCM), heat fin, wavelength selection, PV surface temperature decreasing or using a thermoelectric generator (TEG), and convection cooling utilizing the waste heat from the PV. In most previous studies, the performance when each method was analyzed through experiments or simulations. However, the design analysis for maximum performance still needs to be conducted. Therefore, a BIPV combined with a PCM and TEG (BIPV-TEG-PCM) design is analyzed in this study. Herein, the three variables (phase change temperature of the PCM, heat fin spacing in the PCM container, and TEG arrangement) were analyzed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based simulations. Moreover, through multi-objective optimization, the BIPV-TEG-PCM system of the optimal design was derived. Analysis results of the appropriate melting temperature of PCM, heat fin interval, and arrangement of TEG for the proposed system are 40 °C, 12.4 mm, and 187 mm, respectively.
Decarbonising energy supply: the potential impact on district heating networks of the integration of thermal energy storage and substitution of peak load with base load
Authors: Mennel S , Villasmil W , Fischer L , Tuohy P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In 2021, district heating networks provided 6.4 TWh of thermal demand in Switzerland, representing a market share of about 6%. This share is forecast to reach 38% by 2050. More than 50% of those networks rely on base load provided by biomass, complemented by fossil fuel peak load. This paper describes a strategy that would see storage being integrated to substitute peak load with base load. A university campus in Scotland acts as the reference use case to test the suggested fixed-order control strategy. Given these study conditions, the capacities of different storage systems are varied, and their potential for substitution and decarbonisation is accounted for. The study indicates that the integration of small storage volumes seems very promising albeit leading to limited results pertaining to decarbonisation. Depending on fossil fuel prices, a full decarbonisation potential depending on large seasonal storage volumes could be found and a value of 0.14 €/kWh could be calculated as economic threshold to fully decarbonise the reference case.
Exploring thermostat override behavior during direct load control events
Authors: Khorasani Zadeh Z , Ouf M , Gunay B , Delcroix B , Larochelle Martin G , Daoud A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Direct load control (DLC) is considered a viable solution to promote demand-side energy management, in which the utility provider adjusts consumers’ temperature setpoints via smart thermostats. Users commonly have the option to interrupt DLC and override them by adjusting their thermostat setpoints. However, the occurrence of overrides can have a detrimental impact on the overall efficacy of DLC. The user discomfort and the fact that an override may increase the load unexpectedly on the grid highlight the importance of understanding override mechanisms during DLC and the uncertainty related to occupants’ responses. This study examined user interactions with smart thermostats during DLC events using real-world data from the Ecobee Donate Your Data (DYD) program. According to the results, 35% of DLC was overridden by users, resulting in higher energy consumption during peak periods. A comprehensive analysis of four types of variables was conducted. A decision tree algorithm was used to classify smart thermostat users into two categories: “compliant users,” who rarely override DLC, and “non-compliant users,” who frequently override DLC, based on general information about their behavior and preferences and without any prior DLC experience. Moreover, three distinct types of DLC participants, characterized by their preferences and behaviors, were identified using a clustering algorithm. Classification results provide utilities with insight into where resources and efforts should be allocated to users who are more likely to comply with DLC. Clustering users into different typologies will enable utilities to design targeted and less disruptive DLC better aligned with the needs of DLC participants.
Energy assessment of a district by integrating solar thermal in district heating network: a dynamic analysis approach
Authors: Bilardo M , Kaempf J H , Fabrizio E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This work focuses on the energy upgrade of a neighbourhood located in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. Starting from a potential low-temperature district heating network, the possible integration of new buildings equipped with solar thermal collectors capable of interacting with the network is explored. The methodology proposed in this work focuses on the study of the energy balance of the district at reduced time intervals. Bringing the level of detail to every single hour of the year, the concept of energy balance is superseded by the hourly averaged power balance as a specific tool for a detailed exploration of the energy flows exchanged within the district. Self-sufficiency has also been identified as key performance indicators to better understand the ability of the entire district to satisfy its heating and domestic hot water needs, modelled in CitySim’s urban energy environment. The outcomes have shown that an annual energy balance is ineffective and unrealistic for describing performances of the district. On the other hand, the hourly averaged power balance proves to be a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of the neighbourhood. The district’s energy flexibility, which relies on energy sharing, is a characteristic that cannot be assessed annually. Using the new proposed methodology to evaluate the district’s thermal energy sharing, it was discovered that the district functions as a Zero Energy District for 28.9% of the year. With the outcomes presented in this study, it is now possible to comprehend how a dynamic performance assessment positively impacts a district’s redevelopment strategies.
