48 results
Search Results
2. Effects of temperature anomaly on health: A perspective from individual adaptation.
- Author
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Hou, Xiaojuan and Zhang, Xin
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TEMPERATURE effect , *AIR conditioning , *OUTDOOR recreation - Abstract
• This study analyzes the effects of temperature anomalies on health using CGSS. • For every 1 °C rise in temperature anomalies, the fitness level decreased by 0.255 units. • The use of air conditioning can avoid negative effect of temperature. We explore the causal relationship between temperature and health at fitness levels in this paper by constructing temperature anomalies using the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). The results indicate that for every 1 °C rise in temperature anomalies, the fitness level decreased by 0.255 units, a decrease of 7.081 % of the average. We use the order probit model and the traditional temperature bins to test the results, which are consistent with the benchmark results. The effect of temperature anomalies on health is considerably stronger for males, people over 85 years old, low education, and low-income groups. Further analysis shows that the use of air conditioning can avoid such effects. In addition to the direct impact of temperature, we found that rising temperatures will lead individuals to reduce outdoor activities, thereby affecting their health level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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3. EXPERIMENTAL AND HYBRID NUMERICAL ANALYTICAL APPROACH OF AN EARTH-TO-AIR HEAT EXCHANGER.
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Aissaoui, Faris, Rouag, Amar, Belloufi, Yousef, Zerouali, Sakina, Atmani, Rachid, Benchabane, Adel, Brima, Abdelhafid, Moummi, Noureddine, and Belatrache, Djamel
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HEAT exchangers , *THERMAL conductivity , *AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *NUMERICAL analysis - Abstract
The primary goal of this paper is to assess the thermal behaviour of Earth-to- Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) under continuous operation mode during the cooling period in warm climatic conditions. An experimental setup was conducted in Biskra University (Algeria) to test the ability to use EAHE as an alternative solution to conventional air conditioning systems. Besides, a transient numerical approach for the flowing air within the EAHE was developed using energy balance equations, discretised by the implicit finite differences method and solved by Thomas method. Furthermore, the transient temperature profile of the soil around the EAHE was investigated in order to determine the adiabatic radius of the soil as a function of the duration of operation. In this context, a transient semi-analytical model was integrated to the air model to estimate the transient EAHE's performance deterioration. This deterioration is produced by the thermal saturation of the soil, which is influenced by the heat released from the air inside the pipe. Results showed that continuous operation for a duration of four days has minimal impact on the outlet air temperatures due to the implementation of night purging. Furthermore, the design and thermal efficiency of the EAHE are impacted by factors such as higher air velocity and reduced soil thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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4. Toward residential decarbonization: Analyzing social-psychological drivers of household co-adoption of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and efficient HVAC systems in Georgia, U.S.
- Author
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Cha, Min-kyeong, Struthers, Cory L., Brown, Marilyn A., Kale, Snehal, and Chapman, Oliver
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CLIMATE change , *GREEN behavior , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *HEAT pumps , *ELECTRIC vehicles , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
The marketplace of climate solutions has grown considerably. Three technologies, in particular, exhibit strong potential for disruptive change and advancement in the residential sector: electric vehicles (EVs), rooftop photovoltaics (RPVs), and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Many scholars have studied the adoption of these technologies; we address their co-adoption. Using a survey conducted in Georgia, we examine pro-environmental behavior, risk tolerance, and energy-related knowledge as social-psychological drivers for the co-adoption of RPVs, EVs, and efficient HVACs (including heat pumps). We conclude that some but not all of these drivers are relevant to the adoption and co-adoption of the three transformational climate solutions. Pro-environmental behaviors, for instance, appear to create conditions for "positive spillover," propelling consumers toward adopting multiple climate solutions, whereas energy knowledge has no clear relationship with co-adoption. At the same time, the = influence of these drivers are unique to different combinations of technologies – one notable example is the significance of risk tolerance when RPV is added to technology bundles. Our paper contributes to the literature by broadening the understanding of the adoption of bundled (or co-adopted) climate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. Fire Weather Conditions in Boreal and Polar Regions in 2002–2021.
- Author
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Hayasaka, Hiroshi
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FIRE weather , *WEATHER , *METEOROLOGICAL charts , *AIR masses , *AIR conditioning , *FOREST fires - Abstract
Fire activity in 288 areas (2.5° N × 10° E) in the Arctic region (50°–70° N, 0°–360° E) was analyzed using about 4.4 million satellite hotspot (HS) data from 2002 to 2021. A total of 21 high fire density areas from eastern Europe to western Canada were selected, and their fire–weather conditions during each active fire period were analyzed using about 1820 various weather maps at the upper and the lower air level. Analysis results showed that the active fires in the Arctic region occurred under the fire–weather conditions associated with the northward movement of cut-off high (COH) and warm air masses detached from the south caused by large westerly meandering (LWM). LWM is a sign of the beginning of an active fire period. Very active fires on HS peak days occurred several days after the start of the northward movement of COHs and under mainly high-pressure conditions in the upper air and strong wind conditions in the lower air. The time lag of these several days suggests that we may be prepared for very active fires. The fire–weather analysis approach described in this paper has shown that future large-scale fire outbreaks are predictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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6. Alternatives to airconditioning: policies, design, technologies, behaviours.
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FORD, BRIAN, MUMOVIC, DEJAN, and RAWAL, RAJAN
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AIR conditioning , *ENERGY demand management , *PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of heat , *CONSTRUCTION industry , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
Far from being a panacea, air-conditioning is shown to create social, environmental and economic problems. Alternatives to air-conditioning are identified as a key means of reducing energy demand and carbon emissions, improving resilience to heat, and providing a healthy indoor environment. These alternatives are more than a technological issue and help to reframe coolth as an attribute and not a commodity. This editorial introduces the themes and individual papers in this special issue. It explores the implications of these alternative solutions across a range of issues: health and wellbeing; air quality; heat stress; technical/design solutions; economics and equity; climate change; social expectations and practices; policy and regulation; supply chain and procurement; education and training. Recommendations for change involve policy and regulation, construction industry business models, redefining the design decision process, improving performance and feedback, and updating workforce skills and capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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7. Reducing the health effects of hot weather and heat extremes: from personal cooling strategies to green cities.
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Jay, Ollie, Capon, Anthony, Berry, Peter, Broderick, Carolyn, de Dear, Richard, Havenith, George, Honda, Yasushi, Kovats, R Sari, Ma, Wei, Malik, Arunima, Morris, Nathan B, Nybo, Lars, Seneviratne, Sonia I, Vanos, Jennifer, and Ebi, Kristie L
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HOT weather conditions , *CLIMATE change , *ELDER care , *REFUGEE camps , *AIR conditioning , *HEAT , *RESEARCH , *PHENOMENOLOGICAL biology , *RESEARCH methodology , *SOCIAL networks , *MEDICAL cooperation , *EVALUATION research , *ELECTRICITY , *WATER supply , *COMPARATIVE studies , *PSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *IMPACT of Event Scale - Abstract
Heat extremes (ie, heatwaves) already have a serious impact on human health, with ageing, poverty, and chronic illnesses as aggravating factors. As the global community seeks to contend with even hotter weather in the future as a consequence of global climate change, there is a pressing need to better understand the most effective prevention and response measures that can be implemented, particularly in low-resource settings. In this Series paper, we describe how a future reliance on air conditioning is unsustainable and further marginalises the communities most vulnerable to the heat. We then show that a more holistic understanding of the thermal environment at the landscape and urban, building, and individual scales supports the identification of numerous sustainable opportunities to keep people cooler. We summarise the benefits (eg, effectiveness) and limitations of each identified cooling strategy, and recommend optimal interventions for settings such as aged care homes, slums, workplaces, mass gatherings, refugee camps, and playing sport. The integration of this information into well communicated heat action plans with robust surveillance and monitoring is essential for reducing the adverse health consequences of current and future extreme heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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8. Challenges of using air conditioning in an increasingly hot climate.
