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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Magda Helena Barecka, Ireneusz Zbicinski and Dariusz Heim

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and quantify environmental, energy and economy aspects in a zero-emission façade system design.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and quantify environmental, energy and economy aspects in a zero-emission façade system design.

Design/methodology/approach

The efficient design of a zero emission façade system cannot focus solely on the energy performance, but should as well include the economic an environmental aspects in order to make the solution feasible and sustainable in whole life cycle of the façade. In this paper a full environmental impact analysis of six different façade panels was carried out by evaluating the LCA of the panels with MIPS technique. Economic aspects were incorporated into the analysis on the basis of costs of manufacturing, whereas the panels’ energy performance was determined from ESP-r modeling tool.

Findings

Subsequently, an optimal façade design based on highly isolative panels covered with CIS photovoltaic modules and double skin façade window system was proposed. Systematic and holistic analysis of environmental, energy and economic aspects is crucial for development of optimal zero-emission façade system.

Practical implications

The proposed solution has been applied in development of an experimental façade built within the framework of German-Polish Energy Efficiency Project.

Originality/value

The paper provides a multi-objective approach (economy, environment, efficiency) for finding the best solutions for the façade system design. The methodology and the results reported in this research can be used for designing or improving performance of zero-emission façades.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Vahid Zahedi Rad, Abbas Seifi and Dawud Fadai

This paper aims to develop a causal feedback structure that explains the dynamics of entrepreneurship development in Iran’s photovoltaic (PV) technological innovation system (TIS…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a causal feedback structure that explains the dynamics of entrepreneurship development in Iran’s photovoltaic (PV) technological innovation system (TIS) to design effective policy interventions for fostering PV innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the system dynamics approach to develop the causal structure model. The methodology follows a systematic method to elicit the causal structure from qualitative data gathered by interviewing several stakeholders with extensive knowledge about different aspects of Iran’s PV TIS.

Findings

Lack of technological knowledge and financial resources within Iranian PV panel-producing firms are the main barriers to entrepreneurship development in Iran’s PV TIS. This study proposes two policy enforcement mechanisms to tackle these problems. The proposed feedback mechanisms contribute to the domestic PV market size and knowledge transfer from public research organizations to the PV industry.

Practical implications

The proposed policy mechanisms aid Iranian policymakers in designing effective policy interventions stimulating innovation in Iran’s PV industry.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study include conceptualizing the causal structure capturing entrepreneurship dynamics in emerging PV TIS and proposing policy mechanisms fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in PV sectors.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2021

Sheila Conejos, Michael Y.L. Chew, Karlyn Tay, Stephen Tay and Sufiana Safiena

The maintenance of green building technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is a challenge due to the non-existence of maintainability considerations during the…

Abstract

Purpose

The maintenance of green building technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is a challenge due to the non-existence of maintainability considerations during the design stage. This led to building defects which accounts to high expenditures throughout the building's lifecycle. The use of BIPV in buildings is an emergent trend, and further research is requisite for their maintainability. This paper assesses the performance and maintainability of BIPV façade applications based on the green maintainability design considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method is undertaken in this study, which includes field surveys, instrumental case studies and stakeholder interviews to probe the issues linked with the BIPV's maintainability.

Findings

Findings have shown some technical defects discovered in BIPV applications in tropical areas, as well as issues on cost, aesthetics and implementation are the main causes for the low adoption of BIPV in Singapore.

Originality/value

Understanding the research outcomes will embolden designers and allied professionals to team up in ensuring the long-term maintainability and sustainability of green building technologies. This research gives recent and important information in the design, installation and maintainability of BIPV, as well as good practices that would add value to facilities management and to the design of green building technologies.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2022

Sidnei Matana Júnior, Marcos Antonio Leite Frandoloso and Vandré Barbosa Brião

Energy consumption and renewable energy sources are included in the goals for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) agenda, and target buildings are the biggest…

Abstract

Purpose

Energy consumption and renewable energy sources are included in the goals for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) agenda, and target buildings are the biggest electricity consumers. In turn, Netzero energy buildings (NZEB) contribute to achieve SDG7 goals. This paper aims to identify which Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs) practices contribute to developing the NZEB concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were selected to identify which implanted practices applied by HEIs in Brazil, listed in the UI GreenMetric 2020 Ranking, are related to the NZEB concept. The implemented sustainable practices were also analyzed to evaluate the connections and impact between universities and the local community.

Findings

Results show the lighting and air conditioning retrofit were among the most common practices related to energy efficiency to reduce consumption. For renewable energy generation, photovoltaic solar energy is the most common practice used by HEIs.

Research limitations/implications

Only Brazilian HEIs listed in the UI Green Metric Ranking were analyzed. No standard regulation or formal reports support the wide dissemination of the strategies adopted by HEIs in Brazil.

Practical implications

The strategies adopted by HEIs related to Netzero buildings can reduce emissions, optimize operating costs and improve building comfort conditions, which connect all SDGs.