Field study of energy and environmental performance of ground source heat pumps retrofitted in a cluster of UK social housing dwellings
Authors: Gupta R , Zahiri S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper uses an empirical field based approach to examine seasonal variation in heat pump electricity use and indoor temperatures across a cluster of 50 social housing dwellings retrofitted with ground source heat pumps (GSHP). The case study dwellings were co-located in a socially deprived housing estate in Oxford (UK). Time series monitoring data was collected on indoor, outdoor and target temperatures, heat pump electricity use (kWh), space heating and hot water operation status (on/off) in non-heating and heating seasons. Contextual data about the dwellings were gathered through heat pump surveys and energy performance certificates. Results showed 60% rise in electricity use during the heating season with statistically significant correlation observed between indoor and target temperatures, energy efficiency rating and monthly electricity use. When electricity use was normalised for outdoor temperature, lower electricity use per heating degree day (HDD) was observed in the heating season in the majority of dwellings, confirming the efficient running of the heat pumps. Mean daily indoor temperatures were found to be stable across majority of dwellings, with peak electricity use largely happening outside of the national evening peak period of 4pm-7pm. Despite there being a ‘Timer’ mode in relation to outside weather, most of the residents used the ‘Manual’ mode of operation to adjust target temperatures, possibly to overcome the low output temperatures of heat pumps. While resident training will help to enhance understanding of heating controls, smarter operation of heat pumps through automation based on optimisation of indoor and outdoor temperature, occupancy patterns, heating preferences and electricity price signals could result in further energy savings.
The lowest carbon HVAC system could be no system: the design and lifecycle comparison of two heating and cooling options for Canada’s first hempcrete institutional building
Authors: Gerrard Kyle , Thibault Juliette Mollard , Rysanek Adam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis of lifecycle carbon for two heating and cooling system options: a reversible ductless split ASHP and direct electric baseboards with a radiative cooling paint. It was determined that over a 60-year assessment period including refrigerant leakage, the ASHP contributed between 2 and 7 times the lifecycle carbon of the direct electric, depending on the consideration of the cooling paint. A sensitivity analysis found that the electrical emission factor of the grid and the refrigerant type and leakage reduction measures both had a strong influence on the lifecycle carbon comparison of the two options. The findings of this study are intended to continue advancing the discussion of the true lifecycle carbon impact that mechanical systems contribute to overall building emissions.
Model predictive control of heating in a low energy single-family house
Authors: Nielsen CM , Larsen KHK , Thorsteinsson S , Bendtsen JD 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a control scheme that uses a Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach to manage the heating system of a low-energy single-family house. The house is equipped with an air-to-water Heat Pump (HP) and individually controlled hydronic underfloor heating circuits for each of its 11 heating zones. The MPC scheme is designed to maintain individual room comfort levels in each zone, while incorporating weather forecasts and following a heating reference to allow for load shifting for periods with low energy prices and high Photovoltaic (PV) production calculated by an upper level in a hierarchical control scheme. The focus of the design has been the model structure that allows for fast solutions to the MPC optimisation problem, while still capturing the high complexity, non-linear dynamics of the building. The controller is tested on a high-fidelity simulation model of the house, achieving disturbance rejection and system stabilisation. The rapid solving time makes repeated experiments and longer simulations feasible.
