Search

A reasonable allocation of production schedules and savings in overall electricity costs are crucial for large manufacturing conglomerates. In this study, we develop an optimization model of off-site industrial production scheduling to address the problems of high electricity costs due to the irrational allocation of production schedules on the demand side of China's power supply, and the difficulty in promoting industrial and commercial distributed photovoltaic (PV) projects in China. The model makes full use of the conditions of different PV resources and variations in electricity prices in different places to optimize the scheduling of industrial production in various locations. The model is embedded with two sub-models, i.e., an electricity price prediction model and a distributed photovoltaic power cost model to complete the model parameters, in which the electricity price prediction model utilizes a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. Then, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimization model. Finally, the production data of two off-site pharmaceutical factories belonging to the same large group of enterprises are substituted into the model for example analysis, and it is concluded that the optimization model can significantly reduce the electricity consumption costs of the enterprises by about 7.9%. This verifies the effectiveness of the optimization model established in this paper in reducing the cost of electricity consumption on the demand side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the weakness of the Schottky junction solar cell, AuNPs were used to enhance solar cell efficiency by reflecting the light, and a QDs layer was deployed as a luminescent downshifter. Because the white backsheet reflects incident light to solar cells, additional absorbed light can increase the power and efficiency; however, considering the effective area of solar cells in PV modules, the gap spaces should be carefully optimized. Without an anti-reflection layer, an inverted GaAs solar cell proved that using metal wafer bonding and the epitaxial lift-off process is appropriate for III-V solar cells, which are hetero-epitaxially grown on Si substrates. [Extracted from the article]

Countless years have been spent researching the strategies necessary for improving the energy consumption of buildings globally. There have been numerous attempts at achieving both passive solutions and enhancing and optimising the existing active systems. This paper seeks to review, analyse and summarise the possibilities of using thermoelectricity in two different contexts to the integration with buildings, integrated thermoelectric systems, and non-integrated thermoelectric systems. The utilisation of thermoelectricity in cohorts with existing renewable technologies and the utilisation of thermoelectric systems that operate individually, both have the potential to provide the occupants of a building with conditions pertinent to thermal and visual comfort. The results in this paper are classified according to the integration types of thermoelectric systems within different parts of the fabric of a building while maintaining an active role in enhancing the building envelope and self-contained thermoelectric systems that sustain a passive role for the same. The introduction to this paper also gives a very broad and surface-level insight into categorisation of different kinds of thermoelectric systems that are being studied and researched across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the escalating urgency for sustainable energy alternatives, solar power in urban landscapes has gained prominence. Building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are pivotal in this shift, blending efficient energy generation with architectural aesthetics. This review casts a spotlight on BIPV technologies, with a special emphasis on the less‐explored semitransparent photovoltaics (PVs). These systems are not only energy generators but also natural light facilitators, setting them apart from their opaque PV counterparts. Advancements in both transparent and opaque PV, such as crystalline silicon, are discussed. However, the paper prioritizes semitransparent PV's unique benefits, including harmonious integration with building design and simultaneous energy and daylight management. An exhaustive examination of current literature and developments sketches BIPV's trajectory, highlighting applications, challenges, and technological strides. The narrative extols the aesthetic, financial, and efficiency merits of BIPV, particularly the semitransparent variants' blend of functionality and design. Performance optimization of BIPV systems is scrutinized across various environments and architectural styles. This meticulous discussion seeks to clarify the status quo, emerging research avenues, and future prospects of BIPV in fostering a greener energy transition. The review compares BIPV configurations with traditional solar PV systems, charting a path for enhanced energy production, cost efficiency, and aesthetic integration, with semitransparent PV as a key player. By exploring the interplay between architectural design, energy efficiency, and urban planning, this paper aims to solidify the groundwork for future research, reinforcing the sustainability narrative in urban energy infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings worldwide have evolved based on local resources and skills, evolving form and orientation to ensure a productive and comfortable indoor environment. Traditional habitations rely on passive climate-responsive mechanisms and physiological resilience. At the same time, contemporary buildings rely increasingly on active mechanisms for fine-tuned convenience and comfort. Those buildings are becoming less habitable due to climate change. This paper presents an overview of research into climate-responsive building adaptation, identifying various factors determining a building's ability to regulate external climatic conditions in providing a habitable indoor environment. The review covers the ability of occupants to manage their thermal environment and adaptation mechanisms, including various adaptation strategies attributed to climate change. Besides a review of relevant research tools and methodologies, the paper also identifies future research challenges. Those challenges include but are not limited to evaluating climate classification provided by building standards given climate change, the need for region-specific climate-change vulnerability assessment of the built environment to develop specific adaptation strategies, a survey of vernacular structures to understand their inherent adaptation capacities, developing a framework to study building adaptation, etc. Thus, this review opens the possibility of further research in building adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy has an effective role in economic growth and development of societies. This paper is studying the impact of climate factors on performance of solar power plant using machine learning techniques for underlying relationship among factors that impact solar energy production and for forecasting monthly energy production. In this context this work provides two machine learning methods: ANN for forecasting energy production and decision tree useful in understanding the relationships in energy production data. Both structures have horizontal irradiation, sunlight duration, average monthly air temperature, average maximal air temperature, average minimal air temperature and average monthly wind speed as inputs parameters and the energy production as output. Results have shown that used machine learning models perform effectively, ANN predicted the energy production of the PV power plant with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.97. The results can help stakeholders in determining energy policy planning in order to overcome uncertainties associated with renewable energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has an impact on the ecosystem, and subsequently, it affects the built environment. Building envelope has a vital role in controlling the integration between indoor and outdoor environmental quality. The responsivity of the façade has proven its efficiency in optimizing the global energy performance of buildings. Adaptive façades are multifunctional reconciling envelope dynamic systems that improve sustainability with the purpose of utilizing environmental parameters. This paper tackles the research gap in integrating façades circularity, adaptive envelopes, and design for disassembly. The research investigates the merge between biodegradability, circularity of adaptive façades components, and interior space micro-climate control for energy efficiency. This paper presents a proof of concept for a circular adaptive façade during two phases in its life cycle: operation and reuse phases. A scientific quantitative method took place which is based on a hybrid method; computational simulation, smart control, and an up-scale model. Adaptability is investigated through the façade life cycle from design to disassembly instead of demolition and consequent waste production, by exploiting sustainable materials. As a result, an empirical prototype is constructed. The prototype provides 3 levels of adaptability across the design, operation, and disassembly for reuse. Subsequently, this work proposes an up-scale physical model that can help in mitigating the climate change effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solution to increase the electrical output of the photovoltaic systems relies on solar tracking mechanisms that increase the amount of received solar energy. The experimental results obtained during a monitoring period of one year are comparatively presented in the paper for five types of