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Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin, Hornyanszky, Elisabeth Dalholm, Chu, Tuan Anh, Olsson, Johanna Alkan, and Becker, Per
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AIR conditioning & the environment , *ATMOSPHERIC temperature , *HUMIDITY , *CLIMATE change , *SUSTAINABILITY - Abstract
At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This paper explores the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. A literature review was conducted applying a transdisciplinary approach. It was further complemented by examples from cities in hot climates. To analyse the findings, an analytical framework was developed which considers four societal levels—individual, community, city, and national. The main challenges identified from the literature review are as follows: environmental, organisational, socio-economical, biophysical and behavioural. The paper also identifies several measures that could be taken to reduce the fast growth of AC use. However, due to the complex nature of the problem, there is no single solution to provide sustainable cooling. Alternative solutions were categorised in three broad categories: climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, alternative cooling technologies, and climate-sensitive attitudes and behaviour. The main findings concern the problems arising from leaving the responsibility to come up with cooling solutions entirely to the individual, and how different societal levels can work towards more sustainable cooling options. It is concluded that there is a need for a more holistic view both when it comes to combining various solutions as well as involving various levels in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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9. Predicting water consumption from energy data: Modeling the residential energy and water nexus in the integrated urban metabolism analysis tool (IUMAT).
- Author
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Mostafavi, Nariman, Gándara, Fernanda, and Hoque, Simi
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ENERGY consumption , *WATER consumption , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning , *WATER conservation - Abstract
This paper describes a method for residential water use modeling predicated on metered energy data. Actual measured hot water volumes for major indoor consumption are used to verify and adjust the outputs in gallons of hot water consumption based on climate variables, water heater technical features, and set-point and intake temperatures. Three independent datasets for residential energy (RECS 2009), water heater efficiency (Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute-AHRI), and end-use domestic water (Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2-REU II) are applied to identify specific demographic, built environment and geographic factors that relate patterns of energy demand to water consumption. The proposed model acts within the broader Integrated Urban Metabolism Analysis Tool (IUMAT), a system-based analytical framework for evaluating the environmental performance of the built environment. The method described in this paper offers an alternative approach to residential water consumption modeling by implementing volume of hot water consumption as a proxy for indoor water use. It provides utilities with the potential to parse and prioritize energy and water conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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10. The effects of prenatal exposure to temperature extremes on birth outcomes: the case of China.
- Author
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Chen, Xi, Tan, Chih Ming, Zhang, Xiaobo, and Zhang, Xin
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LOW birth weight , *CLIMATE change in literature , *TEMPERATURE , *LITERARY adaptations , *AIR conditioning , *PRENATAL exposure - Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of prenatal exposure to extreme temperatures on birth outcomes—specifically, the log of birth weight and an indicator for low birth weight—using a nationally representative dataset on rural China. During the time period we examine (1991–2000), indoor air conditioning was not widely available and migration was limited, allowing us to address identification issues endemic in the climate change literature related to adaptation and location sorting. We find substantial heterogeneity in the effects of extreme temperature exposure on birth outcomes. In particular, prenatal exposure to heat waves has stronger negative effects than exposure to cold spells on surviving births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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11. Stretching the Duck: How Rising Temperatures will Change the Level and Shape of Future Electricity Consumption.
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Rivers, Nicholas and Shaffer, Blake
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ELECTRIC power consumption , *TEMPERATURE , *CLIMATE change , *HIGH temperatures - Abstract
This paper examines how rising temperatures due to climate change will affect electricity consumption patterns through mid- and end-century. We extend recent literature in two important ways. First, we directly incorporate adaptation in the form of increased air conditioner penetration, resulting in heightened responsiveness to hot temperatures. Second, we go beyond average effects to consider how higher temperatures will change the intraday and seasonal shape of consumption. This is found to be of greater importance in colder countries, where the average effect is dampened by reductions in heating demand from warmer winters. Seasonal peaks are projected to shift from winter to summer and the diurnal range of hourly consumption expands, exacerbating an increasing need for flexibility coming from the supply side due to a growing share of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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12. The impact of thermal mass on building energy consumption.
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Reilly, Aidan and Kinnane, Oliver
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ENERGY consumption , *HEAT , *AIR conditioning , *COOLING , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
This paper presents new metrics to measure the effect of thermal mass on the energy required to heat and cool buildings. Previous studies have been flawed as they have not considered the interaction between intermittent occupancy and thermal mass, which has a significant impact on overall energy use. However, existing parameters do not adequately capture these effects, so the new metrics developed in this paper are used to analyse the impact of thermal mass in hot climates with active cooling, and cold climates with active heating. The results agree with existing literature that high thermal mass structures are likely to be effective in hot climates; however, in cold climates the drawbacks of high thermal mass likely outweigh the advantages, and high thermal mass can cause an increase in energy use. This finding has implications for the design of buildings in cold climates, and contradicts the commonly-held assumption that high thermal mass is correlated with low energy use. The new metrics (transient energy ratio and effective U -value) provide a generalisable method to quantify these effects. They are further used here to analyse the dynamic performance of heavily insulated buildings and show that high thermal mass often leads to higher energy use in cold climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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13. Climate change and our heritage of low carbon comfort.
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Winter, Tim
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CLIMATE change , *CULTURAL property , *AIR conditioning , *CARBON dioxide & the environment , *ECOLOGICAL impact - Abstract
This paper examines the viability of maintaining a heritage of low carbon comfort as an alternative to the energy intensive comfort regime of mechanical air conditioning. In many parts of the world, the carbon footprint of buildings is increasing significantly due to the widespread adoption of air conditioning. Current trends around indoor comfort are unsustainable, and alternative, less energy intensive comfort regimes need to be maintained or cultivated. To date, studies on this topic in heritage and preservation studies have focused on the architectural designs of ‘passive cooling’. This paper seeks to expand this conceptualisation of ‘cool living heritage’ to incorporate other forms of material culture and comfort practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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14. Contribution of air conditioning adoption to future energy use under global warming.
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Davis, Lucas W. and Gertler, Paul J.
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AIR conditioning & the environment , *ENERGY consumption & the environment , *GLOBAL warming , *INCOME , *ECONOMIC demand , *PHYSIOLOGICAL adaptation - Abstract
As household incomes rise around the world and global temperatures go up, the use of air conditioning is poised to increase dramatically. Air conditioning growth is expected to be particularly strong in middle-income countries, but direct empirical evidence is scarce. In this paper we use high-quality microdata from Mexico to describe the relationship between temperature, income, and air conditioning. We describe both how electricity consumption increases with temperature given current levels of air conditioning, and how climate and income drive air conditioning adoption decisions. We then combine these estimates with predicted end-of-century temperature changes to forecast future energy consumption. Under conservative assumptions about household income, our model predicts near-universal saturation of air conditioning in all warm areas within just a few decades. Temperature increases contribute to this surge in adoption, but income growth by itself explains most of the increase. What this will mean for electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions depends on the pace of technological change. Continued advances in energy efficiency or the development of new cooling technologies could reduce the energy consumption impacts. Similarly, growth in low-carbon electricity generation could mitigate the increases in carbon dioxide emissions. However, the paper illustrates the enormous potential impacts in this sector, highlighting the importance of future research on adaptation and underscoring the urgent need for global action on climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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15. Simulated hygrothermal performance of a desiccant-assisted hybrid air/water conditioning system in a mixed humid climate under dynamic load.