Social implications

HEIs can promote awareness related to energy use and clean energy generation within the local community.

Originality/value

This paper presents the most common strategies adopted by Brazilian HEIs. However, limitations related to lack of strategies, data transparency and specific Netzero energy regulation were also found. These issues can hinder other HEIs to adopt similar strategies and contribute to the promotion of SDG7 in Brazil.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2021

Anas Sani Maihulla, Ibrahim Yusuf and Muhammad Salihu Isa

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is commonly used as a renewable energy source to provide electrical power to customers. This research establishes a method for testing the performance…

Abstract

Purpose

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is commonly used as a renewable energy source to provide electrical power to customers. This research establishes a method for testing the performance reliability of large grid-connected PV power systems. Solar PV can turn unrestricted amounts of sunlight into energy without releasing carbon dioxide or other contaminants into the atmosphere. Because of these advantages, large-scale solar PV generation has been increasingly incorporated into power grids to meet energy demand. The capability of the installation and the position of the PV are the most important considerations for a utility company when installing solar PV generation in their system. Because of the unpredictability of sunlight, the amount of solar penetration in a device is generally restricted by reliability constraints. PV power systems are made up of five PV modules, with three of them needing to be operational at the same time. In other words, three out of five. Then there is a charge controller and a battery bank with three batteries, two of which must be consecutively be in operation. i.e. two out of three. Inverter and two distributors, all of which were involved at the same time. i.e. two out of two. In order to evaluate real-world grid-connected PV networks, state enumeration is used. To measure the reliability of PV systems, a collection of reliability indices has been created. Furthermore, detailed sensitivity tests are carried out to examine the effect of various factors on the efficiency of PV power systems. Every module's test results on a realistic 10-kW PV system. To see how the model works in practice, many scenarios are considered. Tables and graphs are used to show the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of first-order differential equations is formulated and solved using Laplace transforms using regenerative point techniques. Several scenarios were examined to determine the impact of the model under consideration. The calculations were done with Maple 13 software.

Findings

The authors get availability, reliability, mean time to failure (MTTF), MTTF sensitivity and gain feature in this research. To measure the reliability of PV systems, a collection of reliability indices has been created. Furthermore, detailed sensitivity tests are carried out to examine the effect of various factors on the efficiency of PV power systems.

Originality/value

This is the authors' original copy of the paper. Because of the importance of the study, the references are well-cited. Nothing from any previously published articles or textbooks has been withdrawn.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2022

Mahdiyeh Zaferanchi and Hatice Sozer

The amount of energy consumption of buildings has obtained international concern so the concept of zero energy building becomes a target for building designers. There are various…

Abstract

Purpose

The amount of energy consumption of buildings has obtained international concern so the concept of zero energy building becomes a target for building designers. There are various definitions and evaluation methods for efficient buildings. However, detailed research about the critical parameters that have a major effect through the operational time to reduce the energy consumption is not emphasized as this paper represents. The main aim of this study is to identify the effect of applicable interventions on energy consumption parameters with their sensitivity to each other to reach zero energy building. Relatedly, the cost of energy reduction is also determined.

Design/methodology/approach

Energy consumption parameters were defined as area lightings, space heating, space cooling, ventilation fans, pumps, auxiliary equipment and related miscellaneous equipment. The effect of each applied intervention on energy consumption was classified as high, medium, low, very low, no effect and negative effect by utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The base case's energy model is created by utilizing energy performance software such as e-Quest. Accordingly, energy performance improvement scenarios are developed by applying interventions such as lamp replacements, sensors, heat pumps and photovoltaic panels’ integration. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses of each intervention were developed for consumed energy and its cost.

Findings

Results indicated the electric consumption is more effective than gas consumption on primary energy and energy cost. Solar systems decline primary energy by 78.53%, lighting systems by 13.47% and heat pump by 5.48% in this building; therefore, integrating mentioned strategies could rise the improvement rate to 100%, in other words, zero amount of energy is using from the grid that means saving $ 5,750.39 in one year.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be applied to similar buildings. It is worthwhile to investigate suggested methods in diverse buildings with different functions and climates in future works.

Practical implications

This study aims to investigate of energy consumption of an educational building in the Mediterranean climate to convert an existing building into a zero energy building by saving energy and renewable sources. Subsequent purposes are analyzing the effect of each strategy on energy consumption and cost.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is filling gaps in sensitivity analysis of energy consumption parameters by not only identifying their effect on overall energy consumption but also identifying their effect on each other. Some interventions may have a positive effect on overall consumption while having a negative effect on each other. Identifying this critical effect in detail not only further improves the energy performance, but also may affect the decision-making of the interventions.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2019

Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto, Amanda Lange Salvia, Giovana Reginatto, Rangel Casanova Daneli and Luciana Londero Brandli

The purpose of this paper is to analyse recent actions of energy efficiency implemented by University of Passo Fundo, a higher education institution located in the south of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse recent actions of energy efficiency implemented by University of Passo Fundo, a higher education institution located in the south of Brazil, and their contributions to Goal 7.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on collected energy data and information of energy efficiency actions applied at the university.