photovoltaic modules installed on a fixed platform (as reference) and on a dual-axis solar tracking platform in the Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling R&D Centre of the Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania. The influence of the solar-tracking mechanism and the meteorological conditions specific to the four seasons during the monitoring period on the output of the analysed photovoltaic technologies are discussed in the paper. The solar tracking increases by 28% the amount of the yearly received solar energy and by 29.6% the electrical energy output of the entire PV platform. The solar conversion efficiency of the tracked PV platform is slightly increased (14.34%) when compared with the fixed one (14.17%). When assessing the influence of solar tracking on each type of PV, the results show that the CIGS PV module has the highest relative energy gain (34%) followed by CIS (30.8%), m-Si (30.6%), p-Si (27.3%) and CdTe (23.4%) PV modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of energy demand in buildings is one of the key challenges in contemporary construction. To this end, the application of structural and material partitioning solutions that provide a high level of thermal insulation and the employment of technical installations with high energy performance have become widespread. However, there are a number of other factors that can reduce energy demand. These include the optimal use of heat gains from solar radiation. An aspect that is often discussed in the literature is the overheating of buildings due to excessive heat gains from solar radiation. This article is a case study showing the impact of the orientation of a single-family passive house on its heating energy demand. The building under consideration is located in Central Europe. External climate parameters measured directly at the site during experimental examinations were used for the calculations. This paper adopts six calculation options, considering the different orientations of the glazed façade. As the simulations showed, the effect of solar radiation on the energy demand between two extreme options of glazing orientation, that is south and north-facing orientation, reached 4.7% of the annual energy demand for heating, while for the option corresponding to the actual location of the building and the option involving south-facing windows, the difference was 0.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early stages of building design, decisions are made about the building's form and envelope, but designers rarely base their decisions on sophisticated energy simulations, even though these features are critical to a building's energy performance. This paper employs three methods—empirical, parametric, and uncertainty—to assess the interconnectedness of building form, envelope, orientation, and occupancy regarding thermal comfort and energy consumption for heating and cooling a residential building across three regions: Gdyel (mediterranean climate), Oum El Bouaghi, and Constantine (semi-arid climate). The study variables include indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and energy consumption. The initial findings stem from an experiment conducted in an apartment on the top floor of a building in Gdyel, which allowed us to record the evolution of the variables mentioned throughout the year and validate the parametric results of the multi-zone model created in TRNSYS16 software. This study showed that for the considered climates, a compact form is more suitable; it was found that the top floor with SF = 0.57 needs about 30% to 54% more energy than the inter-floor with SF = 0.21. In addition, the heating and cooling methods and habits adopted by Algerian households are responsible for 18% to 35% on the top floor and the inter-floor, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable penetration of rooftop PV generation and increasing demand for heating loads will enlarge the peak-to-valley difference, imposing a great challenge to the reliable operation of distribution systems under cold climates. The objective of this paper is to establish a distributionally robust demand response (DR) model for building energy systems for suppressing peak-to-valley load ratios by exploiting cooperative complementarity and flexible transformation characteris-tics of various household appliances. The thermodynamic effect of buildings is modeled for harvesting intermittent renewable energy sources (RESs) on the building roof in the form of thermal energy storages to reduce RES curtailments and eliminate thermal comfort violations in cold weather. Furthermore, the Wasserstein metric is adopted to develop the ambiguity set of the uncertainty probability distributions (PDs) of RESs, and thus, only historical data of RES output is needed rather than prior knowledge about the actual PDs. Finally, a computationally tractable mixed-integer linear programming reformulation is derived for the original distributionally robust optimization (DRO) model. The proposed DRO-based DR strategy was performed on multiple buildings over a 24 h scheduling horizon, and comparative studies have validated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for building energy systems in reducing the peak/valley ratio and decreasing operation costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socialist modernist architecture in the Balkan has left a valuable legacy of remarkable buildings from this century, which brought a mixture of new experiences and local traditions. Unfortunately, after the 1990s, many of these buildings have been neglected, improperly treated, or abandoned. This paper focuses on the iconic socialist modernist office building "Rilindja" in Prishtina, Kosovo, which was built in 1979. In 2010, the building envelope was changed in the name of revitalization, without considering the energy aspect. The study aims to present energy performance analysis through cost-optimal renovation measures of the building envelope while restoring the architectural values before the last renovation. Using Archicad and EcoDesigner STAR, a BIM model was created, and energy analysis was conducted. The findings indicate that eighteen proposed energy efficiency measures can achieve a reduction in energy consumption for heating and cooling of more than 80% over the life cycle period of 20 years. The comparison before and after renovation considering restoring and preserving the inherent values, while integrating energy efficiency measures was necessary, as there is a lack of such studies in the general literature. Finally, the potential of restoring the collective memory through cost-optimal analysis is emphasized as an approach for similar cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar has confirmed its dominance among all power generation technologies, and along with the demand for zero-emission buildings, Photovoltaics (PV) is contributing to transforming the building skin. More than 200 products for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are commercialized nowadays in the EU market. However, only 1–3% of all PV installations are BIPV due to the weak penetration in the construction sector. At the state of the art, the sector lacks a specific analysis from a construction technology perspective, describing the dynamics and the traits that BIPV innovation articulates on construction and architectural processes. The authors, elaborating a new model from the building technology sector to explore the relationship between PV technology and architectural innovation, aim to identify the main principles, forms, and approaches that describe the structural organization of the "integrability" concept of PV in buildings. This study applies the method to a database of 233 real buildings located in Switzerland, a unique country leading with a 10% BIPV rate on PV installations documented between the years 1997 and 2023. The novel findings of the research suggest the definition of the levels of innovation and the reference traits of the innovative process of BIPV in the Swiss construction sector, which can also be used in other practical applications and contexts. The results of the paper are expected to impact both the scientific academy and the key players from the construction sector, encouraging the adoption of an integrated research and design approach to revolutionize the energy role of building skins with PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) windows have received more and more attention in recent years since their active energysaving advantages. Considering the surface covered with solar cell modules, the indoor daylight environment of PV windows is obviously different with clear glass windows. However, despite many scholars have studied the indoor daylight environment of PV windows, there few investigations study it from the perspective of human subjective visual perception. In this paper, the indoor daylight environment and human visual comfort of building with Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic (CdTe-PV) window were investigated. Firstly, the parameters of indoor daylight environment and subjective questionnaires in rooms with CdTe-PV window and clear glass window were analyzed respectively. On the basis of this, combined with indoor working surface illuminance and results of subjective questionnaires, the daylight illuminance threshold of human visual comfort was investigated by the method of Mean Bias Degree (MBD). Finally, an evaluation model for indoor daylight environment of buildings with CdTe-PV window was developed by Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method. The results showed that the working surface illuminance of CdTe-PV window was lower than that of clear glass room, the CCT of different windows room had a minor gap and the CdTe-PV window room was closer to the recommended range that was 3300-5000K. As for CRI, both the CdTe-PV window room and the clear glass room could meet the visual comfort requirements of office staff. Furthermore, it was found that the requirement of human visual comfort was met when indoor working surface illuminance varies between 500-2200lx in the room with CdTe-PV window. At last, according to the comprehensive evaluation model proposed in this paper, it was found that the indoor daylight environment of buildings with CdTe-PV window was excellent in the present experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interlocking Inter-Module Connections (IMCs) in Modular Steel Buildings (MSBs) have garnered significant interest from researchers. Despite this, the optimisation of plate thicknesses in such structures has yet to be extensively explored in the existing literature. