Search

Energy simulations are extensively employed by researchers and designers to assess strategies aimed at enhancing the thermal performance or energy efficiency of buildings. However, the methodologies for conducting these simulations and analyzing their outcomes vary according to regional standards and among research groups. This work aims to investigate the methods for evaluating the thermal performance of buildings through energy simulations, through a systematic literature review. Initially, the authors surveyed articles published between 2011 and 2022 on Scopus and Web of Science. From an initial pool of 1463 articles that met the research criteria, a refined list of 158 papers were read completely. The authors examined prevalent trends in the methods and identified future research directions. Most publications originated from authors in Northern Hemisphere, with only Brazil showing expressive numbers in the Southern Hemisphere. The results revealed the three most employed methods: Thermal Load (94 %), Degree-Hour (or Degree-Day) (9 %), and Design Days (5 %). EnergyPlus stands out as the widely preferred software (65 % of studies), and 62 % of them incorporate some form of validation or calibration. Articles often lack complete simulations parameters and/or clarity in their presentation. In response to the identified gaps, this study introduces a checklist of best practices for presenting the simulation steps. As such, this work serves as a valuable theoretical framework for future assessments of building thermal performance through computer simulation. • We reviewed 185 papers on methods to evaluate therm. Perform. Via energy simulations. • Thermal Load (94 %), Degree-Hour (9 %) and Design Days (5 %) are the most used methods. • EnergyPlus and ASHRAE are the most used software and standard, respectively. • Literature gaps include comparative studies and conversion strategies among methods. • Standardized protocols for model calibration and validation are still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether there is a unit root in renewable energy consumption in three large developing economies: Brazil, China, and India over the period 1971–2014. To do so, it uses four unit root tests assuming one structural break, two structural breaks, and more than two structural breaks. It observes that renewable energy consumption is a unit root process in Brazil, but it is found as stationary in China and India. The paper also tackles issues and challenges in the unit root test methodology in energy economics literature and provides implications for renewable energy consumption in three economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2007 was settled the first minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners in Brazil. After more than 14 years since the first regulations and looking upon future perspectives, this paper presents a review of regulatory developments in the country and an assessment based on scenario simulation to verify potential impacts of new minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners. The methodology employed is a bottom-up approach designed to estimate the energy consumption of air conditioners. A spreadsheet-based computational tool was developed to perform sensitivity analysis of key parameters such as ownership rate, average temperature and cooling degree days. The results show a significant energy savings potential that could be captured through a minimum energy performance standards revision. For the scenarios simulated these savings potential would reach up to 417 TWh, with respective greenhouse gases emissions reduction that would be 249 million tons, over the period from 2023 to 2040. An economic analysis of minimum energy performance standards impact is also provided and indicate that even in conditions that involve higher costs and discount rates, new more restrictive minimum energy performance standards allow capturing significant benefits for the society as a whole and for consumers individually. Reviewing the minimum energy performance standards is a critical and urgent issue for Brazil and the methodology presented in this paper can be useful in the process of decision-making related to new regulatory developments. • More restrictive MEPS for air conditioners is urgently needed in Brazil. • The synergy between the CGIEE, Procel and PBE/INMETRO should be improved. • The methodology presented in the paper can support the process of MEPS revisions. • Energy, economic and environmental benefits of more stringent MEPS can be very significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Air conditioning systems in commercial buildings in Brazil are responsible for about 70% share of their energy consumption. According to BEN 2009 (The Brazilian Energy Balance), energy consumption in the residential, commercial and public sectors, where most buildings are found, represents 9.3% of the final energy consumption in Brazil. This paper aims to examine design factors that could contribute to greater reductions of electric energy consumption in commercial buildings, with emphasis on air conditioning. Simulations were carried out using shades and different types of glass, walls, flooring and roofing. The VisualDOE 2.61 was used as a simulation tool for calculating energy consumption of the analyzed building. This paper shows that the energy performance of the building is considerably influenced by the façade protection and shows, through tables, the impact that decisions related to the top-level and façades have on the energy consumption of the building. The authors concluded that the results confirm the importance of taking energy use into account in the very first design stages of the project, since appropriate choices of types of glass, external shading and envelope materials have a significant impact on energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a study based on the Systems Thinking and Scenario Planning (STSP) method, focusing the biodiesel production chain of Rio Grande do Sul State. The aim of the study was to identify key elements to comprehend the systemic structure of interaction among the ties of this chain. The study was held by a team of specialists over five months, including 15 meetings. Discussions were based on quantitative and qualitative data and a systemic map was constructed and refined. Based on this modeling, four different prospective scenarios were comparatively analyzed in order to propose strategic actions to promote the sustainability and competitiveness of the chain. The results were then presented to two different groups of external specialists in order to validate the conclusions drawn and the proposals. Both groups agreed with the ideas presented. The paper is constructed as follows: a brief introduction focusing on contextual elements of the biodiesel production in Brazil and in Rio Grande do Sul; some background material regarding agroindustrial production chains and an overview of the biodiesel production chain of interest; a description of the method used to perform the research; main results and discussion; and conclusions. With this paper the authors also hope to contribute to the discussion regarding competitiveness and sustainability of biofuel chains in Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper assesses 13 different inputs for biodiesel production and shows that the highest cost currently associated with the processing of residual resources, as well as their small production scale, are compensated by their smaller procurement costs, by their immediate availability in the urban centers and by their larger potential for greenhouse gas emission reduction. Biodiesel production from residues can meet all technical international specifications, even the esterification process. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the methodology used in this study, allows for the building of an efficiency index up through linear programming with multiple inputs and outputs, enabling the integration of sustainable development dimensions. The experts' conclusions were arrived at through restrictions on virtual weighting, with findings that allow the grading of alternatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since the 1970s, demands arising from the impacts of the power sector on the natural environment were added to studies regarding the strategic power sector and its impact on the economic and financial crises. Thus, the development of alternative technologies reflected the new institutional guidelines and overcame the technological paradigms that were based on increasing installed capacities. Consequently, multiple debates that consider the energy use potential of each region and its contributions to sustainable development occurred. This paper presents the information that is necessary for understanding the relationships of the development model that was founded based on waste and the expanding technologies that exploit natural resources. Actions that are aimed at developing renewable energy resources are structured based on the instability of the technological maintenance paradigm and are guaranteed by expanding technologies that were used prior to 1970. In addition, we evaluated the current institutional arrangements that are used to promote wind energy. In this case, greater attention was given to the European experience because Europe provides multiple examples of successful legal frameworks that promote wind energy. In addition, Europe is a benchmark for emerging market countries, such as Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bagasse from sugarcane is traditionally used in the Brazilian sugar and ethanol industry to meet the energy needs of its own production processes and, more recently, to generate surplus electricity for sale on the national grid. Currently, the industry faces a difficult choice between either enhancing electricity generation or increasing ethanol production through the biochemical processing of bagasse. The aim of this paper is to examine the most promising technical configurations for bioenergy production using sugarcane bagasse and to discuss which configuration would be the most attractive investment option for the industry. At present, electricity generation through Rankine cycle power plants is the only commercially available alternative. Nevertheless, the analysis cannot be restricted only to the short term. For this purpose, cost analysis for 2030 were developed, and even in scenarios where there is an effective cost reduction of untradeable routes, the alternative of burning bagasse to generate electricity provides the most benefits from an investor perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]