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O’Kelly, Matthew, Walter, Mark E., and Rowland, James R.
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HYGROTHERMOELASTICITY , *DRYING agents , *DYNAMIC loads , *AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *HUMIDITY - Abstract
Previous work by the same authors has shown that in mixed-humid climates, tight, super-insulated residential structures can experience high humidity events in summer months. Standard, commercially available vapor compression-based air conditioners struggle to control humidity in such structures with low cooling loads. Therefore a desiccant-assisted heat pump system for tight, super-insulated residential structures is proposed. This paper first reviews solid desiccant cooling cycles. Then a hybrid desiccant cooling cycle is explained and a prototype machine based on the cycle is described. The machine, known as HAWC (hybrid air/water conditioner), accomplishes cooling, dehumidification, ventilation, and domestic hot water heating. This paper models the HAWC within the framework of dynamic building energy modeling software and concludes that a refined version of the HAWC prototype is capable of completely eliminating high humidity events in the summer time while still saving energy as compared to a traditional HVAC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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16. Cold Climates Heat Pump Design Optimization.
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Abdelaziz, Omar and Shen, Bo
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HEAT pumps , *MATHEMATICAL optimization , *ENERGY consumption , *PERFORMANCE evaluation , *MATHEMATICAL models , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Heat pumps provide an efficient heating method; however they suffer from sever capacity and performance degradation at low ambient conditions. This has deterred market penetration in cold climates. There is a continuing effort to find an efficient air source cold climate heat pump that maintains acceptable capacity and performance at low ambient conditions. Systematic optimization techniques provide a reliable approach for the design of such systems. This paper presents a step-bystep approach for the design optimization of cold climate heat pumps. We first start by describing the optimization problem: objective function, constraints, and design space. Then we illustrate how to perform this design optimization using an open source publicly available optimization toolbox. The response of the heat pump design was evaluated using a validated component based vapor compression model. This model was treated as a black box model within the optimization framework. Optimum designs for different system configurations are presented. These optimum results were further analyzed to understand the performance tradeoff and selection criteria. The paper ends with a discussion on the use of systematic optimization for the cold climate heat pump design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
17. Recent investigations in HFCs substitution with lower GWP synthetic alternatives: Focus on energetic performance and environmental impact.
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Mota-Babiloni, Adrián, Makhnatch, Pavel, and Khodabandeh, Rahmatollah
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HYDROFLUOROCARBONS , *CLIMATE change , *PREVENTION of global warming , *AIR conditioning equipment & the environment ,VIENNA Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985). Protocols, etc., 1987 Sept. 15 - Abstract
Kigali's amendment on Montreal Protocol has recognized the great impact of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) on climate change. In the European Union, the Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 (F-gas Regulation) controls the use of HFCs in several applications. This paper reviews the recent investigations performed because of F-gas Regulation, with focus on lower global warming potential (GWP) synthetic alternatives. The GWP limit and the date of prohibition have an influence on the studies found for each application. The major relevance of the studies has been observed on mobile air conditioners for pure hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), possibly caused by the earlier control. Additionally, a great number of studies have been found for stationary refrigeration systems using several mixtures and residential air conditioners using R32. An important number of articles investigate synthetic alternatives for domestic refrigerators given the flammability barriers for hydrocarbons in some countries. Despite higher GWP allowance on cascade supermarket systems, few articles are available on this topic. Given the extent of the current studies and the rate of new refrigerant developments, an increase in studies using the new synthetic mixture is expected in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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18. Changing countries, changing climates: achieving thermal comfort through adaptation in everyday activities.
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Fuller, Sara and Bulkeley, Harriet
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THERMAL comfort , *AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *EMIGRATION & immigration - Abstract
Whilst increasing mobility leads to people regularly experiencing new climatic conditions, understanding how people actually adapt to new regimes of heat in their everyday lives is currently under researched. It is often assumed that increased demand for air conditioning will be an automatic response to heat, but widespread international variation in the current use of cooling technologies suggests a more complex situation. As one means of exploring how thermal comfort is achieved under different climatic conditions, this paper reports on the findings of a pilot study exploring adaptive practices in relation to heat with people who have recently migrated to Spain. The paper explores how thermal comfort is accomplished through adaptation in everyday activities including cooling technologies, clothing and routines and rhythms. The paper emphasises the importance of attending to how new routines emerge in the context of relocation and highlights a need for further research to understand how changing climatic conditions may serve to reconfigure the production of comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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19. Experimental assessment of R134a and its lower GWP alternative R513A.
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Mota-Babiloni, Adrián, Makhnatch, Pavel, Khodabandeh, Rahmatollah, and Navarro-Esbrí, Joaquín
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REFRIGERANTS , *REFRIGERATION & refrigerating machinery , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning , *COOLING systems - Abstract
Lower GWP refrigerants are essential to mitigate the impact of refrigeration systems on climate change. HFO/HFC mixtures are currently considered to replace HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The aim of this paper is to present the main operating and performance differences between R513A (GWP of 573) and R134a (GWP of 1300), the most used refrigerants for medium evaporation temperature refrigeration systems and mobile air conditioners. To perform the experimental comparison, 36 tests are carried out with each refrigerant at evaporating temperatures between −15 and 12.5°C and condensing temperatures between 25 and 35°C. The conclusion of the experimental comparison is that R513A can substitute R134a with only a thermostatic expansion valve adjustment, achieving better performance and higher cooling capacity. The discharge temperature of R513A is always lower than that of R134a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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20. Warming-induced increase in power demand and CO2 emissions in Qatar and the Middle East.
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Gurriaran, Léna, Tanaka, Katsumasa, Bayram, I. Safak, Proestos, Yiannis, Lelieveld, Jos, and Ciais, Philippe
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CARBON emissions , *ELECTRIC power consumption , *TEMPERATURE effect , *AIR conditioning , *GREENHOUSE gases , *POPULATION forecasting - Abstract
Rising global temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula region caused by climate change have increased the demand for air conditioning, resulting in more electricity consumption and CO 2 emissions. This paper treats Qatar as a representative country for understanding the effect of future regional warming on the electricity demand and CO 2 emissions We first develop a model that relates daily electricity demand with temperature. By combining this model with temperature projections from the CMIP6 database (bias adjusted and statistically downscaled) and population and GDP projections from four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), we can calculate Qatar's demand for electricity until the end of the century. The model identifies an average sensitivity of +4.2%/°C for the electricity demand and projects an increase in electricity demand by 5–35% due to warming alone at the end of this century. The model suggests that under SSP1-2.6, warming-induced CO 2 emissions could be offset by carbon intensity improvements. Furthermore, under SSP5-8.5, assuming no carbon intensity improvement, future warming could add 20–35% of CO 2 emissions per year by the end of the century, with half of the electricity demand related to more frequent hot days. We further found that the temperature effect on power demand and CO 2 emissions is small compared to the effects from socioeconomic factors such as population, GDP, and carbon intensity. • Data-based model to predict electricity demand from daily temperature regionally. • Projection of power demand with CMIP6 temperature projections for different SSPs. • Inclusion of the effect of the evolution of the population and the GDP on the demand. • Assumption on the evolution of the carbon intensity to deduce the CO 2 emissions. • Application to Middle East countries and implication for global temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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21. Cooling the buildings – past, present and future.