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimising the thickness of interlocking IMCs in MSBs by leveraging established experimental and numerical simulation methodologies. The study developed various numerical models for IMCs with plate thicknesses of 4 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm, all subjected to compression loading conditions. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive parametric analysis, which evaluates the slip prediction model. A random forest regression model, trained using the 'TreeBagger' function, was also implemented to predict slip values based on applied force. Sensitivity analysis and comparisons with alternative methods underscored the reliability and applicability of the findings. The results indicate that a plate thickness of 11.03 mm is optimal for interlocking IMCs in MSBs, achieving up to 8.08% in material cost reductions while increasing deformation resistance by up to 50.75%. The 'TreeBagger' random forest regression significantly enhanced slip prediction accuracy by up to 7% at higher force levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes a low-energy building in Changchun, China, as an object to test and study the characteristics of two heating modes, AC/DC (Alternative current/Direct current) switching and AC/DC synthesis, from the perspectives of temperature change, irradiation intensity, power generation, electricity consumption, etc. Firstly, the experimental research was conducted under two heating cable modes by establishing mathematical models and a test rig, and it was found that the photoelectric conversion efficiency on sunny, cloudy, and overcast days was 18%, 14.5%, and 12%, respectively. A simulation model was established by TRNSYS to run an ultra-low-energy building throughout the year. It was found that the highest and lowest monthly power generation occurred in February and July, respectively. The annual power generation of the system was 6614 kWh, and the heating season power generation was 3293.42 kWh. In the current research, the DC electricity consumption was slightly higher than the AC electricity consumption. Under conditions of similar radiation intensity and power generation, the indoor temperature of the AC/DC synthesis cable heating mode were 1.38% higher than the AC/DC switching heating able mode, and the electricity consumption were 10.9% and 4.76% higher, respectively, than those of the AC switching heating cable mode. This is of great significance for clean-energy heating, energy savings, and emissions reduction in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper details the comprehensive activities conducted in a laboratory setting to assess the structural health monitoring (SHM) of prefabricated building envelopes. Integrating sensors into building components like curtain wall facades poses challenges but offers opportunities for monitoring structural health, requiring compliance with regulatory standards. The research investigates the possibility of defining a kit of conventional and multi-parameter sensors integrated within the building envelope to monitor its behavior during the performance test conducted. The kit of sensors also includes Fiber Optic Sensors for effectively monitoring building envelope behavior and structural integrity. In this context, the European project InComEss (H2020-GA862597) aims to define a stand-alone solution for SHM using Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHS) for façade monitoring through FBG/FOS system. After analyzing the main façade structural stress, a series of FBGs, accelerometers, and force washers were integrated within a 1:1 scale façade prototype and tested in a laboratory following the test sequence parameters required by the curtain wall standard EN 13830. The data collected were analyzed with the aim of monitoring the façade behavior before and after the tests. The results show that the façade's performance passed the assessing test criteria without reporting any damages. In addition, the outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of the defined kit of multi-parameter sensors for the building envelope's SHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the control of temperature rise in photovoltaic panels by using wickless heat pipe cooling technique. These heat pipes take the help of gravity for circulation of their working fluid without using a wick structure. For current thermal management study, two solar panels of same dimensions and two identical gravity assisted wickless heat pipes are designed and fabricated. One of the panels is cooled by using these two heat pipes. Other panel, without heat pipes is used for performance comparison purpose and has been designated as the reference module. In order to have the same operating conditions, these panels have been installed together. Experimental parameters such as voltage, current from both panels, module temperatures along with solar irradiance and ambient temperature are recorded with the help of a data logger. For this study, minute wise data of various parameters have been recorded for the test period of 9 AM to 5 PM, since solar radiation intensity is high during this time period. Actual data tabulation for the analysis has been done at 15 minute intervals. The comparative analysis for each panel has been carried out for various dates and has been presented in this paper. A significant drop in temperature of around10%, corresponding to a temperature reduction of5.96°C, has been estimated in the operating temperature of photovoltaic module equipped with wickless heat pipes. Further, due to the thermal management, in this study, the optimum enhancement in photoelectric conversion efficiency is found to be 7.69%, with 15.4% of panel with cooling and 14.3% of panel without cooling. Similarly optimum improvement of 4.03% in power output has been recorded with 27.09 W from panel with cooling and 26.04 W from the panel with no cooling. The outcomes of this experimental study are highly encouraging in the field of photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are strong and sustained growth trends observed in multi-disciplinary industrial technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaics and agrivoltaics, where renewable energy production is featured in building envelopes of varying degrees of transparency. Novel glass products can provide a combination of thermal energy savings and solar energy harvesting, enabled by either patterned-semiconductor thin-film energy converters on glass substrates, or by using luminescent concentrator-type approaches to achieve high transparency. Significant progress has been demonstrated recently in building integrated solar windows featuring visible light transmission of up to 70%, with electric power outputs of up to Pmax ~ 30–33 Wp/m2. Several slightly different designs were tested during 2021–2023 in a greenhouse installation at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia; their long-term energy harvesting performance differences were found to be on the scale of ~10% in wall-mounted locations. Solar greenhouse generated electricity at rates of up to 19 kWh/day, offsetting nearly 40% of energy costs. The objective of this paper is to report on the field performance of these PV windows in the context of agrivoltaics and to provide some detail of the performance differences measured in several solar window designs related to their glazing structure materials. Methods for the identification and quantification of long-term field performance differences and energy generation trends in solar windows of marginally different design types are reported. The paper also aims to outline the practical application potential of these transparent construction materials in built environments, focusing on the measured renewable energy figures and seasonal trends observed during the long-term study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar power systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, have become a necessary feature of zero-energy buildings because efficient building design and construction materials alone are not sufficient to meet the building's energy consumption needs. However, solar power generation is subject to fluctuations based on weather conditions, and these fluctuations are higher than other renewable energy sources. This phenomenon has emphasized the importance of predicting solar power generation through weather forecasting. In this paper, an Automatic Machine Learning (AML)-based method is proposed to create multiple prediction models based on solar power generation and weather data. Then, the best model to predict daily solar power generation is selected from these models. The solar power generation data used in this study was obtained from an actual solar system installed in a zero-energy building, while the weather data was obtained from open data provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration. In addition, To verify the validity of the proposed