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This study evaluates the thermal and energy performance of building envelopes incorporating phase change materials (PCM) compared with traditional resistive thermal insulation, considering future climate scenarios. Using EnergyPlus simulations, the study analyzes a medium office building with varying envelope compositions in two distinct Brazilian climates—Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro—representing bioclimatic zones 1 and 8, respectively. The PCM used, SP24E, aligns with the HVAC system setpoints, and climate projections for 2050 and 2080 are integrated using the Climate Change World Weather File Generator (CCWorldWeatherGen) based on the A2 emissions scenario. Results indicate that in mild climates like Curitiba, PCM significantly improves energy efficiency, reducing annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 8.2% in 2050 and 10% in 2080 compared with resistive insulation. Conversely, in hotter climates like Rio de Janeiro, PCM increases EUI by 12.1% in 2050 and 20.7% in 2080 compared with resistive insulation. This study highlights the varying effectiveness of PCM in different climatic conditions and its implications for future building energy performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses multi-variant energy simulations carried out in IDA ICE 4.8 software for a newly designed single-family building within the framework of the 4E Idea. This idea assumes the use of energy-saving, ecological, ergonomic, and economic solutions in construction and building operation. Energy simulations were conducted to evaluate the annual energy-saving potential of the developed architectural house concept, which incorporates ergonomic analyses and cost-effective construction solutions. Analyses were conducted to optimise the non-renewable primary energy index by selecting mechanical ventilation system (CAV or VAV) with heat recovery; the configuration of photovoltaic module installation in terms of their location and orientation; the exposure and type of solar thermal collectors (flat and vacuum); and the use of two types of heat pumps (air- and ground-source). The most favourable energy performance of the building was achieved with an HVAC system equipped with a VAV mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, an on-grid photovoltaic installation, vacuum solar thermal collectors, and a ground-source heat pump with a horizontal heat exchanger. This configuration resulted in a primary energy index value of 2 kWh/m2/year. The results of the analyses carried out for the 4E building concept may serve as a reference point for future energy-efficient building designs aspiring to meet higher standards of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to comprehensively compare the developments and challenges in the energy performance of unconventional pneumatic suspension (PS) and hydropneumatic suspension (HPS), which have special applications in passenger cars, trucks, military vehicles and agricultural equipment. The main differences between PS and HPS, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are presented. The PS system is discussed along with its principle of operation, advances in development, principle of operation of air springs, their models, characteristics, vibration isolation, and simulation models. The HPS system is discussed, along with its operational principles, progress in development, models, and characteristics. This review also discusses new trends in HPS development, such as the effect of a pressure fluctuation damper (PFD) placed in a hydraulic cylinder on the damping performance index (DPI) of an HPS under off-road driving conditions. It highlights innovative solutions that can be expected in the future in PS and HPS systems, with the expectations of drivers and passengers. The review focused on trends and challenges in PS and HPS development, such as integration with electronics, smart solutions, customized solutions, emphasis on compliance with ecological and environmental requirements, and applications in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double-skin façade (DSF), referred to hereinafter as a passive façade, represents an alternative technology aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings with glass envelopes. A passive façade consists of a traditional façade supplemented on the interior by a secondary layer, which is separated by a ventilated cavity with a variable width. Numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the control of passive façades with the aim of improving building energy performance. This study focuses on comparing experimental data for the passive façade with numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent 17, proposing optimization options based on the analysis of temperature and velocity fields within the façade. The results reveal the dynamics of natural free convection within the passive façade, the presence of recirculation zones in the experimental model, and the manifestation of the "chimney effect" observed in the temperature analysis of the façade's interior in both experimental and numerical models. ANSYS Fluent 17 is a numerical simulation software used extensively in engineering and research to provide precise and comprehensive solutions for complex fluid dynamics problems. Although there is a body of existing research, the need for further investigation into façade design, control, and optimization continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energy refurbishment of two historic buildings in Mediterranean countries. • Heating and cooling load reduction of 23.2 % after replacing the building openings. • Passive and active actions reduce energy consumption by 35 % and 54 % for each building. • Annual energy savings correspond to 259.9 t and 111.4 t of GHG emissions for each building. The energy renovation of historic buildings is a particular challenge due to the restrictions and prohibitions related to respecting and preserving their form. Within the European Union, the exclusion of historic buildings from the minimum energy performance requirements until a year ago, lead to the luck of interest for such actions. This case study article presents the applied energy retrofit measures on two historic buildings, the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus and Loggia, the Town Hall of Heraklion in Greece. Heritage values, normative requirements, operational conditions, and indoor environmental issues, based on site audits and numerical calculations, were considered for selecting the most appropriate interventions. The passive measures include the energy renovation of the openings, an action that was affected by specific requirements of the building conservation authorities of each country. The active measures included for both cases the energy renovation of the existing heating and cooling systems, the integration of RES and the installation of a building energy management system (BEMS). Specific interventions include, for Loggia, the energy renovation of the lighting system, and for the Presidential Palace, the installation of a mechanical ventilation system in the living rooms of the ground floor and charging station for electric cars. The energy savings are equal to 35 % and 49 % for the Presidential Palace and Loggia, respectively. These energy savings correspond to the reduction of 259.9 t and 125.7 t CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ascertain energy availability and system performance, a comprehensive understanding of the systems' degradation profile and impact on overall plant reliability is imperative. The current study presents an integrated Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)–Markovian algorithm for reliability-based instantaneous energy performance prediction for thermal energy systems. The FMEA methodology is utilized to identify and categorize the various failure modes of the gas turbines, establishing a reliability pattern that informs overall system performance. Meanwhile, the Markovian algorithm discretizes the system into states based on its operational energy performance envelope. The algorithm predicts instantaneous energy performance according to upper and lower bounds criteria. This integrated methodology has been subjected to testing in three case studies, yielding results that demonstrate improved reliability and instantaneous energy performance prediction during system degradation. It was observed that after 14 years of operation, the likelihood of major failures increases to 79.6%, 88.7%, and 82.8%, with corresponding decreases in system performance reliability of 10.1%, 4.5%, and 7.8% for the Afam, Ibom, and Sapele gas turbine plants, respectively. Furthermore, the percentage of instantaneous mean power performance relative to the rated capacity is 37.9%, 35.1%, and 46.3% for the three gas turbine plants. These results indicate that the Sapele thermal power plant performs better relative to its rated capacity. Overall, this integrated methodology serves as a valuable tool for monitoring gas turbine engine health and predicting energy performance under varying operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing concerns over energy and heat-related mortality/morbidity rates, enhancing building performances is key to improving the health and well-being of building occupants while reducing CO2 emissions, in line with the UK Government's Net-Zero targets. This study investigates the impacts of different retrofitting scenarios on overheating risk and energy performance in social housing for current and future climate conditions. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out using Design Summer Year (DSY) weather files in DesignBuilder software for selected case study buildings. Winter performance was analysed using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, while summer results were assessed according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Technical Memorandum 59 (CIBSE TM59) guidelines. The findings revealed that bedrooms, especially those facing south, were at high risk of overheating. Factors such as building construction, the number of exposed surfaces, and window area influenced the risks. External wall insulation outperformed internal wall insulation in improving summer comfort. In the winter, Passivhaus standards with natural ventilation ensured thermal comfort across all zones, with a 41–53% reduction in heating energy consumption under current weather conditions. The risk of overheating and associated health issues significantly increased for the future weather scenarios. Further investigation into ventilation strategies, occupant behaviour, and passive design is required to mitigate overheating risks while reducing energy consumption in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]