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Santamouris, Mat
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ENERGY consumption of buildings , *COOLING , *ENERGY conservation in buildings , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Cooling of buildings currently represents a considerable fraction of the total energy consumption in the world. Global and local climate change in combination with the projected population increase and economic development is expected to increase tremendously the future cooling energy demand of buildings and make it the dominant energy component. The present paper aims to present and discuss the details of the framework which defines the present and future cooling energy consumption of the building sector. The more recent quantitative and qualitative data concerning the penetration of air conditioning around the world are presented and analyzed. The main technological, economic, environmental and social drivers that determine the market penetration of air conditioning are identified and their impact is investigated. The potential future evolution of the main parameters that define the cooling energy consumption and in particular climate change, the population increase, income growth, potential technological improvements and the main socioeconomic drivers are investigated and existing forecasts are presented. Proposed methodologies to predict the future cooling energy consumption of the building sector are reported and discussed, while existing estimates and predictions regarding the future cooling energy consumption of individual buildings as well as of the total building sector are documented, evaluated and analyzed. Based on the explored inputs and forecasts, a model to predict the future cooling energy consumption of both the residential and commercial sector is developed. Three scenarios based on low, average and high future development, compared to the current development, are created and the range of the expected cooling energy demand in 2050 is predicted under various boundary assumptions. It is calculated that the average cooling energy demand of the residential and commercial buildings in 2050, will increase up to 750% and 275% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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22. On the performances of a hybrid air-conditioning system in different climatic conditions
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Bergero, Stefano and Chiari, Anna
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PERFORMANCE evaluation , *AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *HYBRID systems , *HYDROPHOBIC surfaces , *ENERGY conservation , *DRYING agents , *HUMIDITY control - Abstract
Abstract: In previous papers the authors demonstrated that significant energy savings can be achieved in air-conditioning through the use of a hybrid plant in which a vapor-compression inverse cycle is integrated with an air dehumidification system working with hygroscopic solution and hydrophobic membrane. The advantage of this system lies in the fact that the refrigeration device operates at a higher evaporation temperature than that of a traditional system, in which dehumidification is achieved through condensation. In the proposed hybrid system the supplied air is simultaneously cooled and dehumidified in an air–solution membrane contactor. The LiCl solution is cooled by means of a vapor-compression inverse cycle. The solution is regenerated in another membrane contactor by exploiting the exhaust air and the heat rejected by the condenser. The paper reports a study of the steady-state behavior of the system in summer climatic conditions on varying some significant climatic parameters, such as the latent load of the conditioned space and the outdoor and indoor relative humidity. The performances of the hybrid system are compared with those of a traditional direct-expansion air-conditioning plant. Results of the simulations reveal that energy saving may exceed 60% when the latent load in the conditioned environment is high. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
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23. Analysis of the predicted effect of passive climate adaptation measures on energy demand for cooling and heating in a residential building.
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van Hooff, T., Blocken, B., Timmermans, H.J.P., and Hensen, J.L.M.
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DWELLINGS & the environment , *HOME heating & ventilation , *CLIMATE change , *THERMAL comfort , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Both new and existing buildings need to be adapted to climate change, in order to keep providing a comfortable and healthy indoor climate. Preferably, the adaptation measures applied at the building level scale do not require additional energy (i.e. passive measures). Previous studies showed that passive climate change adaptation measures can have a positive effect on thermal comfort in summer and its shoulder seasons in non-air-conditioned residential buildings. In this paper, the effect of these passive climate adaptation measures – applied at building component level – on the cooling and heating energy demand of a terraced house is analyzed using building energy simulations. It is shown that for this particular case the required cooling energy can be limited to a large extent (59–74%) when external solar shading or additional natural ventilation is applied. In addition, it is shown that for a well-insulated terraced house the energy cost for heating is not strongly affected by the application of passive climate change adaptation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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24. An Investigation about using Nanorefrigerants in Air Conditioning Systems According to the Theoretical, CFD and Experimental Review of the Recent Literature.
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Panahizadeh, Farshad and Bozorgan, Navid
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AIR conditioning , *GREENHOUSE gases , *GLOBAL warming , *CLIMATE change , *ELECTRIC power consumption - Abstract
Greenhouse gases (GHG) causing global warming and climate change. In the year 2014, 32.3 billion tones CO2 emitted to the atmosphere as the most important greenhouse gas. According to the statistics, a significant portion of this amount is related to electricity demand of air conditioning systems, for producing a one ton of refrigeration in HVAC air cooled or water cooled systems respectively 1026 and 764 grams GHG emitted in the atmosphere. Therefore, air conditioning systems have an important role in the global warming and climate change. By increasing the COP of air conditioning systems the electricity demand of them reduced. One strategy for increasing the COP of air conditioning systems is using nanorefrigerants. In the present study, a comprehensive information is given regarding to use nanorefrigerants in air conditioning systems according to the theoretical, CFD and experimental review of the recent literature. This paper gives assistance to designers of air conditioning systems in their future efforts for selecting refrigerant for their systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
25. Innovative inlet air cooling technology for gas turbine power plants using integrated solid desiccant and Maisotsenko cooler.
- Author
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Saghafifar, Mohammad and Gadalla, Mohamed
- Subjects
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COOLING , *GAS-turbine power-plants , *THERMAL efficiency , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Gas turbine thermal efficiency has significant dependency on climatic conditions. Evaporative cooling is commonly utilized as an inlet air cooling technique in hot and dry climates though an increase in atmospheric humidity will considerably diminish its performance. Implementing desiccants to dehumidify air will enhance evaporative inlet cooling effectiveness. Furthermore, a recently commercialized cooler named Maisotsenko cooler can be integrated in gas turbine inlet air cooling to replace conventional evaporative coolers. In this paper, four different inlet air cooling systems employing turbine waste heat are proposed for gas turbine power augmentation in hot and humid climates such as UAE. Detailed sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the impact of ambient air conditions and regeneration temperature on the inlet air cooling systems' effectiveness. Recommended inlet air cooling techniques are evaluated against more commonly used inlet air cooling systems under UAE climatic conditions. Finally, economic and transient analysis are accomplished to signify the most economical inlet air cooling system that is most suitable for UAE gas turbine power augmentation. Maisotsenko evaporative desiccant inlet air cooling with life savings of 31.882 MUS$ is the most economically justified inlet cooling technique for a 50 MWe gas turbine power plant in UAE with life span of 25 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Climate change and its role in forecasting energy demand in buildings: A case study of Douala City, Cameroon.
- Author
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Nematchoua, Modeste, Roshan, Gh, Tchinda, René, Nasrabadi, T, and Ricciardi, Paola
- Subjects
- *
CLIMATE change , *ENERGY consumption of buildings , *THERMAL comfort , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
The foremost role of a building is to assure the comfort of its occupants. The thermal comfort of a building depends on the outdoor climate and requires a demand in energy for heating and cooling. In this paper, demand of energy (heating/cooling) in the buildings is discussed in Douala, Cameroon. Daily data of the last 40 years coming from five weather stations of Cameroon have been studied. Some forecasts have been carried out with 14 GCM models, associated to three future climate scenarios B1, A2, and A1B. However, only INCM3 of General Circulation Model (GCM) and A2 scenario was used. Energy demand in buildings is valued by HDD (heating degree day) and CDD (cooling degree day) indices. Obtained results show that the temperature evolves more quickly in dry season than in rainy season in Douala. Climate rise indicates an increasing demand of energy in the buildings for cooling. Global Douala heating shows a definite effect on outdoor comfort. From 2045 to 2075, the demand of energy for cooling will be superior to 50%. The total demand in energy for heating in the buildings is estimated to be 67.882 kcal from 1970 to 2000 and will be around 67.774 kcal from 2013 to 2043. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Towards the real-life implementation of MPC for an office building: Identification issues.