method, an ideal data model with high accuracy but difficult to apply to the actual system and a comparison model with a relatively low accuracy but suitable for application to the actual system were created. The performance was compared with the model created by the proposed method. Based on the validation process, the proposed approach shows 5–10% higher prediction accuracies compared to the comparison model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the issue of a solar utilization system with low efficiency, this paper designs a new solar conversion system based on photovoltaic concentration and spectral splitting. The system concentrates sunlight through a Fresnel lens and uses a hollow concave cavity to evenly distribute the incident energy flow. The spectral splitting medium separates the useful irradiance for the PV cell from those wavelengths that are more suited to heat generation. By considering the available wavelength of photovoltaic cells, the GaAs cell and a ZnO nanofluid were selected for this paper. It was found that installing the hollow concave cavity improved the spot uniformity of the PV cell surface by 17%. The output efficiency of the system under various circumstances was analyzed. The results show that at a concentration ratio of 50 and a light intensity of 1000 W/m2, photoelectric conversion efficiency increased by 0.81%. When compared to direct concentration, the photoelectric conversion efficiency increased by at least 7%. Meanwhile, the comprehensive electrical efficiency was 36.7%, which is higher than that of the normal concentration PV and comprehensive thermal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in buildings is a challenge that can be addressed through the deployment of multienergy microgrids (MGs). In this context, the Interreg SUDOE project IMPROVEMENT was launched at the end of the year 2019 with the aim of developing efficient solutions allowing public buildings with critical loads to be turned into net-zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). The work presented in this paper deals with the development of a predictive energy management system (PEMS) for the management of thermal resources and users' thermal comfort in public buildings. Optimization-based/optimization-free model predictive control (MPC) algorithms are presented and validated in simulations using data collected in a public building equipped with a multienergy MG. Models of the thermal MG components were developed. The strategy currently used in the building relies on proportional–integral–derivative (PID) and rule-based (RB) controllers. The interconnection between the thermal part and the electrical part of the building-integrated MG is managed by taking advantage of the solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation surplus. The optimization-based MPC EMS has the best performance but is rather computationally expensive. The optimization-free MPC EMS is slightly less efficient but has a significantly reduced computational cost, making it the best solution for in situ implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical analysis of photovoltaics and building integrated photovoltaics is a key step for their optimal design and certification, and requires careful consideration, alongside solar power, durability and functionality issues. The solar cells are encapsulated in thin interlayers that are usually composed of a viscoelastic Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate compound, and protected by thin glass and/or plastic layers. This paper investigates the out-of-plane bending response of a full-scale commercial PV module and focuses attention on the shear bonding efficiency of the thin encapsulant for quasi-static and dynamic mechanical considerations. The parametric analytical analysis, carried out in this study for a laminated glass plate, highlights the possible consequences of the viscoelastic shear coupling on the cross-section load-bearing demand in the covers. As a direct effect of severe operational conditions (i.e., ageing, non-uniform/cyclic thermal gradients, humidity, extreme mechanical/thermal loads, etc.) the shear rigidity and adhesion of these films can suffer from repeated/progressive modification and even degradation, and thus induce major stress and deflection effects in the out-of-plane mechanical response of the PV module components. The minimum shear bond efficiency required to prevent mechanical issues is calculated for various configurations of technical interest. Accordingly, it is shown how the quasi-static and dynamic mechanical performance of the system modifies as a function of a more rigid or weak shear coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic power generation can directly convert solar energy into electricity, but most of the solar energy absorbed by the photovoltaic panel is converted into heat, which significantly increases the operating temperature leading to a reduction in the power generation efficiency of the panels. To reduce the working temperature of photovoltaic panels and improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency, this paper installs aluminum fins and air channels at the traditional photovoltaic cell back sheets and cools them with forced-circulation cooling through fans. The relationships between fin spacing, fin height, air channel inlet wind speed and panel temperature, power generation, and electrical efficiency were investigated. The results show that the temperature of the photovoltaic panel decreases and then increases with the decrease of the fin spacing during natural convection and gradually decreases with the increase of the fin height. The use of forced-circulation cooling technology can effectively reduce the PV panel temperature and increase the net power generation. When the solar radiation intensity is 1000 W/m2, the ambient temperature is 35°C, the fin spacing is 6 mm, the height is 80 mm, the inlet wind speed is 1 m/s, the net generating power reaches the maximum value, and the net generating power and the electrical efficiency are increased by 14.6% and 2.25%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twin (DT) is a prolific buzzword in this era, where digitization plays a significant role. The perception of solar energy harvesting has been gaining popularity with the advent of solar panels. Solar asset maintenance is a need of the hour for investors because of the smart city scheme and green building certificate evaluation for all industries, educational institutions, etc. Among the list of factors that reduce PV system efficiency, the issue of partial shading is a vital distress that must be resolved. This paper focuses on the development of a digital twin framework that is proactively driven by shading patterns and a proposed optimization-based reconfiguration embedded controller that electronically relocates the panel in the physical world. The real-time system has been created for a three-by-three series parallel panel arrangement. The proposed switching matrix controller achieves the maximum power, i.e., 40% of increased power output, row current difference is made almost zero from 3 to 4 A, and fill factor increases by 20% by reconfiguring the solar array. It is done based on a decision taken by a nature-inspired (equal irradiation distribution algorithm) or puzzle-based (skyscraper) optimization algorithm. Switching matrix controllers overcome the disadvantages of physical relocation. The users can query the digital twin build to know the historical performance and current operating conditions of the system. It can trigger alarms as early warnings and make predictions about possible system anomalies, if and when they occur using a digital twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are prone to experiencing various overlays and faults that can affect their performance and efficiency. The detection of photovoltaic panel overlays and faults is crucial for enhancing the performance and durability of photovoltaic power generation systems. It can minimize energy losses, increase system reliability and lifetime, and lower maintenance costs. Furthermore, it can contribute to the sustainable development of photovoltaic power generation systems, which can reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of sustainable energy and environmental protection. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the existing detection techniques for PV panel overlays and faults from two main aspects. The first aspect is the detection of PV panel overlays, which are mainly caused by dust, snow, or shading. We classify the existing PV panel overlay detection methods into two categories, including image processing and deep learning methods, and analyze their advantages, disadvantages, and influencing factors. We also discuss some other methods for overlay detection that do not process images to detect PV panel overlays. The second aspect is the detection of PV panel faults, which are mainly caused by cracks, hot spots, or partial shading. We categorize existing PV panel fault detection methods into three categories, including electrical parameter detection methods, detection methods based on image processing, and detection methods based on data mining and artificial intelligence, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated modules are being used to renovate the building envelope. However, compared to manual methods, the design and prefabricated module's definition is time consuming. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of the prefabricated layout definition processes by incorporating automation and computational design. The purpose of this paper is to present a semi-automated definition of the layout of the prefabricated modules with the only input of the existing building facade being the Point Cloud. In this research, a novel step-by-step workflow was developed. More precisely, an algorithm was developed that processes the coordinates of each point of the cloud and generates the layout of the prefabricated modules. To validate the workflow and the algorithm, four facades were tested, considering two parameters: (a) working time and (b) output accuracy. According to the results, it was concluded that spending more time achieving an accurate laser data acquisition can be a good strategy to obtain the primary layout with sufficient precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic panels play a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector, serving as a crucial component for generating environmentally friendly electricity from sunlight. However, a persistent challenge lies in the adverse effects of rising temperatures resulting from prolonged exposure to solar radiation. Consequently, this elevated temperature hinders the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and reduces power production, primarily due to changes in semiconductor properties within the solar cells. Given the depletion of limited fossil fuel resources and the urgent need to reduce carbon gas emissions, scientists and researchers are actively exploring innovative strategies to enhance photovoltaic panel efficiency through advanced cooling methods. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of various cooling technologies employed to enhance the performance of PV panels, encompassing water-based, air-based, and phase-change materials, alongside novel cooling approaches. This study collects and assesses data from recent studies on cooling the PV panel, considering both environmental and economic factors, illustrating the importance of cooling methods on photovoltaic panel efficiency. Among the investigated cooling methods, the thermoelectric cooling method emerges as a promising solution, demonstrating noteworthy improvements in energy efficiency and a positive environmental footprint while maintaining economic viability. As future work, studies should be made at the level of different periods of time throughout the years and for longer periods. This research contributes to the ongoing effort to identify effective cooling strategies, ultimately advancing electricity generation from photovoltaic panels and promoting the adoption of sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in the building sector has driven the need for innovative approaches that integrate renewable energy sources and advanced control systems. This paper presents an integrated energy management solution for solar-powered smart buildings, combining a multifaceted physical system with advanced IoT- and cloud-based control systems. The physical system includes a heat pump, photovoltaics, solar thermal panels, and an innovative low-enthalpy radiant wall and ceiling, providing self-sufficient heating and cooling. The control system makes use of advanced IoT and communication engineering technologies, using Modbus, HTTP, and MQTT protocols for seamless interconnectivity, monitoring, and remote management. The successful implementation of this solution in an average-sized model house in Paris and a deep energy retrofit of a semidetached single-family house in Oviedo, northern Spain, demonstrates increased energy efficiency, improved thermal comfort, and reduced environmental impact compared with conventional alternatives. This study illustrates the potential of integrating solar energy, IoT, and communication technologies into smart buildings, contributing to the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of the building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) modules in PV-TE systems has shown potential for expanding the utilization of the solar spectrum, enhancing the total power output, and reducing the space that is required for PV power plants. This paper discusses the characteristics of a practical PV-TE system model. Typically, to boost the power output of the TE component, a significant temperature difference is induced across the thermoelectric generator (TEG) module using various heat removal methods. These cooling techniques not only enhance the TEG module's efficiency but may also improve the performance of the PV component. In this study, we evaluate the efficiencies of PV-TE systems that are equipped with polycrystalline silicon solar cells and seven distinct TEGs under four different conditions. Initially, the PV-TE hybrid systems are tested without a cooling mechanism at an ambient temperature of 25 °C (Standard Test Conditions EN/IEC 61215). Subsequently, we examine the systems with a passive cooling approach, employing aluminum heat sinks to facilitate improved heat dissipation. Further tests involve an active cooling system using water and then nanofluid as coolants. The results from these assessments aim to establish a benchmark for enhancing the efficiency of future PV-TE systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In connection with renewable energy sources, the courtyards of the buildings provide space for the installation of agrivoltaics for sustainable development. This paper proposes the use of courtyards of low-rise buildings for agrivoltaics. This will increase the area for installing photovoltaic systems, which have so far only been installed on roofs or facades or on open fields. The advanced design of the photovoltaic systems will enable the dual use of the area both for the cultivation of crops and for the production of electricity at the same time. The increased amount of electricity produced in photovoltaic systems also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. On the courtyard as well as on the open fields, it is possible to grow agricultural crops between rows of photovoltaic panels. The partial shading of seedlings during summer sunny days reduces their heat stress and slows down soil drying. Solar eclipses are rare, but their impact on electricity generation is significant. We evaluated the measured data and we assessed the electricity production and the influence of a solar eclipse on the electricity production in photovoltaic power plants in the Czech Republic. The daily loss in production depends on the size of the eclipse. A comparison of the annual electricity production in two selected PV power plants with the expected values according to PVGIS testifies to the quality of the construction and the PV panels used in both power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical hierarchy model of the impact of solar reflectance, thermal emittance, heat transfer coefficient, and heat storage coefficient on building energy consumption was established through the implementation of orthogonal design experiments. The EnergyPlus software (v9.0.1) was utilized to simulate building energy consumption across diverse climatic regions in China, providing essential benchmarks for the orthogonal design. The results of the range analysis consistently indicate that, barring regions characterized by extremely cold climates, solar reflectance emerges as the predominant factor exerting an influence on building energy consumption. As geographical latitude increases, the impact of the heat transfer coefficient becomes progressively larger, while the weight of thermal reflectance concurrently diminishes. Drawing upon the principles rooted in the gradient refractive rate theory and the concept of atmospheric window radiation, a range of high-reflectance and high-emittance cool roof coatings in various colors were meticulously developed. A spectrophotometer was employed to precisely quantify their reflectance properties, and simulations were subsequently conducted to scrutinize their energy-saving characteristics. The results demonstrate that the cool roof coatings that were developed using the methodology described in this paper exhibit substantial enhancements in reflectance, with increases of 0.24, 0.25, 0.37, and 0.35 for the yellow, red, blue, and green cool roofing materials, respectively, in comparison to conventional colored coatings. Under typical summer conditions, these enhancements translate to significant reductions in roof temperatures, ranging from 9.4 °C to 14.0 °C. Moreover, the simulations exploring the cooling loads for the roofs of differing colors consistently revealed remarkable energy savings. These savings were quantified to be 4.1%, 3.9%, 5.5%, and 5.4%, respectively, when compared to conventional coatings of the corresponding colors. These findings offer valuable insights into strategies for optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings through the application of high-reflectance cool roofing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with monofacial photovoltaic, bifacial photovoltaic modules can absorb the irradiance on both sides, thereby obtaining more electricity revenue, which can meet more demands. In order to further improve the electrical efficiency of bifacial photovoltaic, this paper proposes a bifacial photovoltaic module with adjustable inclination for simulation and experimental research, which can be well combined with architecture. Under the conditions of different inclination, orientations and heights, the output performance of the bifacial photovoltaic module is analyzed. Under the best inclination, the annual electrical energy of bifacial photovoltaic is about 9.4% higher than that of monofacial photovoltaic. When the spacing between the bifacial photovoltaic and the wall is 1-1.5 times the size of the photovoltaic, the electrical energy will increase the most. Considering the influence of wall color on bifacial photovoltaic performance, the photovoltaic electrical energy under the white wall can reach up to 35% higher than that with respect to the concrete color (dark grey). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delamination is one of the most critical failure modes of a PV module during service lifetime. Delamination within a backsheet primarily imposes a safety risk, but may also accelerate various other PV module degradation modes. The main aim of this paper is to present a peel test set-up, which is more practical in sample preparation and execution than the width-tapered cantilever beam test and overcomes some issues of standard peel tests like the influence of sample geometry and energy dissipation through deformation on the peel test results. The best results with respect to accuracy and effort were achieved by using a 180° peel geometry where an additional adhesive tape is applied to the peel arm in order to avoid plastic deformation or breakage. The additional support of the adhesive tape leads to comparable peel strength values without any influence of the plastic deformation behavior of the peel arms with different thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lighting control integrated with daylighting is recognized as an important and useful strategy in energy efficient building design. One of the right factors to reduce energy consumption for artificial lighting during the day is the maximum utilization of sunlight. The aim of this research, distribution of daylight into the building analysis with five models of building facades and value of illuminance in the morning, afternoon and evening with orientation of the window openings to the northeast and southwest. Bank Mega is one of the tall buildings in Makassar Indonesia, which is located in a coastal area that is not blocked by other tall buildings, so this building is the object of research as a basis for designing façade models on building envelopes. The methodology this study is quantitative, analyzing the performance of sunlight as a source of daylighting in office buildings. This paper presents field measurements in office buildings, namely in rooms that are oriented northeast and southwest. The analysis in the two spaces is a reference to determine the effect of sunlight on the orientation of the building. In this study also conducted visual perception experiments by submitting questionnaires to 43 respondents. the results show that there are some complaints for employees, because of the high illuminance value in certain areas. Furthermore, simulate using the Radiance Illuminance Program software to determine the illuminance value of room in the morning, noon and afternoon with five building facade model designs, i.e., massive glass, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and vertical-diagonal model. The results presented in this paper show that the distribution of daylight in an east-oriented room is higher in the morning than in the evening and noon. Whereas in the southwest orientation it is inversely proportional, the value of light distribution is higher in the afternoon than in the morning and noon. Accordingly, orientation of the building affects distribution of daylight. The massive glass facade model without using sun shading has the highest light distribution value compared to other façade models, but can cause glare and excessive brightness. Furthermore, the second highest distribution of daylight with the vertical facade model, but there are also areas that exceed the standard illuminance level for workspaces, but only in areas near window openings. The combined model of the vertical diagonal facade which also has a high distribution of illuminance value and to redirect daylight deep into building interior simultaneously in the morning, afternoon and evening. Accordingly, façade model on envelope of building affects distribution of daylight. The aesthetic value of architectural design shows that the appearance of the building does not look monotonous or massive, when using the building facade models because there are attractive areas in the building envelope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments and reduce the influence of outdoor ambient temperature fluctuation on the indoor environment, adding micro-PCM to the building envelope is one of the effective means. Micro-PCM can "intelligently" control temperature by absorbing or releasing heat during phase change to maintain temperature stability. In this paper, the phase change temperature-adjustable mortar was prepared by using micro-PCM with a phase change temperature of 25 °C, and was painted on the surface of cement wallboard (300 × 100 mm) to form a phase change thermostatic mortar layer with a cross-section size of 300 × 20 mm. The solar radiation on the outer surface of the building envelope was simulated by an incandescent lamp. The influence of micro-PCM on the temperature control performance of cement wallboard was tested. The thermal performance of the PCM wallboard was simulated by COMSOL software. Results show that compared with ordinary cement wallboard, when the micro-PCM content is 40%, the maximum temperature of the inner wall can be reduced by 5.17 °C, and the time to reach the maximum temperature is delayed by 145 minutes. The temperature fluctuation amplitude of the inner wall is reduced by 1.90 °C, and the maximum instantaneous heat transfer is reduced by 22.202 W/m². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the mitigation of voltage disturbances deteriorating power quality and disrupting the operation of LV distribution grids due to the high penetration of PV energy sources in prosumer installations. A novel control strategy for 3-phase 4-wire PV inverters is proposed, which ensures the transmission of PV active power and simultaneous compensation of load unbalance and reactive power, making the prosumer installation balanced and purely active. It results in the balance of phase voltages and the mitigation of their variability. Unlike other methods used for voltage regulation in LV grids, the proposed solution contributes to the reduction in losses, is simple, and does not require additional costs. In the paper, a control algorithm for the PV inverter is described. Its effectiveness was tested by simulation using a model of the real LV distribution grid developed in the PSCAD/EMTDC program. The results of the simulations are presented and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the reduction of energy consumption and efficient energy use, particularly in the building stock, is the priority for contemporary societies, the ways of how to improve the existing buildings should be examined. Flat roofs, as a part of the existing building thermal envelope, are recognized as a field of intervention for improving efficient energy use for space cooling and heating. The topic of the paper is to determine to what extent different improved roof structures affect energy consumption intended to achieve thermal comfort. Comparative analysis of four roof structures was conducted for the building of Healthcare center Niš in Serbia, one improved non-walkable flat roof structure and three green roof systems. Urbancsape extensive green roof system was used in all tested green roof models: non-walkable extensive green roof, walkable extensive green roof, and extensive and intensive green roof systems within walkable terraces. DesignBuilder software was used for energy modelling. The obtained results indicate a slight decrease in energy consumption for building models with green roofs compared to the building model with the improved non-walkable roof structure, along the cooling period, by approximately 1.5%, which is correlated with previous studies in similar conditions. On the other hand, the reduction of energy consumption over the heating period was negligible (less than 1%). Considering the results and predominant usage of commercial Urbanscape extensive green roof system in all green roof models, being characterized by small thickness (10.64 cm) and light structure, and which is predicted to be installed over the already well-insulated roof, the system's role as an additional thermal mass was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest causes of worldwide environmental pollution is conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation. The need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to produce power is growing as a result of the quick depletion of fossil fuel supplies and their negative effects on the environment. Solar PV cells employ solar energy, an endless and unrestricted renewable energy source, to generate electricity directly. The optimum output, energy conversion efficiency, productivity, and lifetime of the solar PV cell are all significantly impacted by environmental factors as well as cell operation and maintenance, which have an impact on the cost-effectiveness of power generation. This article presents an analysis of recent research on the impact of operational and environmental factors on the performance of solar PV cells. It has been discovered that temperature and humidity, combined with dust allocation and soiling effect, have a significant impact on the performance of PV modules. In addition, particularly in the lonely places, the wind itself carries a lot of dust and sand particles. The situation gets worse when dust builds up in humid circumstances and produces tenacious, sticky mud on the PV cell, which lowers power output by up to 60–70%. This paper covers cutting-edge methods for reducing these elements' effects, along with their proportional benefits and difficulties. This paper also explains about the parameters which involved in the solar power production and their influence on the efficiency analysis. The efficiency and energy conversion capacity of the semi conducting materials for power production is also discussed. It is also discussed about the general benefits of the solar PV power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy used in buildings is mainly attributed to provide the desired thermal comfort, which could result