Search

• An innovative methodology to model a logistic centre with TRNSYS® is proposed and validated with real data over a whole year. • Building modelling using a 3D model reduces differences from real data to 7% from 26% for a non-D model. • Quantification of the thermal charges (isolation, infiltration, heat released from goods stored, workers, machinery, etc.) in this complex scenario is given. • Infiltrations during loading/unloading processes are one of the more influential charges for refrigeration in this logistic centre. • Loading/unloading procedures are key factors for saving refrigeration energy. In this paper, the authors aim to support users when modelling scenarios with complex processes entailing thermal loads and infiltrations. The large building analysed is a logistics centre for the replenishment and distribution of perishable foodstuffs where cold chains must be maintained. The logistics centre, with 96 loading/unloading docks, handles large turnovers of different goods. This produces heat inside the facility. Due to continuous loading/unloading, the infiltrations in the building, and the fixed and variable thermal loads, this facility consumes a large amount of energy. Aiming to optimise the centre and contribute to sustainable development goal SDG7, this building has been modelled with a classical non-D envelope using TRNBuild® and also with the more sophisticated 3D software, SketchUp®, to compare and validate their results over a year with real consumption, as well as to assess the main sources of energy consumption. To obtain reliable results, the authors provide some methodology models to identify the sources of the building's thermal losses and quantify the different sources of consumption. These models are useful tools to support decision-makers (to improve insulation and arrange loads, among other things) when trying to reduce energy use in large buildings with intense operating processes. The results indicate that by modelling the entire facility with 3D software, the model estimation differs from real consumption by around 7.22%, while using a non-D model increases the difference to 26%. Additionally, the results show that around 47% of the energy consumption in the building is due to air infiltrations during loading/unloading, 18% is due to perishable products, and around 30% is due to building insulation. The methodology and models presented here, including the possibility of modifying the thermal load profiles, have demonstrated their capacity to reduce and optimise the load demand of refrigeration for warehouses if reliable data records are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The influencing factors on energy efficiency of data center are reviewed. • Energy efficiency metrics are classified according to different priorities. • Appropriate metrics should be selected according to data center function for optimization. • Metrics are analyzed by hierarchy according to the degree of sustainable development. • Challenges and gaps are highlighted and suggestions are given for future works. The rapid development of the Internet requires data center infrastructures to be extended to a large scale with a higher power capacity and a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions. It is of great significance for this application to reduce energy consumption, capital cost and carbon emissions while ensuring a safe and reliable data center operation. Evaluation metrics have been considered an effective method to assess the energy efficiency of data centers and have been widely used in various data centers for many years. This work reviews the latest progress of data center evaluation metrics development in recent 20 years. Energy efficiency metrics are summarized based on energy conservation, eco-design and data center security, with the advantages and disadvantages and their correlations discussed. The applicability of each metric is analyzed. The influencing factors of energy efficiency of data centers discussed include site selection, IT equipment, power supply and distribution systems, cooling systems, building structure, and temperature control. The results show that the current evaluation metrics are valuable for the assessment of energy saving of data centers. However, more comprehensive and multi-scale evaluation metrics combining energy consumption, eco-design and data center security are needed to accelerate the progress towards carbon neutrality. In this paper, the hierarchy analysis of metrics is carried out according to sustainability, and metrics in line with sustainable development should be used preferentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal aim of our study is to investigate the contribution and/or the influence of Foreign Trade (FT), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Financial Development (FD) on the Energy Consumption (EC)-Environmental Pollution (EP)-Economic Growth (EG) link for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the period 1971–2019. To realize the study aim, we develop an augmented growth model to examine the long-run relationship between the mentioned variables by applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) procedure and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to capture direction causality. The empirical results suggest that the variables concerned are cointegrated. Further, the coefficients estimated are mixed across countries. In the long-run, EC, FT (except Kuwait), and FDI (except Oman and KSA) are related to a rise in EG for all countries. Besides, the findings support that EC generates EG in the short-run for all GCC countries, implying economic expansion. Moreover, the major conclusion of this research paper has an impressive value for the policymakers to advance comprehensive trade, investment, financial, and energy policies that enable to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current economic situation in Ukraine, the operation of heat supply systems occurs at a reduced temperature of circuit water. The increased temperature graph of 95/70 °C due to the high cost of fuel is impractical. The experience of such countries as Denmark, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Holland with developed centralized heat supply indicates the need for the first-class equipment of an individual heating point (IHP) of a building with an automatic control system, and then the transition to technology with a reduced temperature graph is carried out. Therefore, the modernization of heat supply systems in Ukraine aimed at the use of a reduced temperature graph will require a transition to closed independent heating systems, to qualitative and quantitative regulation and to automation of consumer IHP systems. A lot of district heating systems in Poland also require modernization to meet the requirements of the European Directive EED 2018/2002. This paper presents the results of numerical study of the influence of design and operating parameters of the heat supply network on the choice of the optimal temperature and flow- rate of circuit water of a distric heating system (DHS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]