- Author
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Žáčeková, Eva, Váňa, Zdeněk, and Cigler, Jiří
- Subjects
- *
PREDICTIVE control systems , *OFFICE buildings , *VENTILATION , *AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
Modern control methods such as Model Predictive Control (MPC) are getting popular in recent years in many fields of industry. One of the branches that have witnessed great increase of interest in use of the MPC over the last few years is the building climate control area. According to the studies, the energy used in the building sector counts for 20 – 40 % of the overall energy consumption. Almost half of this amount consists of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) costs which implies that energy consumption decrease in this area is one of the most interesting challenges today. Besides enormous potential in reduction of energy consumed by heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems brought by such controller, it suffers from a bottleneck being the necessity of having a reliable mathematical model of the building at disposal. By finding a mathematical model appropriate for the MPC, it is meant to obtain such a model that is able to predict the behavior of the building sufficiently accurately for several hours ahead, which is an especially delicate task. This task is getting even more complicated in case of a real-life application. In this paper, we are looking for a reliable model of a huge three-storey office building in Hasselt, Belgium. For parameter estimation, an advanced identification approach is used – its advantage is that it attacks the problem of minimization of multi-step prediction error and in this way, it corresponds to MPC requirements for a good multi-step predictor. Moreover, we discuss not only the identification approach itself but we also focus on accompanying problems with real-operation data acquisition, processing and special treatment which is an indispensable step for achieving satisfactory identification results. The chosen model is now used in real operation with MPC at Hollandsch Huys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Environmental and Performance Results for Low GWP AC Fluid Candidates.
- Author
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LECK, Thomas J.
- Subjects
- *
GLOBAL warming , *AIR conditioning , *REFRIGERANTS , *COOLING systems , *HEAT pumps , *CLIMATE change , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
The new refrigerant HFO-1234yf is being evaluated for use as a replacement for R-134a in many cooling applications. It has been proposed to use HFO-1234yf for many AC and refrigeration applications, but we show that it is not a direct replacement for higher performance refrigerants like R-410A for heating and cooling. New refrigerant compositions have been developed and are being evaluated for use in air conditioning and heat pump applications in order to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and higher GWP gases that can contribute to global climate change. Some of these new compositions are marginally flammable, and are expected be classified by ASHRAE and ISO as "2L" refrigerants based on low burning velocity and low heats of combustion. This paper presents measured cooling and heating performance results for some of the new candidate refrigerants, and environmental impacts are modeled based on those measured results.. Some of the trade offs impacting environmental impact of the developmental refrigerants, including GWP value and energy efficiency performance will be discussed. It is shown the lower GWP fluids do not necessarily give the best environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
29. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Air-Handling Units with and without Air-to-Air Energy Exchangers.
- Author
-
Nyman, Mikko and Simonson, Carey J.
- Subjects
- *
AIR conditioning , *ENVIRONMENTAL engineering of buildings , *ENERGY consumption , *OZONE , *AIR quality , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
The life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used in this paper to assess the environmental effects of air-handling units (AIIU) over a 20-year life cycle. This assessment is based on quantifying the consumption of resources (energy and materials,), the harmful emissions into the environment (`air; water, and soil), and the potential changes in the environment (climate change, acidification, and ozone production,). A normal AIIU, with a face velocity of 3 m/s (600 fpm), and a small AIIU, with a face velocity of 4 m/s (800 fpm), are investigated with and without two types of air-to-air energy exchangers (plate and rotating wheel). The research demonstrates the following benefits of air-to-air energy exchangers: reduced energy consumption, reduced emissions to the environment, and reduced potential harmful changes in the environment. For both of the AIIUs' studied, these benefits are several times greater than the burdens arising from the production and operation of the AIIU, where the function of the AIIU is to provide 2000 L/s (4200 cfm) of outdoor air to the building space for 2500 h/year, but not to condition this air A larger AIIU with an air-to-air energy exchanger of higher efficiency has the smallest harmful effect on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
30. Review of solar thermal air conditioning technologies.
- Author
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Al-Alili, Ali, Hwang, Yunho, and Radermacher, Reinhard
- Subjects
- *
SOLAR thermal energy , *SOLAR air conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *REFRIGERANTS , *COMPUTER simulation , *VAPOR compression cycle - Abstract
Abstract: Solar cooling is a good example of addressing climate changes. In this paper, we provide overviews for working principles of solar thermally operated cooling technologies and reviews for advancements of such technologies from the most recent publications. Researches of solar absorption cycles investigated new refrigerant–absorbent pairs and various system configurations that could lead to increasing solar fraction and extending the cycle operation. Researches of solar adsorption cycles focused on the development and testing of various adsorbent–refrigerant pairs, improving cycle components, and increasing the system efficiency. For the ejector cycles, many studies focused on using computer models and experimental works to investigate the performance of the ejector and find the key parameters affecting its operation. Although many researches have conducted for solar thermal cooling technologies, their overall efficiencies are lower than that of the vapor compression cycles. Therefore, improving efficiency of solar thermally operated cooling technologies is an essential future research topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Climate-friendly technologies in the mobile air-conditioning sector: a patent citation analysis.
- Author
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Rave, Tilmann and Goetzke, Frank
- Subjects
- *
AIR conditioning , *CITATION analysis , *CLIMATE change , *TECHNOLOGICAL innovations , *DATA analysis , *EXTERNALITIES , *GREENHOUSE gases , *ENERGY consumption - Abstract
The development of climate-friendly technologies and its diffusion across countries is of key importance to slow climate change. This paper considers technologies in the mobile air-conditioning (MAC) sector which is a major contributor of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions. Using patents as an indicator of innovations and patent citations as a proxy for knowledge flows, the inducement of new environmental and non-environmental technologies and knowledge diffusion within and across countries are analysed. The focus is on direct abatement of fluorinated greenhouse gases excluding energy efficiency improvements. We find that most environmental MAC patents originate from the US and Germany. Most knowledge flows take place within countries. Regarding cross-country flows most environmental knowledge diffuses from French and German patents, which is likely to be a result of regulatory activities in Europe and intensified research on environmentally benign MAC systems. Yet, this exchange of knowledge is not very intensive and stable so that the impact of EU regulations on US and Japanese patenting behaviour seems to be fairly weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Solar cooling technologies: State of art and perspectives.
- Author
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Alahmer, Ali and Ajib, Salman
- Subjects
- *
SOLAR technology , *SOLAR thermal energy , *AIR conditioning , *COOLING systems , *ELECTRIC power consumption , *SOLAR energy - Abstract
The energy demand for cooling and air conditioning systems is increasing worldwide, especially in regions with high solar radiation intensity. One of the reasons for this is the increase of comfort demands worldwide. The most cooling and air conditioning systems are the conventional electrically driven one type such as compression refrigeration machines and air conditioning systems. Through the huge electricity consumption for cooling and air conditioning, the environmental problems get bigger and bigger, because of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other pollutant emissions. One of the possibilities to reduce the primary energy consumption is through the use of solar energy for driving the thermal driven absorption or adsorption refrigeration systems, or desiccant cooling. Another possibility is using solar energy to produce electrical energy and this can be used to drive the conventional refrigeration systems. Many research and developmental efforts in the last years have been done to enforce the spreading of solar-driven cooling systems. This paper will illustrate the state of the art about the energy consumption for cooling and air conditioning systems, available solar-driven cooling systems and the potential of the utilization of such systems in comparison to the conventional ones. Moreover, this paper highlights some different methods of optimization, which used to maximize the performance and minimize the cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Green roofs in European climates. Are effective solutions for the energy savings in air-conditioning?