Experimental Validation for Distributed Control of Energy Hubs
Authors: Behrunani Varsha , Heer Philipp , Lygeros John 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As future energy systems become more decentralised due to the integration of renewable energy resources and storage technologies, several autonomous energy management and peer-to-peer trading mechanisms have been recently proposed for the operation of energy hub networks based on optimization and game theory. However, most of these strategies have been tested either only in simulated environments or small prosumer units as opposed to larger energy hubs. This simulation reality gap has hindered large-scale implementation and practical application of these method. In this paper, we aim to experimentally validate the performance of a novel multi-horizon distributed model predictive controller for an energy hub network by implementing the controller on a complete network of hubs comprising of a real energy hub inter-faced with multiple virtual hubs. The experiments are done using two different network topologies and the controller shows promising results in both setups.
Optimizing positive energy districts
Authors: Haase M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A planning tool was developed which is able to integrate renovation strategies on district level as a combination of energy efficiency upgrades for buildings and the use of renewable energy deliver positive energy districts. It combines elements of energy master planning, district development and optimization in a Modelica environment by combining energy demand, circularity and stakeholder engagement on the demand side and life cycle costs in multi-objective optimisation on the supply side. Thus, the tool consists of six dedicated modules for optimizing positive energy districts (PED).
“oPEN Lab” project as an underpin innovation for Positive Energy District solutions in Pamplona
Authors: Kalms A , Cornago I , Ezquer M , Diaz de Garayo S , Arias A , Torres L , San Emeterio D , Irulegi O , Bouchotrouch F , De Groote M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050, urban areas should move towards Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) as powerful ecosystems of balanced energy. The aim of this research is to present the methodology that facilitates the implementation of technical and social innovations, designed and implemented through co-creation, specifically for the neighbourhoods of Pamplona (Spain) in the framework of the project “oPEN Lab” on the way to PEN and based on a local Living Lab (LL). This project is a positive consequence of the evolution and achievements in urban, energy and mobility city planning made possible by the methodology, solutions and actions presented in the context of research and innovation projects such as STARDUST and Efidistrict Fwd.
Smart digital campus UniTO: data gathering and visualisation to support sustainability and indoor comfort
Authors: Accardo D , Meschini S , Gasbarri P , Tagliabue L C , Di Giuda G M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research aims to identify and investigate the best digital tools to improve indoor comfort conditions and sustainability through energy efficiency enhancement in educational buildings, integrating data gathered from sensors. By leveraging an existing asset management platform that integrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data from Internet of Things devices were linked to the BIM model of a test case building creating a digital shadow in order to gather real-time data on indoor conditions, including temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. The methodology enables continuous evaluation of the building’s state of usage and calls for automatic and frequent updates of data. The digital shadow can display current usage conditions and alarms when conditions exceed what is comfortable, and it allows for immediate feedback through colours based on the internal detected conditions. The platform can be used with business intelligence tools to support strategic choices and enable future innovations, including machine learning techniques to estimate building occupancy and identify any deviations from expected usage patterns. This study presents a promising workflow for creating sustainable and comfortable educational buildings, which could be replicable and scalable in the future.
Supporting urban decision-making processes through supply-side technologies characterisation
Authors: Rodriguez Alonso C , Quijano A , Vallejo Ortega E , Huovila A , Molteni T , Croci E , Urkola I 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The MAtchUP project (Maximizing the Upscaling and replication potential of high level urban transformation strategies) developed an urban transformation methodology for sustainable city planning, based on demand-side and supply-side characterisations. The supply-side characterisation is based on the Smart City Technology Packages (SCTP), which are groups of solutions from those demonstrated in the Lighthouse cities of the Project, selected based on their replication potential and with the aim to maximise the impact of MAtchUP actions. The SCTPs are organised in the three main pillars of energy, mobility and ICT (information and communication technologies), and its characterisation includes three main fields: a general description (including reasons for implementing the technologies, barriers and benefits), operational model (analysing business models’ archetype, cost structure and financial model), and impact assessment (in the fields of environment, economy and social). Such characterisation is done under common criteria, which allows comparisons among SCTPs. The supply-side methodology included also a PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal) analysis done by each city in order to evaluate the viability of each SCTP under those circumstances of the city, to finally obtain the most suitable set of solutions to implement.
