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1.1. Logical Necessity of the Three Dimensions as a Unit of Thought The mathematician does not look kindly on the simple question of why natural space should consist of precisely…
Abstract
1.1. Logical Necessity of the Three Dimensions as a Unit of Thought The mathematician does not look kindly on the simple question of why natural space should consist of precisely three dimensions. Instead of giving an answer he assumes a silent smile and shows us a version of space with an infinity of dimensions, as if space were some kind of toy for him to fiddle with to his heart's content.
Rikard Sundling, Åke Blomsterberg and Anne Landin
This paper is based on a study of six similar buildings built in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1971, which were in urgent need of renovation. A life cycle profit analysis shows how four…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is based on a study of six similar buildings built in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1971, which were in urgent need of renovation. A life cycle profit analysis shows how four competing concepts were evaluated to find a financially viable renovation concept; additionally, the environmental impacts of these renovation concepts using a life cycle assessment are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
Four renovation concepts are compared to find the most appropriate concept, namely, minimalist, code-compliant, low-energy and low-energy plus vertical extension concepts. The methods used for comparison are life cycle profit analysis and life cycle impact assessment; the methods used for data gathering included site visits, interviews, document study, co-benefits study and energy simulation.
Findings
The findings show that vertical extension supported the energy-efficient renovation of the buildings and that the combination of low-energy and the vertical extension had the highest return on investment and the lowest environmental impact. The selected concept for renovating the remaining five buildings combined was the low-energy plus vertical extension. Additional benefits from vertical extension include more apartments in central locations for the housing company, a wider variety of apartment layouts and a wider range of tenants. Drawbacks include increased use of infrastructure, green space and common appliances, as well as gentrification.
Originality/value
This study shows how a vertical extension can financially enable an energy-efficient renovation and further lower its environmental impact. Benefits and drawbacks of densification are also highlighted to better understand the implementation of vertically extending a building.
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Mahmoud A. Hammad, Sara Elgazzar, Matevž Obrecht and Marjan Sternad
Despite the concept of energy hub becoming widely signed and used in recent literature for addressing energy geopolitics, policies and relationships, it is still being confused…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the concept of energy hub becoming widely signed and used in recent literature for addressing energy geopolitics, policies and relationships, it is still being confused interchangeably with other concepts. Hence, the present paper aims to shed light on the concepts of an energy hub, energy corridor, energy transit and energy center to clarify the main differences among these concepts through conducting a systematic review for the previous studies using the VOSviewer software targeting the identification of the main research gaps and clearing any confusion related to these concepts.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducted a systematic review based on a qualitative synthesis for the available publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases. It also followed strict search and filtration criteria based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. In this review, a total of 47 papers, which met the inclusion criteria were selected and identified in the synthesis, and a bibliometric visualization approach were implemented by using VOSviewer software.
Findings
The bibliometric analysis presented the growth of the research topic recently. Besides, text mining and keyword analysis revealed the key themes that address energy hubs issues such as security, geopolitics, relationships, policies and transit of energy. The main research gaps identified in this review will provide a reference point that will encourage and open new avenues for other interested researchers for future studies. Furthermore, this review contributes to our understanding of the literature related to energy hub area through bibliometric analysis and visualization of publications data.
Originality/value
According to the authors’ knowledge, this review may be the first bibliometric analysis and systematic review of the energy hub domain.
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More significant reductions in residential primary energy consumption and in space heating in particular, can contribute to achieving climate change and energy efficiency…
Abstract
More significant reductions in residential primary energy consumption and in space heating in particular, can contribute to achieving climate change and energy efficiency objectives. Project information from demonstration projects is now becoming available for highly energy-efficient renovation concepts.
The goal of this research is to understand how owner-occupants can be persuaded to apply far-reaching energy-saving renovations of single-family houses. To this end, the research examines drivers and barriers of owners to adopt highly energy-efficient renovation concepts. Theory on decision processes in innovation diffusion is used, in order to examine the adoption of integrated concepts to achieve high energy performance. Belgian case studies (different building typologies) were examined. Adoption drivers and barriers perceived by owner-occupants are analysed. This leads to improved understanding of characteristics that can persuade future adopters. Possible measures are discussed to overcome barriers in the introduction phase of innovation diffusion, and are illustrated more in detail with a case study. The research shows that especially expectations of improved comfort provide an opportunity for the market entry of integrated concepts. Owners, architects and contractors could benefit from increased attractiveness, competitiveness, affordability and availability of highly energy-efficient renovations. Holistic approaches (stronger coordination and clustered renovation concepts), higher skill competence (education) and improved communication (actor networks, significant economic incentives) are recommended.