- Author
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Ascione, Fabrizio, Bianco, Nicola, de’ Rossi, Filippo, Turni, Gianluca, and Vanoli, Giuseppe Peter
- Subjects
- *
CLIMATE change , *ENERGY consumption , *AIR conditioning , *ENERGY economics , *PERFORMANCE evaluation , *FEASIBILITY studies , *THERMAL insulation - Abstract
Abstract: Several studies show the potential benefits achievable by recurring to roof vegetation. Really, little literature investigates the economic feasibility of such solution. The paper verifies utility of green roofs, under environmental and energy point of views, by considering all the aspects that influence their performances. With reference to several climates, intensity of rainfalls, needs of irrigation and kind of building use, a large parametric analysis evaluates the technical and economical feasibility of green roofs applied to a modern office building, considering various vegetations and different external coatings. The scarce amount of rainfall – and thus the irrigation cost – can nullify the savings in energy demand for air-conditioning. Moreover, even if green roofs show satisfactory performance if monthly rainfalls do not imply significant additional watering – the economic investigation shows scarce convenience for well-insulated buildings, above all if the higher initial cost of a green roof, compared to traditional roofing coating, is computed. Finally, cool roofs, by means of high-reflective and high-emissive coatings, are suitable solutions in warm climates, strongly improving the summer performances, with low extra costs for installation and maintenance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. The effectiveness of retrofitting existing public buildings in face of future climate change in the hot summer cold winter region of China
- Author
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Chow, D.H. C., Li, Zhilei, and Darkwa, J.
- Subjects
- *
PUBLIC building maintenance & repair , *RETROFITTING , *BUILDINGS & the environment , *AIR conditioning , *ENERGY consumption of public buildings , *CLIMATE change , *ENERGY conservation - Abstract
Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the effects of retrofitting existing public buildings in the “Hot Summer Cold Winter” climate region of China, using simulation and a case study, to see how retrofitted public buildings perform in the face of climate change in the region. This area of China is one of the most challenging regions for providing occupant comfort in buildings, with high demands for heating as well as cooling, together with high humidity levels. The simulation results suggest that energy reduction of up to 40% with improvements to the building enclosure is possible by retrofitting current existing public buildings to the new Chinese National Standard for the Zhejiang Province. Requirements for combating possible increase in energy consumption from heating and cooling demands due to future climate change was also investigated, and it was found that by simply improving U-Values of the building envelope to the new national standards set for the Zhejiang Province, the effects of future climate change can be nullified up to the 2080s. Further improvements to having similar standards as developed countries such as England and Wales will have less significance and cannot nullify the effects of climate change from the newly retrofitted public buildings. However, this can be achieved by involving other energy-saving strategies and installing suitable energy-saving technologies for the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Impact of climate change on ventilation load and energy use of air conditioning systems in buildings of Hong Kong.
- Author
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Qi, Ronghui, Lu, Lin, and Yang, Hongxing
- Subjects
- *
CLIMATE change , *ENERGY consumption , *AIR conditioning , *VENTILATION , *URBAN heat islands - Abstract
Climate change may seriously affect the energy consumption of buildings by influencing their air conditioning loads, especially the ventilation loads which vary directly with the local weather conditions. Research on how the ventilation load responds to climate change is of great significance, especially in coastline subtropical regions like Hong Kong. This paper investigated the impacts of climate change on buildings' ventilation load and building energy use in Hong Kong with the hourly meteorological data from 1950 to 2007. Results have been well validated by the simulation of a typical local hotel building during this period. The results show that climate warming increases both sensible and latent parts of the cooling ventilation load. The latent part, which occupies ∼80% of the total ventilation load, increases at a higher rate, about twice of that of the sensible one. Furthermore, it is found that the urban heat island (UHI) effect causes a much higher growth rate of the ventilation load at night, which is about three times compared with that in the daytime. The latent part of the cooling ventilation load at night, which is found to be the most sensitive component to the climate change, plays a most significant role in the energy consumption increase. The possible measures were thus suggested to avoid negative changes of the ventilation load. Besides, reducing the UHI effect by better urban planning also significantly benefits the local buildings with a long air-conditioning operation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
36. The role of cool thermal energy storage (CTES) in the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and peak load reduction
- Author
-
Ban, Marko, Krajačić, Goran, Grozdek, Marino, Ćurko, Tonko, and Duić, Neven
- Subjects
- *
HEAT storage , *COOLING , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *ENERGY consumption of buildings , *ECONOMIC demand , *CLIMATE change , *AIR conditioning , *THERMAL insulation - Abstract
Abstract: The building sector is one of the largest energy consumers. Even though cooling needs do not contribute a large share to the overall energy demand in temperate climates, recent trends show a tendency of large growth. This growth is related to two main drivers: cheap and affordable air-conditioning units that have overrun the market and the more frequent occurrence of hot and extremely hot weather conditions. In combination with inadequate insulation and sealing in most old buildings, both drivers contributed to new cooling installations that are significantly increasing electricity demand and peak load, even at the national level. Consequently, the use of fossil fuels in power plants and electricity import has increased. The development of sustainable buildings and the use of renewable energy sources (RES) seem to be promising solutions. However, the problem of the integration of RES in the current energy system is related to their intermittent nature and uncontrollable occurrence. Cool Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) may play an important role in the management of peak loads and solve the intermittency problem of RES, especially when cooling storage is integrated into district cooling systems. A simple mathematical model of a system with integrated RES and CTES has been developed. Hourly system analyses have been conducted for one building, a group of buildings connected to the district cooling system and a region represented by a mixture of different demands for cool thermal energy. This paper also includes the results for the overall energy efficiency, cost effectiveness and environmental impact of the systems analysed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Refrigerant emissions and leakage prevention across Europe – Results from the RealSkillsEurope project
- Author
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Koronaki, I.P., Cowan, D., Maidment, G., Beerman, K., Schreurs, M., Kaar, K., Chaer, I., Gontarz, G., Christodoulaki, R.I., and Cazauran, X.
- Subjects
- *
REFRIGERANTS , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *CLIMATE change , *STAKEHOLDERS , *TRAINING , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Abstract: Recognising the impact of refrigerant emissions on the environment and their strong relation to climate change, the scope of the RealSkillsEurope project is to provide the EU member states with valuable tools not only to safely handle, but more importantly, to prevent harmful refrigerant leakages. As such, the project is dedicated to improve the skills of refrigeration and air conditioning engineers and technicians, by offering a comprehensive set of training material, combining both practical experiences and theoretical knowledge of all project partners. The project has also attempted to determine the amount of refrigerant leakages and their management methods indicated by the national and European laws, across the partner countries. RealSkillsEurope partners are supported by a group of stakeholders (corporations, institutions, organizations, etc.), which provide best practice cases on refrigerant management, review the training materials and contribute to the Best Practice ideas and methods. This paper presents an overview of the refrigerant emissions across European countries and analyses some case studies on refrigerant management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Envelope wall/roof thermal performance parameters for non air-conditioned buildings
- Author
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Barrios, G., Huelsz, G., Rojas, J., Ochoa, J.M., and Marincic, I.