Findings

The paper shows the progress related to the energy practices and discusses opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying energy efficiency at universities and its contributions towards sustainable development goal (SDG) 7.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can inform readers about University of Passo Fundo’s initiatives towards energy efficiency focussed in lightening, photovoltaic solar power generation and free energy market. Readers are able to improve their knowledge with the discussion of internal and external factors related to the initiatives.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is connected to the idea of sharing the experiences from University of Passo Fundo, connecting energy efficiency practices at universities to SDG 7 and also exploring opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying these practices in the context of a higher education institution.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Arshiya Fathima M.S., Adil Khan and Ansari Sarwar Alam

This study aims to conduct the domain mapping of consumer behaviour research in the context of solar energy. The study can help in understanding the intellectual structure…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct the domain mapping of consumer behaviour research in the context of solar energy. The study can help in understanding the intellectual structure, evolution of keywords and key research producers (at the author, institutional and source level) related to the domain of solar energy consumer research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses R-studios’ bibliometrix package for analysing the bibliographical data collected from the Scopus database. Analysis has been conducted at the descriptive level (summary, author, institution and source) and analytical level (co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, thematic maps and historiography).

Findings

This study finds out the most relevant authors, institutions and sources using criteria such as production, citations and H-index. Relevant research clusters have been identified using the clustering of authors, co-citations and keywords. Thematic mapping has identified the basic and motor themes. Historical citation analysis shows the direct linkage of previous studies. Overall, this study reports the most relevant bibliometric indicators in the domain of solar energy consumer research.

Practical implications

Identified patterns can help policymakers, business experts, social marketers and energy conservation organisations to study consumer behaviour.

Social implications

Thiis bibliometric study can effectively assess sustainable development goals and suggest improved action plans.

Originality/value

This study examined bibliometric analysis in solar energy products (SEPs), recognised varied domains of research work on consumers’ intention to purchase solar household products and mapped them into six groups. This study provides an overview of 40 years of research on consumer behaviour towards SEPs and discusses its findings to identify the research gap.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2023

Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell, Dylan Hübner, Karen Le Jeune and Mark Massyn

This study investigates the barriers and drivers of using green methods and technologies (GMTs) in supportive educational buildings (SEBs) in South Africa, and assesses their…

1003

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the barriers and drivers of using green methods and technologies (GMTs) in supportive educational buildings (SEBs) in South Africa, and assesses their impact on the circular economy (CE) in achieving net-zero carbon goals. While there has been extensive literature on green building technologies, there is limited research on the barriers and drivers of using GMT in SEBs, as well as their impact on the circular economy (CE) in achieving net-zero carbon goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an interpretivist approach with an ontological basis, using an overarching case study of a SEB at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Semistructured interviews were conducted with executive UCT management, and a field survey of a UCT supportive education building was performed.

Findings

At UCT, multiple GMTs have been installed across various buildings to enhance monitoring and management of water and energy consumption. Moreover, initiatives to positively influence student behavior, such as water and energy-saving campaigns around UCT premises, have been introduced. The findings further indicate that UCT has recently emphasized the implementation of GMTs, resulting in improved resource efficiency, CE practices and progress toward achieving net-zero carbon targets for supportive education buildings and the university as a whole.

Originality/value

This research highlights the positive impact of GMTs on a SEB’s CE and net-zero carbon operations. As a result, facility managers should consider incorporating GMTs when planning the development or refurbishment of SEBs.

Details

Facilities , vol. 42 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2012

Ghaith Warkozek, Stéphane Ploix, Frédéric Wurtz, Mireille Jacomino and Benoit Delinchant

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a problematic phenomenon that can occur when managing multi electrical sources systems by optimization.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a problematic phenomenon that can occur when managing multi electrical sources systems by optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The energy management problem is formulated as a linear optimisation problem. Two approaches are developed and applied to detect the possible existence of equivalents solutions. The first is based on Dulmage‐Mendelsohn (DM) decomposition. With this method the structure of the optimisation problem is analysed. The second approach is a numeric approach; the detection of equivalents solutions is made by the formulation of new optimisation problem and the objective function of this problem is to maximise the distance between two equivalents solutions.

Findings

The numeric approach is more efficient than the structural approach. In some cases, applying DM decomposition may not be sufficient to detect the risk of W effect. This is because DM decomposition does not take the value of variable's coefficient into consideration, which is important to determine the degrees of freedom in the set of variables.

Originality/value

Multi sources systems are widely used, especially in buildings where renewable energies have good potential application. The linear formulation of the management problem may induce an existence of equivalent command strategies. The detection approach presented in this paper shows that some solutions are better than others from an applicabability point of view. They will not exhaust rapidly the storage system. This approach can be implemented in virtual sources plant to avoid solutions with this so‐called W effect.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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