Transfer learning methodology for machine learning based fault detection and diagnostics applied to building services
Authors: Chavan K , Réhault N , Rist T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Machine Learning (ML) models for Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) can automatically detect anomalies in the operation in large facilities or district heating networks and can help tackling energy wastes. Nevertheless, the development of ML-models is a costly and tedious task requiring large amounts of labelled data. Setting up ML-models for a high number of systems is effort and know-how intensive. However, assets like commercial buildings and district heating networks are constituted of systems with similar topologies. Transferring a ML model initially trained on a source system to a multitude of similar target systems, can help reducing the training costs and facilitating the scalability of ML-based FDD in those assets. To enable this, we have developed a methodology that assesses the potential for Transfer Learning (TL) from a source system to target systems by determining the covariate and concept shifts between the source and target domains and integrating the source model into the target system if the TL assessment is positive. We used a patented method for the model development, that combines two ML-models, that are initially trained on a source system by means of a feedback system. We implemented this methodology on district heating (DH) substations, as DH systems typically contain this kind of subsystems with similar topologies and have thus a high scalability potential for TL. Initial findings showed the effectiveness of TL in adapting the source model to the target domain, resulting in enhanced FDD capabilities with significantly reduced training efforts.
Impact of room thermal conditions on thermal response and energy expenditure of people of different body compositions
Authors: Lipczynska A , Blaszczok M , Dorobisz M , Zoglowek D 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We performed a climatic chamber study with the participation of sixteen people in all BMI categories at different thermal conditions (16.4°C, 22.1°C, 28.0°C) and activity levels (light, medium, high). There was no substantial influence of the BMI value on the thermal and humidity sensations and the thermal preferences of the subjects. Underweight people had the lowest thermal sensation in cold conditions, while obese people declared sensations most similar to neutral in hot conditions. The net energy expenditure values were the highest in all weight groups during cold conditions and the lowest during warm conditions. We observed that energy expenditure increases with an increase in BMI. The energy expenditure variability depending on body fat percentage was entirely different for women and men. In the former group, energy expenditure increased with the increase in body fat content (especially for medium and high activity). In the case of men, this dependence was not noticed – the energy expenditure was at a similar level regardless of the fat content.
Automated workflow for simulating the effect of green façades on indoor thermal comfort
Authors: Marx D , Reitberger R , Kleeberger M , Lang W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate change mitigation measures include the addition of vegetation to existing buildings to reduce heat stress in hot summers. In this study, the influence of green façades on the indoor climate is modeled by coupling two different numerical simulation tools: The microclimate simulation tool ENVImet is utilized to model the vegetation and surroundings in the first step. Subsequently, the building energy simulation EnergyPlus in Honeybee/Grasshopper is used to model the indoor climate. Using weather data as a link between the tools, different scenarios (traditional self-climbing plants, plant boxes, and green walls) of green façade designs for a residential building are modeled as a case study. Results show a reduction of operative temperature of up to 3.93% for the most efficient design scenario, the green wall, which corresponds to a 20.09% improvement of the predicted mean vote.
Integration of aquaponics aystem with water reuse for housing in hot arid climate: BaityKool(BK), a bio-inspired dwelling prototype in Dubai-UAE
Authors: Mohanan V P , Bruneau D , Garcia F , Lagiere P , Bouzouidja R , Locke J , Dsilva J , Rochuad A , Canigani B 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In urban areas, there is little space available for vegetation but a potential for food production that merits to be exploited. aquaponics is a coupled system of two technologies of fish farming and soil-less vegetation, a scheme primarily proposed for hot arid regions with limited agricultural land resource availability for sustainable water reuse and food production operation. This research will include the aquaponics system as a provision of food for all occupants of a house in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. In comparison to standard vegetable production, the employment of this form of the aquaponic system results in effective water savings of up to 90% while producing part of the vegetables for salads for the residents of the BaityKool house. This paper presents the technological design of an aquaponic system as well as its architectural integration into a habitat in Dubai-UAE.