- Subjects
- *
ENERGY consumption of buildings , *AIR conditioning , *THERMAL analysis , *COMPUTER simulation , *PERFORMANCE evaluation , *CLIMATE change , *TRANSMITTANCE (Physics) , *PARAMETER estimation - Abstract
Abstract: Many parameters have been used to evaluate the thermal performance of envelope wall/roofs, most of them for air-conditioned buildings. In this paper, the interest is focused on parameters to assess the thermal performance of envelope wall/roofs for non air-conditioned buildings. Five groups of parameters, some previously used and some newly proposed, have been analyzed. To test the evaluation parameters, numerical simulations of the periodic heat transfer through five different roof configurations have been carried out. This research shows the suitability of the energy transferred through the wall/roof during a day, the decrement factor, the discomfort degree hours, and the hot (or cold) thermal performance index to be used for thermal evaluation of wall/roofs in non air-conditioned buildings. The sensitivity of these parameters with climatic conditions and with the outdoor surface solar absorptance is analyzed. Additionally, it has been shown that the steady-state thermal transmittance, the thermal admittance modulus, the periodic thermal transmittance modulus, and the surface decrement factor, calculated with surface temperatures, are not suitable parameters to evaluate wall/roofs in non air-conditioned buildings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Research on the energy performance and indoor environment quality of typical public buildings in the tropical areas of China
- Author
-
Kong, Xiangfei, Lu, Shilei, Gao, Ping, Zhu, Neng, Wu, Wei, and Cao, Xuming
- Subjects
- *
PUBLIC buildings , *CLIMATE change , *ELECTRIC currents , *ENERGY consumption , *AIR conditioning , *PERFORMANCE evaluation - Abstract
Abstract: Hainan province is the only tropical and island province in China, with the unique climatic and geographical features. It has a different energy performance in public buildings from those in the inland areas. This paper investigated the current situation of energy consumption of the sampled public buildings, including 26 hotels, 24 office buildings and 7 department stores, through analyzing utility billing data, on-site survey and measurement, and site operational records. The breakdowns of energy consumption found out that the electricity dominated the energy consumption for all the sampled buildings and the air conditioning system played a key role in the energy consumption of major building services. By analyzing the main factors for building energy consumption, the annual average energy use indexes were calculated to be 141.63kWh/m2, 87.70kWh/m2, and 166.95kWh/m2 for hotels, office buildings and department stores, respectively. Besides, the comparison between Hainan province and other areas revealed that the building energy consumption of this tropical province was at a low level. Because indoor environment quality can influence the health and work efficiency of humans in buildings, field tests on the indoor environment quality were also carried out, and the performance of indoor environment quality was rated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Exergy analysis of evaporative cooling to select the optimum system in diverse climates
- Author
-
Farmahini-Farahani, Moien, Delfani, Shahram, and Esmaeelian, Jafar
- Subjects
- *
EXERGY , *EVAPORATIVE cooling , *HUMIDITY , *AIR conditioning , *THERMODYNAMICS , *POWER resources , *CLIMATE change , *IRREVERSIBLE processes (Thermodynamics) - Abstract
Abstract: In this paper, an exergy analysis is applied to indicate the exergy efficiency and irreversibility of common models of evaporative cooling. Exergy analysis of conditioned air are based on the results of experimental investigations on the direct, indirect, and two-stage indirect/direct evaporative cooling for six cities in Iran, each having various weather conditions. For this purpose, exergy balances of three cooling methods are derived. The results obtained reveal that for a comprehensive efficiency analysis, both the first and second law of thermodynamics should be considered. Furthermore, the direct evaporative coolers work best in temperate and dry climate with estimated exergy efficiency of 20%. The indirect evaporative coolers are more efficient in hot and dry climate with approximate exergy efficiency of 55%. The indirect/direct evaporative coolers are better choice for hot and semi-humid climate with exergy efficiency of about 62%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Climate change mitigation strategies for mechanically controlled repositories: The case of The National Archives, Kew
- Author
-
Hong, Sung H., Strlič, Matija, Ridley, Ian, Ntanos, Konstantinos, Bell, Nancy, and Cassar, May
- Subjects
- *
CLIMATE change mitigation , *CLIMATE change , *INSTITUTIONAL repositories , *ENVIRONMENTAL management , *SIMULATION methods & models , *AIR conditioning - Abstract
Abstract: A computer based building simulation model was developed to examine the energy load and environmental management in The National Archives Q1 repository building in Kew, UK to optimise environmental management and examine the impacts of climate change. The need to accurately simulate the hygrothermal environment inside the archive building which houses mainly paper-based records led to the choice of EnergyPlus as the modelling software. The study presents the simulation results of five environmental strategies which predict energy saving potential as high as 43% without significantly affecting the quality of the preservation environment. The effect of climate change is predicted to have little impact on the archive environment due to the filtering effect of the air conditioning system. On the other hand, an increase in total energy load by 15% and 24% is predicted under the worst case climate change scenario in 2050 and 2080, respectively, if the current environmental management practice is continued into the future. However, the identified energy saving strategies could represent possible mitigative solutions in reducing future energy load against the impact of climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Energy and carbon emission payback analysis for energy-efficient retrofitting in buildings—Overhang shading option
- Author
-
Huang, Yu, Niu, Jian-lei, and Chung, Tse-ming
- Subjects
- *
GREENHOUSE shading , *ENERGY consumption , *AIR conditioning , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *CLIMATE change , *EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *RETROFITTING - Abstract
Abstract: Energy-efficient retrofitting of existing building is a huge contribution to the sustainability of the society since building energy consumption takes more than one fourth of total energy consumption. The application of external shading system could block out unwanted radiant heat gain, thus reduces the cooling load of the air-conditioning system. During the assessment of energy-efficient retrofitting projects, apart from annual saving figures and economic payback time, energy and CO2 emission payback periods should also be taken as indispensable references. In this paper, a methodology is described for analyzing the energy and CO2 emission payback periods of external overhang shading in a university campus in Hong Kong. Result shows that due to requirements of structural strength under typhoon situation, although introducing overhang shading system could reduce almost half of the cooling load in the related area, the energy and CO2 emission payback periods of the project are still unrealistically long. This case study presents an example of multi-disciplinary approach being not only important to the energy-efficient retrofitting but also necessary for policy making in different climatic and geographic regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Residential air-conditioning and climate change: voices of the vulnerable.
- Author
-
Farbotko, Carol and Waitt, Gordon
- Subjects
- *
AIR conditioning , *DOMESTIC architecture design & construction , *CLIMATE change , *HEALTH promotion - Abstract
Issue addressed: Decreasing the risk of heat-stress is an imperative in health promotion, and is widely accepted as necessary for successful adaptation to climate change. Less well understood are the vulnerabilities that air-conditioning use exacerbates, and conversely, the need for the promotion of alternative strategies for coping with heat wave conditions. This paper considers these issues with a focus on the role of air-conditioning in the everyday life of elderly public housing tenants living alone, a sector of the population that has been identified as being at high risk of suffering heat stress. Methods: A vulnerability analysis of domestic air-conditioning use, drawing on literature and policy on air-conditioning practices and ethnographic research with households. Results: Residential air-conditioning exacerbated existing inequities. Case studies of two specifically selected low-income elderly single person households revealed that such households were unlikely to be able to afford this 'solution' to increasing exposure to heat waves in the absence of energy subsidies. Residential air-conditioning use during heat waves caused unintended side-effects, such as system-wide blackouts, which, in turn, led to escalating electricity costs as power companies responded by upgrading infrastructure to cope with periods of excess demand. Air-conditioning also contributed to emissions that cause climate change. Conclusions: Residential air-conditioning is a potentially maladaptive technology for reducing the risk of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
44. Impact of adaptive thermal comfort on climatic suitability of natural ventilation in office buildings
- Author
-
Emmerich, Steven J., Polidoro, Brian, and Axley, James W.