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This conceptual paper articulates an analytical framework, which collectively borrows from the concepts of Sectoral, National and Technological Innovation Systems, for examining…
Abstract
This conceptual paper articulates an analytical framework, which collectively borrows from the concepts of Sectoral, National and Technological Innovation Systems, for examining the prospects for the emergence of renewable energy industries in a given country. In order to examine the dynamics within the national energy system under consideration, a list of system functions has also been compiled from the literature. It is believed that the adoption of such a functions approach has the potential to enhance our understanding of the process of, and drivers behind, the emergence and transformation of energy innovation systems. Towards the end of this paper, other theoretical concepts are acknowledged as also relevant for investigating the potential establishment of renewable energy industries. While every theoretical approach has its strengths and weaknesses, an effort has been made in this paper to justify the adoption of a suitable framework that is based on the systems of innovation approach.
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Franz Trieb, Juergen Kern, Natàlia Caldés, Cristina de la Rua, Dorian Frieden and Andreas Tuerk
The purpose of this paper is to shed light to the concept of solar electricity transfer from North Africa to Europe in the frame of Article 9 of the European Renewable Energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to shed light to the concept of solar electricity transfer from North Africa to Europe in the frame of Article 9 of the European Renewable Energy Sources (EU-RES) Directive 28/2009/EC, to explain why efforts have not been successful up to now and to provide recommendations on how to proceed.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have compared the “Supergrid” concept that was pursued by some institutions in the past years with the original “TRANS-CSP” concept developed by the German Aerospace Centre in 2006. From this analysis, the authors could identify not only major barriers but also possible ways towards successful implementation.
Findings
The authors found that in contrast to the Supergrid approach, the original concept of exporting dispatchable solar power from concentrating solar thermal power stations with thermal energy storage (CSP-TES) via point-to-point high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission directly to European centres of demand could be a resilient business case for Europe–North Africa cooperation, as it provides added value in both regions.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis has been made in the frame of the BETTER project commissioned by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness & Innovation in the frame of the program Intelligent Energy Europe.
Practical implications
One of the major implications found is that due to the time lost in the past years by following a distracted concept, the option of flexible solar power imports from North Africa to Europe is not any more feasible to become part of the 2020 supply scheme.
Social implications
To make them a viable option for post-2020 renewable energy systems for electricity development in Europe, a key recommendation of the project is to elaborate a detailed feasibility study about concrete CSP-HVDC links urgently.
Originality/value
The analysis presented here is the first to give concrete recommendations for the implementation of such infrastructure.
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Yosafat Winarto, Ofita Purwani, Wiwik Setyaningsih and Bambang Triratma
This research is oriented to the need for new ideas related to the concept of a green campus that respond to climate change. The concept is simulated with a campus area in…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is oriented to the need for new ideas related to the concept of a green campus that respond to climate change. The concept is simulated with a campus area in Indonesia, a country that requires a lot of school planning for human resource development that requires clean, renewable energy and zero emissions in a humid tropical climate.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was carried out in a mixed qualitative-quantitative method using field observations and literature studies through an approach to developing a pedagogical pattern of cognitive, affective and psychomotor, relevant theoretical studies and comprehensive analysis of all variables and aspects. Analysis through the parameter matrix of green buildings and green campuses to produce a zero emission and energy efficient campus area concept.
Findings
The concept of an integrated campus area model that can holistically save energy optimally and free from emissions and can produce graduates who are aware and have high cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies toward environmental conservation efforts. Green campus design is not only physical design, but needs to be integrated with green curriculum content.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this research is in the scope of architectural and environmental sciences.
Practical implications
The practical implication of this research is a new green campus concept that is environmentally friendly and sustainable in a hot-humid tropical climate.
Social implications
This research revives the cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies of human individuals at the highest level to equip the ability to repair and maintain the environment. The research resulted in a refinement of the green campus concept that was integrated into the curriculum.
