PR2006

This paper introduces a new approach for the prediction of hourly energy consumption inbuildings. The proposed method uses nonlinear timeseries analysis techniques for thereconstruction of energy consumption timeseries and the estimation of the dynamicinvariants, and artificial neural networks as a nonlinear modeling tool.Among the several neural network modeling factors that affect time-series prediction, themost important are the window-size and the sampling lags for the data.

The utilization factor is a relative well-known concept used in some simplified calculation methodssuch as the procedure described in the CEN EN-13790 where the FU depends on the inertia of thezone. In this paper we will analyse the inertia influence of each component of the zone in the inertia ofthe zone itself. With the results of this study, we will be able to know where to act if we desire to ariseor diminish the whole thermal inertia of a room. The present paper starts analysing the energy storedand released in building components as walls.

Multi-layers polycarbonate panels are naturally good thermal insulation materials. But their thermalinsulation can be significantly improved if they are used in pairs, as in double glazing, and if the spacebetween them is filled with a product aimed at blocking air movement but keeping a very visualtransmittance. Such a product has been designed, with a U-value close from 0.65W/m2.K. The finalmaterial is however translucent, and not transparent. It appears attractive to use it as a component ofexternal walls or ceiling.

Active solar heating was a favorite topic after the first energy crisis. Usage for space heating, however,proved to be completely uneconomic. Domestic hot water systems, instead, retained attention. Theycan be used year-around and have a much larger share in the hot water energy bill than space heatingsystems have in the heating bill. Of course, in the past, energy use for domestic hot water wasonly a fraction of the energy needed for space heating.

Unsteady natural convection in a rectangular enclosure with a vertical saturated porous wall is studiednumerically. The governing equations using Boussinesq approximation for the treatment of buoyancyterm in the momentum equation and the Darcy model are expressed using the stream functionvorticityformulation. Equations are discretized with the implicite finite-difference method. Thomasalgorithm and Gauss-Seidel method are used to solve the resultant algebraic system equations.Results are presented in terms of streamlines, isotherms and isoconcentrations.

This project aimed at developing a methodology to help the Local Authorities and the town managersto carry out suitable policies in order to save energy and promote the use of renewable energies. Thismethodology will be useful too for the civil servants in charge of following and assessing the localactions granted by the Regional Authorities.

In the context of pressing and frequently conflicting environmental, economic and social policyobjectives, energy efficiency investment is repeatedly found to be a cost-effective and reconcilablecomponent of energy policies. High-rise residential buildings are a particularly salient issue in thisregard as their poor energy efficiency is regarded as a moderate to major problem by 18 out of 27housing ministries respondent to a Europe-wide survey.

Recent studies predict a dramatic increase of cooling energy demand in Europe, despite the availableknowledge and technologies of passive cooling. The international project KeepCool addressed thisgap, searching for intelligent ways to promote the market penetration of passive cooling technologiesand a new definition of sustainable summer comfort based on the adaptive comfort model. The projecttailored the available information into a toolkit for building owners, planners and building users.

This paper aims to report the solar and thermal data for various common and innovative materialsused in outdoor urban applications. The tested materials include various types of coatings, tiles andasphalt pavement. In the framework of this research, the spectral reflectance and the emissivity of thematerials were measured using a UV/VIS/NIR spectrophotometer fitted with an integrating sphere andan emissometer. The solar reflectance of the samples was calculated.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV) systems is a “Zero Land and Zero Water” power systems as it neither consume any additional land nor consume any water. Moreover, introduction of BiPV systems reduces the thermal load of the building. The integrated