- Subjects
- *
THERMAL comfort , *CLIMATE change , *NATURAL ventilation , *OFFICE buildings , *SUSTAINABLE buildings , *HUMIDITY , *AIR conditioning , *VENTILATION - Abstract
Abstract: In earlier work , NIST developed a climate suitability analysis method to evaluate the potential of a given location for direct ventilative cooling and nighttime ventilative cooling. The direct ventilative cooling may be provided by either a natural ventilation system or a fan-powered economizer system. The climate suitability analysis is based on a general single-zone thermal model of a building configured to make optimal use of direct and/or nighttime ventilative cooling. This paper describes a new tool implementing this climate suitability methodology and its capability to consider an adaptive thermal comfort option and presents results from its application to analyze a variety of U.S. climates. The adaptive thermal comfort option has the potential to substantially increase the effectiveness of natural ventilation cooling for many U.S. cities. However, this impact is very dependent on the acceptable humidity range. If a dewpoint limit is used, the increase is significant for a dry climate such as Phoenix but much smaller for humid climates such as Miami. While ASHRAE Standard 55 does not impose a limit on humidity when using the adaptive thermal comfort option, the necessity of limiting humidity for other reasons needs to be considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Thermal comfort in apartments in India: Adaptive use of environmental controls and hindrances
- Author
-
Indraganti, Madhavi
- Subjects
- *
THERMAL comfort , *ENVIRONMENTAL engineering of buildings , *FIELD research , *HOME heating & ventilation , *AIR conditioning , *APARTMENTS , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
Abstract: Energy used in buildings in India is ever-increasing. About 47% of total energy in Indian residential buildings is used for ventilation controls alone. Comfort temperatures defined in Indian codes are inappropriate (23–26 °C). There are no thermal comfort field studies in residences reported from India. The author conducted a field study in apartments in Hyderabad, in summer and monsoon seasons in 2008. The present paper discusses the occupants’ methods of environmental control, behavioural adaptation and impediments. Due to poor adaptive opportunities, about 60% of occupants were uncomfortable in summer. The comfort range obtained in this study (26.0–32.5 °C), was way above the standard. Fanger’s PMV always overestimated the actual sensation. The occupants adapted through the use of personal environmental controls, clothing, metabolism and many behavioural control actions. Use of fans, air coolers and A/c s increased with temperature, and was impeded by their poor efficacy and noise, occupant’s attitudes and economic affordability. Air-coolers and A/c s were mostly used in top- floors, as the available adaptive opportunities were insufficient. Behavioural adaptation was higher in summer and was limited in higher economic groups always. Subjects frequently exposed to A/c environments, tolerated thermal extremes little, and desired “thermal indulgence”. This study calls for special adaptation methods for top-floor flats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Cooling energy consumption and operating costs: evaporative all-air and air-and-water systems in the Italian climate.
- Author
-
Laura Bellia, Pietro Mazzei, Francesco Minichiello, and Adolfo Palombo
- Subjects
- *
AIR conditioning , *REFRIGERATION & refrigerating machinery , *COOLING , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
The economic analysis for running two kinds of hybrid air conditioning systems: all-air and air-and-water, both with add-on evaporative cooling stages, is studied in this paper. Single-duct, single-zone, constant volume systems are dealt with. Processing the climatic data of the European test reference yearTRY for Italy, a comparison of such systems' performance versus the relative traditional one is performed. Energy consumption and operating costs are evaluated by an appropriate computer code written with the aim of: (i) making plain the input/output of data; and (ii) displaying very friendly software masks as well as useful graphical elaboration. On the basis of outdoor air state, calculations are performed according to two different procedures: (a) hourly, following the TRY profile; and (b) for each bin, 1°C wide, in which the simultaneous dry- and wet-bulb temperatures fall. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Climate change effect on the cooling performance and assessment of passive daytime photonic radiative cooler in India.
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Bijarniya, Jay Prakash and Sarkar, Jahar
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AIR conditioning , *CLIMATE change , *THERMAL comfort , *ATMOSPHERIC temperature , *SOLAR spectra - Abstract
In the long future, dependency on conventional air conditioning systems for thermal comfort certainly needs to be reduced, with alternate strategies like passive photonic radiative cooling. Recent metamaterial development with highly reflective in the solar spectrum pushes the radiative cooling technique toward application assessment. In this paper, the photonic radiative cooler performance is analyzed for year 2019 at various Indian locations considering the diversity of climate and forecasted for year 2030. The effect of three types of climate change is considered: geographical, seasonal and year-wise. Some photonic coolers with different emissive profiles are also compared. As the radiative cooling depends upon air temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar flux intensity, the effects of influencing climatic or weather parameters during summer months are studied extensively and major performance influencing factors are identified. Photonic radiative cooler performance in energy-saving as rooftop envelope assisted to conventional air conditioning system is assessed and observed cooling energy saving of 25–32 kWh th /month for selected locations. Study reveals that the windshield is the necessary condition to get net cooling flux through the rooftop. The reduction of cooling load on active systems of 34% is observed for low humidity locations with the integration of radiative cooler as a roof envelope. Image 1 • Potential of photonic radiative cooler in Indian cities is assessed and forecasted for 2030. • Effects of weather parameters on the cooler performance are studied for summer months. • Wind velocity and humidity are found major performance influencing weather parameters. • Selective cooler is found better for low humidity and broadband one is for high humidity. • In situ maximum cooling load reduction of 36% is observed for low humidity location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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48. Climate change and mortality evolution in China.
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Li, Chengzheng and Gu, Haiying
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CLIMATE change , *MORTALITY , *AIR conditioning , *HOSPITAL beds , *PANEL analysis - Abstract
This paper explores the historical relationship between weather fluctuations and mortality evolution in China. Using panel data on the annual provincial mortality rate and daily weather variables for the 1964–2008 period, we applied a dynamic model structure with sufficient controls to estimate the short-term effects of temperature shocks on China's mortality rate. Our main results show that an additional 1 °C rise in average temperature in a given year increases the annual mortality rate by an average of 3.2%. In addition, days with daily average temperatures exceeding 27 °C (30 °C) are associated with an increase in the annual mortality rate of nearly 0.1% (0.2%) or approximately 9,520 (19,040) additional deaths. In contrast, extremely cold days do not have these effects. By applying a hybrid model structure (the long difference approach) to examine the medium-term effects of temperature changes, we find that there is little evidence of overall adaptation to high temperatures when moving from the short term to the medium term. In addition, by introducing interactions between temperatures and potential modifiers such as access to doctors, hospital beds, air conditioning and refrigerators, we determined that only residential air conditioning played an important role in mitigating the temperature-mortality relationship. However, the penetration of air conditioning in China is still relatively low. These findings indicate that climate change could partially explain the historical phenomenon of China's rising mortality rate during the unprecedented economic boom experienced since the 1980s. • Increases in the number of extreme hot days increase annual mortality rate. • Little evidence of adaptation when moving from short run to medium run. • Residential air conditioning has played an important role in mitigating the temperature-mortality relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
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