in an increase in carbon emission and, in turn, lead to further environmental degradation. A Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Double-Skin Façade (BIPV-DSF) is a promising way to maintain indoor thermal comfort, obtained with low environmental impact and energy consumption. The appropriate design of BIPV-DSFs can maximise indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency for buildings. This paper presents optimal BIPV-DSF design solutions, which are dedicated to offering comfortable and energy-efficient buildings, through optimisation of the most important design parameters of a BIPV-DSF under three different climate conditions in Australia. The results illustrate how thermal transmittance (U-value) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of windows of the BIPV-DSF, as the most important design parameters, were optimised for application in the context of different climates, operation modes, and orientations. The paper contributes to the matters concerning the integrated effect of BIPV-DSFs on thermal comfort and energy performance in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been considerable research interest in the potential for DC distribution systems in buildings instead of the traditional AC distribution systems. Due to the need for performing power conversions between DC and AC electricity, DC distribution may provide electrical efficiency advantages in some systems. To support comparative evaluations of AC-only, DC-only, and hybrid AC/DC distribution systems in buildings, a new modeling toolkit called the Building Electrical Efficiency Analysis Model (BEEAM) was developed and is described in this paper. To account for harmonics in currents or voltages arising from nonlinear devices, the toolkit implements harmonic power flow, along with nonlinear device behavioral descriptions derived from empirical measurements. This paper describes the framework, network equations, device representations, and an implementation of the toolkit in an open source software package, including a component library and graphical interface for creating circuits. Simulations of electrical behavior and device and system efficiencies using the toolkit are compared with experimental measurements of a small office environment in a variety of operating and load configurations. A detailed analysis of uncertainty estimation is also provided. Key findings were that a comparison of predicted versus measured efficiencies and power losses in the validation testbed using the initial toolkit implementation predicted device- and system-level efficiencies with reasonably good accuracy under both balanced and unbalanced AC scenarios. An uncertainty analysis also revealed that the maximum estimated error for system efficiency across all scenarios was 3%, and measured and modeled system efficiency agreed within the experimental uncertainty in approximately half of the scenarios. Based on the correspondence between simulation and measurement, the toolkit is proposed by the authors as a potentially useful tool for comparing efficiency in AC, DC, and hybrid AC/DC distribution systems in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of efficient technologies, renovation of buildings and construction of new passive buildings, replacement of coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants with "clean" technologies such as photovoltaics and wind, transition to 4-D in industry, and electrification are parts of the objectives set out in the Green Deal of the EU. The Green Deal foresees a transformation to a "green" economy while maintaining economic growth, as well as creating new "green" jobs. To meet these goals, each country needs to develop its own strategic documents that will guide the transition, taking into account its own specific conditions, the current state of the energy sector as well as geographical location. This paper aims to present a vision for the energy transition of a developing country, a member of the Energy Community, and a country that expects to join the EU. The vision of the development of the energy system of North Macedonia foresees a transformation from a system based on fossil fuels, where the share of RES in the gross final energy consumption is about 18%, to a 43% share of RES in 2040, while maintaining import dependence at the current level and guaranteeing the security of energy supply. For exploring the way and the pace at which such a vision can be achieved it is necessary to develop different models and simulations, including different technologies on the generation and consumption side. Such alternatives, packaged in different scenarios, allow policymakers to assess the effects of taking certain actions and the direction in which such decisions will lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaics have the advantages of being clean and renewable and have gained a wide range of applications. It is promising to use photovoltaic energy for the power supply of buildings, as the building sector accounts for a large portion of global energy consumption with a constantly increasing trend. However, photovoltaics are greatly affected by time and environment, and it is usually combined with batteries to form a photovoltaic – battery energy storage system to meet the load demand. This paper aims to analyze and compare energy management strategies of an on-grid solar photovoltaic – battery system for a real building project in a typical May and October region, but unlike other studies, the strategies used in this paper are very simple and easy to implement. It can also realize photovoltaic, battery and grid to meet the load power demand. Two strategies are used in this paper. Strategy 1 is to maximize the utilization of the energy generated by photovoltaics: while the energy generated by photovoltaics cannot meet the load demand, the battery will provide energy, and while the battery cannot meet the load demand, the grid will provide energy. The photovoltaic energy is given priority to the battery under the premise of meeting the load demand. Strategy 2 is to use the time-of-use electricity price, and the battery obtains cheap electricity at night to meet the load of the high electricity price the next day. The feasibility of the strategy used is demonstrated by actual data of buildings and photovoltaic – battery energy storage systems. This study can provide theoretical references for the energy management and system operation to facility managers and building occupants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze and discuss the risks facing construction projects by reviewing some of the processes and procedures that address risks through the use of the digital twin technology. The paper studies generic risks and their treatment, and it develops a proposal for risk management systematization using the Digital Twin for Construction Projects approach, previously developed by the authors. It addresses how to classify risks so that the digital system is fed with the proper information and data, which is based on processing and analysis, to reach understandable decisions and overcome anomalies. The research reached a set of results, the most prominent of which is that the digital twin can be used to enhance risk management in construction projects through adapted techniques such as the ones proposed in the paper; namely, a risk treatment procedure and a custom risk matrix. In addition, risk management treated according to a digital approach helps to improve the prediction capabilities, and this helps human decision-makers to avoid potential unplanned costs and failures, and to maximize efficiency. The study also recommends new investigations in the field of safeguarding shared information and data to protect from intentional and accidental mismanagement in order to reach a comprehensive digital system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing awareness of climate issues in recent decades has led to new policies on buildings' energy consumption and energy performance. The European Union (EU) directive 2010/31/EC, i.e., the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD), is one of the measures initiated to achieve climate and energy goals by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. The EPBD required all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) by 2021. Nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) are buildings with a very-high-energy performance and nearly zero or low-energy requirements covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. The utilisation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is a common approach for achieving the nZEB standard. The carbon footprint of PV panels is often not discussed as a parameter. This paper aimed to analyse the environmental performance of an existing nearly zero-energy university building in a Norwegian use case scenario. This analysis is performed by assessing annual electricity and heat consumption from both energetic and environmental perspectives. The energy required for the building during the studied period is then used to analyse the environmental and energy performance of the building. When it comes to the environmental assessment, the commercial software SimaPro was used. The proposed revision EPBD and nZEB definition from 2021 suggests that nZEBs should also consider operational greenhouse gas emissions and life-cycle global warming potential from 2027. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the building's energy sources looks at the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and how they compare to Norwegian grid electricity. The results of the analysis highlights potential challenges to justifying the use of alternative energy sources to fulfil the criteria of nZEBs. When installing solar PV, it is important to consider the energy mix of the country where the solar PVs are produced. To solely consider the energy performance of the building, the installation of solar PV panels in countries with a high share of renewable energy may result in a reduced impact in terms of emission reduction from a life cycle perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, modular buildings have become an important form of environmentally friendly architecture. Prefabricated construction methods have gained a lot of attention because they produce less construction waste and require less labor and water. However, the seismic performance of modular buildings needs to be improved. This paper proposes a prefabricated steel module with a suspended floor, which is based on a multi-tuned mass damped floor system. This paper also derives the form of a motion equation which is unified with the construction process of modular buildings, which can describe the change law of the mass, stiffness, and damping matrix of the structure in the processes of connecting the main structure with the suspended floor slab and of joining different floors. Since the performances of tuned mass damping devices are closely related to the dynamic characteristics of the structure, this paper uses ABAQUS for numerical analysis and mathematical induction (MI) to propose and verify a simplified method for calculating the lateral stiffness of the entire story from a single module's lateral stiffness. Based on the principle of reducing the stiffness difference in the structure along different directions, a standard scheme of the horizontal extension of the module building is also specified. The results show that the simplified calculation method is reasonable and that the lateral stiffness of the structure increases linearly with the number of modules. Finally, the recommended values for the tuned frequency ratio and tuned damping ratio are given by investigating the dynamic response of the structure under Gaussian white noise excitation. The results show that the recommended tuning frequency ratio and damping ratio ranges in modular buildings are close to those for FIS buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants tend to be set in desert areas, which enjoy high irradiation and large spaces. However, due to frequent sandstorms, large amounts of contaminants and dirt are suspended in the air and deposited on photovoltaic modules, which greatly decreases the power efficiency and service life. To clean PV to improve efficiency, many methods were proposed. It was found that the application of the self-cleaning coating on PV modules can effectively reduce dust deposition and improve the efficiency of PV. This paper reviews the dust deposition mechanism on photovoltaic modules, classifies the very recent dust removal methods with a critical review, especially focusing on the mechanisms of super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic coatings, to serve as a reference for researchers and PV designers, and presents the current state of knowledge of the aspects mentioned above to promote sustainable improvement in PV efficiency. It was found that the behaviors of dust on photovoltaic modules are mainly deposition, rebound, and resuspension. Particles with a diameter of 1–100 μm are most easily deposited on photovoltaic modules. The use of self-cleaning coatings, especially super-hydrophobic coatings, is beneficial to the rebound and resuspension of particles. The research gaps and development prospects of self-cleaning coatings are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For each photovoltaic power plant, it is extremely important to perform an analysis of its efficiency, as well as an analysis of all parameters that may affect efficiency. The electric energy of the photovoltaic system, which is delivered to the electric power system on a daily basis, is determined through the average daily insolation, the surface of the panel and the average efficiency value. One of the parameters that affect the conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic power plant is a decrease in the conversion efficiency due to an increase in panel temperature. In this paper an example is a real photovoltaic power plant with a nominal power of 50 kW, which is installed on the rooftop of the building of the Institute "Mihajlo Pupin", located in Zvezdara forest, Belgrade, Serbia. The correlation analysis of the estimated temperature of the photovoltaic panel was performed using two models and the measured temperature of the photovoltaic panel. The temperature of the photovoltaic panel was estimated using models, one of which does not take into account, and the other takes into account the influence of wind speed on the temperature of the panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in the temperature severely affects photovoltaic cell efficiency and hence its power output. Moreover, it also causes the development of thermal stresses that may reduce their life span. Thus, there is a need for an accurate estimation of the cell's working temperature. In this paper, a detailed thermal model based on various heat transfer modes involved and their governing equations has been presented to estimate the cell temperature of a PV module using MATLAB software under different climatic and solar insolation conditions. In order to validate the presented model, an experimental setup has been built and operated under actual outdoor conditions of Jodhpur, a city in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. For the peak summer month of June, the predicted glass cover outer surface temperature has been found to be within 0.2–4.5°C of experimentally measured values and the back sheet temperature is found to be within 0.5–5.5°C. The predicted and measured power outputs have been found to be within 0.85–1.2 W while the efficiency values are within 0.17–0.38%. For the early summer month of April, the variations are 0.13–4.1°C, 0.2–4.1°C, 0.44–1.65 W, and 0.1–0.5% for glass cover temperature, back sheet temperature, power output, and efficiency, respectively. Thus, the predictions of the developed thermal model have exhibited a good agreement with the experimental results. The maximum glass cover temperatures recorded were 60°C and 65.5°C when the ambient temperatures were 35°C and 42°C near the noon for the early summer and peak summer day experiments, respectively. The presented model can be used to generate a year-round cell temperature data for the known environmental data of a location, which can help in the selection or development of appropriate cooling technology at the planning stage of the installation of a solar PV plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The Louisiana State University (LSU) Windstorm Impact, Science, and Engineering (WISE) Open-Jet Testing facility is instrumental in enhancing structural resilience under windstorms. The facility represents a Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure to address grand challenges and the need for experimental capabilities in the mid-scale range. Its unique capabilities enable the comprehensive testing and evaluation of critical infrastructure components, encompassing low- and high-rise buildings, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, wind turbines, bridges, vegetation (nature-based solutions), power transmission lines, and more. Through controlled wind conditions, researchers can gain invaluable insights into the behaviour and performance of these critical infrastructures. The facility is pivotal in advancing the design and engineering of robust, climate-resilient systems capable of withstanding the challenges posed by dynamic environmental conditions. The potential impact of this wind testing facility extends far beyond the boundaries of conventional engineering, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment on a global scale. Experimental wind engineering is crucial for global structural design. This paper addresses limitations in aerodynamic testing, particularly in wall-bounded and small-scale scenarios. Open-jet testing, introduced as an advanced tool, overcomes turbulence modelling constraints, providing a more accurate representation of real-world conditions. The LSU WISE open-jet facility produces complete turbulence at a large scale, eliminating the need for corrections accompanied by partial turbulence simulation. This discovery holds significant implications in wind engineering and unsteady aerodynamics. Integrating photovoltaic panels with gable-roofed buildings may not require additional structural reinforcement, with a reduction in wind uplift forces by 45–63%. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer design flexibility and aesthetic appeal despite potential higher upfront costs. Strategic interventions, such as design optimization and cost-effective installation methods, can enhance the economic viability of BIPV systems. Contrary to long-held beliefs, the findings challenge the notion that wind loads on structures with sharp corners are insensitive to Reynolds number. Open-jet testing produces higher peak pressures, providing real-world justification for actual damage in high-rise buildings. These results validate the author's hypothesis regarding the underestimation of peak loads (in small-scale testing) leading to cladding failure in high-rise buildings. They emphasize the superiority of large-scale open-jet testing, underscoring its critical role in designing resilient structures. The LSU WISE open-jet facility's unique capabilities hold immense promise for revolutionizing wind engineering, addressing grand challenges, and creating more resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Its applications span critical infrastructure, promising significant economic, societal, and educational impacts in STEM fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]