From optical performances characterization of a redirecting daylight material to daylighting simulations

The optical performance of redirecting daylight materials under given outdoor illumination conditions is characterized by mean of virtual goniophotometry, and results are expressed as light source equivalent distributions that can be then used as input to daylighting simulations. Such a concept has been practically applied to the SerraGlaze product and will be extended with real case experiment.

Comparison of new Slovene regulation "Thermal Protection and Efficient Use of Energy in Buildings" with EnEV

In the framework of harmonisation of the Slovene legislation with the European, in 1995 the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of Slovenia began with the preparation of new Slovene standards and regulations. In the first phase adopting of a whole range of standards was planned. In the second phase, which is presently running, the preparation and adopting of regulations has to be completed.

Application of genetic algorithms to adapt an energy efficient shading device controller to the user wishes

In order to improve the user acceptance of an automatic shading device controller, user wishes concerning the blind position are learned and integrated in the automatic controller through an innovative adaptation system developed with the use of Genetic Algorithms. Simulations with virtual users have shown learning and anticipating capabilities of the system. This paper explains in detail the adaptation process and shows one typical example of simulation results.

An user-friendly computer program to predict in early stages of project the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of buildings under tropical climate conditions

In a building, energy consumption and user’s comfort are directly related to its thermal performance. In early stages of building design, architects do not have enough input data to perform precise calculations. Anyway, due to the importance of the initia

HipHip - Fostering market penetration of PV systems integrated in buildings in Europe

The general objective of the Hip-Hip project, partly funded by the EC, is to foster market penetration of GC-PV systems integrated in buildings in Europe by removing technical and non technical barriers as well as developing new PV products for the building industry, through the two PV manufacturers, Photowatt and Shell Solar. The objective, is to reduce PV systems costs through innovative design and better system optimisation. This project is designed to provide platforms for the development of the photovoltaic technology in the countries where the market is still underdeveloped.

Daylighting information throughout Europe using the SATEL-LIGHT and SODA internet servers

The Satel-Light Internet server provides to designers and engineers daylight information which was previously unavailable. It is based on a database of daylight and solar radiation, covering Western and Central Europe, which was produced as part of a European project called SATELLIGHT. This database has been computed from the images produced by the Meteosat satellite. Thus it has an excellent spatial resolution (every 5 km on average) and an excellent temporal resolution (every 30 mn).

UK Climate change programme and domestic sector end-use efficiency

Information in the UK Climate Change Programme suggests that carbon savings in the domestic sector from end-use efficiency improvements could amount to some 4.7MtC/yr in 2010, based on allowances for improvements to the building regulations, residential energy efficiency improvements and appliance standards and labelling. This paper discusses detailed scenarios that have been developed using the BREHOMES model of the energy use of the housing stock to study the implications of this level of saving.

Integration of renewable energy systems in urban buildings: From energy conservation to feasible energy supply

The integration of renewable energy systems, mainly active solar ones, in buildings has been an aim of intense research over the last thirty years. Solar thermal systems have become the most widespread, and certainly the most well known RES system, being a commonly accepted solution for hot water production. Within the framework of this paper, which is based on the results of the SEPEDIC-ALTENER project and the Serres project are being analysed all the aspects of RES systems integration in buildings.

"Solvent": Development of a reversible solar-screen glazing system

Preliminary experiments with a novel glazing system developed at the Desert Architecture and Urban Planning Unit of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev indicated that it may provide improved visual and thermal performance in buildings with large glazed areas located in sunny regions (hot and cold). In winter, it allows solar space heating but reduces glare, local over-heating and damage to furnishings caused by exposure to direct solar radiation.

Impact of the control of shading devices on the thermal behaviour of large highly-glazed spaces

Evidence suggests that a significant number of large highly-glazed spaces have major design flaws that lead to energy wastage and discomfort. Provision to control solar gains are generally insufficient in these buildings, which can lead to excessively high temperatures during the summer. Besides, the solutions implemented to overcome these issues usually have a high energy cost, whereas passive techniques may well limit these problems. This paper deals with design issues related to solar protections.

Pages