Originality/value
A holistic and integrated green campus concept between the development of campus area design and human development aspects.
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Fang Shuqiong, Yang Baoan and Yu Yin
The purpose of this paper is to provide a new mentality of constructing the evaluation index system on national energy security, in favor of analyzing its influencing factors and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a new mentality of constructing the evaluation index system on national energy security, in favor of analyzing its influencing factors and coupling relations thoroughly.
Design/methodology/approach
The complex adaptive system (CAS) theory has provided one kind analysis method on modeling and simulation for question of the social economic system, which based on the adaptive agent and mutual interaction. In view of this, the authors' expect to use this kind of new research paradigm for reference, and construct the evaluation index systems on national energy security using the integration of CAS theory and pressure‐state‐response (PSR) conceptual model.
Findings
Constructs a set of compound index system of “six parallel layers, gradually converge, six layers three dimensions three degrees.”
Research limitations/implications
The evaluation index system on national energy security is in the discussion stage at present, and the comparatively systematic or accepted index system has not been established. So the further study on influencing factors and measurement indicator system based on multi‐dimension of national energy security, is the emphasis of the continued further research.
Practical implications
Constructing the evaluation index system on national energy security integrating PSR conceptual model from the perspective CAS.
Originality/value
Divides the carrier of energy security problem's happening into three energy domains (non‐renewable energy), and introduces the theory and method of CAS to construct the agent layer to carry on the multi‐agent gambling analysis. Simultaneously separately analyses the coal security, the petroleum security as well as the natural gas security using the concept framework of PSR.
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The study ' s purpose is to review and discuss limitations of “strategic niche management” (SNM) success factors in relation to the experiences of an enterprise network to…
Abstract
Purpose
The study ' s purpose is to review and discuss limitations of “strategic niche management” (SNM) success factors in relation to the experiences of an enterprise network to improve niche development for integrated design concepts.
Design/methodology/approach
The emergence of a successful passive house innovation network in the Flemish Region is described. The innovation journey of the network is related to success factors detected in SNM literature regarding market niche development.
Findings
The study identifies additional success factors for systemic innovation, such as involving small- and medium-sized innovators and demonstration projects and using a dedicated regional enterprise network.
Research limitations/implications
The qualitative analysis specifically reflected on SNM success factors such as envisioning, learning, and network composition and formation. The study confirms the importance of these success factors by means of one detailed innovation journey. It identifies additional success factors and discusses opportunities to improve the relation of SNM literature with other seminal fields.
Practical implications
Government seed money is important in providing a breakthrough in enterprise network initiatives. A focus on architectural innovation instead of technology innovation is to be preferred for stimulating integrated design concepts.
Originality/value
The paper addresses the relevance and limitations of SNM success factors during the formation of enterprise networks. The study shows how an integrated design approach was used to cluster innovation opportunities and to inspire innovation development and collaboration for know-how development between multiple players.
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Julian Matzenberger, Nigel Hargreaves, Debadayita Raha and Priyan Dias
The purpose of this paper is to outline different notions of the term resilience used in scientific disciplines and consequently explore how the concept can be applied to energy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline different notions of the term resilience used in scientific disciplines and consequently explore how the concept can be applied to energy systems. The concept of resilience has emerged recently in scientific discourse. The major questions to be addressed are: Which definitions and underlying concepts of resilience are used in the scientific literature? How can resilience be defined with respect to energy systems and which underlying principles can be identified?
Design/methodology/approach
Building on this understanding, characteristics of the resilience concept used in various contexts are described and a methodology for selection of an indicator set for an energy resilience assessment is presented. The methodology for a resilience assessment outlined in this paper requires definition and clustering of a set of indicators describing a resilient system. It contributes to understanding system properties and supports the theory of how to improve system resilience.
Findings
It is argued that resilience can be defined as a function of vulnerability and adaptability, therefore increasing adaptability or reducing vulnerability can cause higher system resilience. Further attributes, determinants and properties of resilient systems to guide indicator selection and classification are suggested.
Originality/value
Definitions of resilience, vulnerability and adaptability are very much interlinked. A novel framework is proposed to foster the understanding of the interlinkage between these three terms and to cluster indicators to assess energy system resilience.
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