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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2021

Ibrahim Yitmen, Amjad Al-Musaed and Fikri Yücelgazi

Decisions taken during the early design of adaptive façades involving kinetic, active and responsive envelope for complex commercial buildings have a substantial effect on…

2567

Abstract

Purpose

Decisions taken during the early design of adaptive façades involving kinetic, active and responsive envelope for complex commercial buildings have a substantial effect on inclusive building functioning and the comfort level of inhabitants. This study aims to present the application of an analytic network process (ANP) model indicating the order of priority for high performance criteria that must be taken into account in the assessment of the performance of adaptive façade systems for complex commercial buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The nominal group technique (NGT) stimulating and refining group judgments are used to find and categorize relevant high performance attributes of the adaptive façade systems and their relative pair-wise significance scores. An ANP model is applied to prioritize these high performance objectives and criteria for the adaptive façade systems.

Findings

Embodied energy and CO2 emission, sustainability, energy saving, daylight and operation maintenance were as the most likely and crucial high performance criteria. The criteria and the weights presented in this study could be used as guidelines for evaluating the performance of adaptive façade systems for commercial buildings in planning and design phases.

Practical implications

This research primarily provides the required actions and evaluations for design managers in accomplishing a high performance adaptive façade system, with the support of an ANP method. Before beginning the adaptive façade system of a building design process, the design manager must determine the significance of each of these attributes as high performance primacies will affect the results all through the entire design process.

Originality/value

In this research, a relatively innovative, systematic and practical approach is proposed to sustain the decision-making procedure for evaluation of the high performance criteria of adaptive façade systems in complex commercial buildings.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2013

Laura Aelenei, Daniel Aelenei, Helder Gonçalves, Roberto Lollini, Eike Musall, Alessandra Scognamiglio, Eduard Cubi and Massa Noguchi

Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have received increased attention in recent years as a result of constant concerns about energy supply constraints, decreasing energy resources…

359

Abstract

Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have received increased attention in recent years as a result of constant concerns about energy supply constraints, decreasing energy resources, increasing energy costs and the rising impact of greenhouse gases on world climate. Promoting whole building strategies that employ passive measures together with energy efficient systems and technologies using renewable energy became a European political strategy following the publication of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive recast in May 2010 by the European Parliament and Council. However designing successful NZEBs represents a challenge because the definitions are somewhat generic while assessment methods and monitoring approaches remain under development and the literature is relatively scarce about the best sets of solutions for different typologies and climates likely to deliver an actual and reliable performance in terms of energy balance (consumed vs generated) on a cost-effective basis. Additionally the lessons learned from existing NZEB examples are relatively scarce. The authors of this paper, who are participants in the IEA SHC Task 40-ECBCS Annex 52, “Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings”, are willing to share insights from on-going research work on some best practice leading NZEB residential buildings. Although there is no standard approach for designing a Net Zero-Energy Building (there are many different possible combinations of passive and efficient active measures, utility equipment and on-site energy generation technologies able to achieve the net-zero energy performance), a close examination of the chosen strategies and the relative performance indicators of the selected case studies reveal that it is possible to achieve zero-energy performance using well known strategies adjusted so as to balance climate driven-demand for space heating/cooling, lighting, ventilation and other energy uses with climate-driven supply from renewable energy resources.

Details

Open House International, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2021

Mahdi Valitabar, Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad, Henry Skates and Peiman Pilechiha

The aim of this paper is to present a parametric design method to generate optimum adaptive facades regarding occupants' comfort and building energy criteria. According to the…

579

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a parametric design method to generate optimum adaptive facades regarding occupants' comfort and building energy criteria. According to the literature review, the following questions have arisen to address the research gaps: Is it possible to have the outside view throughout the whole year without discomfort glare by utilising adaptive solar facades (ASFs)? How can architects integrate both view quality and quantity into ASF design? What is the impact of dynamic vertical shading systems mounted on south facades on the outside view, occupants' visual comfort and operational energy? How can we evaluate the view quantity through multi-layer shading systems?

Design/methodology/approach

In recent years, there is a surge in demand for fully glazed buildings, motivating both architects and scholars to explore novel ideas for designing adaptive solar facades. Nevertheless, the view performance of such systems has not been fully explored especially when it comes to the effect of dynamic vertical shading systems mounted on south facades. This fact clarifies the need to conduct more research in this field by taking into account the window view and natural light. Consequently, a simulation research is carried out to investigate the impact of a dynamic shading system with three vertical slats used on the south facade of a single office room located in Tehran, on both view quality and quantity, visual comfort and operational energy. The research attempts to reach a balance between the occupant's requirements and building energy criteria through a multi-objective optimisation. The distinctive feature of the proposed method is generating some optimum shading which could only cover the essential parts of the window area. It was detected from the simulation results that the usage of a dynamic vertical shading system with multi slats for south facades compared to common Venetian blinds can firstly, provide four times more view quantity. Secondly, the view quality is significantly improved through enabling occupants to enjoy the sky layer the entire year. Finally, twice more operational energy can be saved while more natural light can enter the indoor environment without glare. The final outcome of this research contributes toward designing high-performance adaptive solar facades.

Findings

This paper proposes a new metric to evaluate the view quantity through a multi-layer shading system. The proposed method makes it clear that the usage of dynamic vertical shading systems with multi-layers mounted on south facades can bring many benefits to both occupants and building energy criteria. The proposed method could (1) provide four times more view quantity; (2) improve view quality by enabling occupants to watch the sky layer throughout the whole year; (3) slash the operational energy by twice; (4) keep the daylight glare probability (DGP) value in the imperceptible range.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations that should be acknowledged are ignoring the impact of the adjacent building on sunlight reflection, which could cause discomfort glare issues. Another point regarding the limitations of the proposed optimisation method is the impact of vertical shading systems on users' visual interests. A field study ought to be conducted to determine which one could provide the more desirable outside view: a vertical or horizontal the view. Research on the view performance of ASFs, especially their impact on the quality of view, is sorely lacking.

Originality/value

This paper (1) analyses the performance of dynamic vertical shadings on south facades; (2) evaluates outside view through multi-layer shading systems; and (3) integrates both view quality and quantity into designing adaptive solar facades.

Details

Open House International, vol. 46 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Richard Jaffu

The study determined the role of personal values in doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) students’ academic success in Tanzania. Specifically, it looked into the influence of openness to…

70

Abstract

Purpose

The study determined the role of personal values in doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) students’ academic success in Tanzania. Specifically, it looked into the influence of openness to change values, self-enhancement values and conservation values on Ph.D. students’ academic success.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, in which 200 Ph.D. students from Tanzanian universities were involved by responding to a questionnaire. The relationship between the variables was determined by using structural equation modeling, and testing of the measurement model was done by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The results indicate that personal values influence Ph.D. students’ academic success. Particularly, openness to change values have an ß value of 0.209 and p value of < 0.001, self-enhancement values have an ß of 0.173 and p-value of < 0.001 and conservation values have ß of 0.339 and p-value of < 0.001.

Practical implications

In the quest to improve Ph.D. students’ academic success, universities and Ph.D. students should foster openness to change values, self-enhancement values and conservation values in Ph.D. students.

Originality/value

The results of this study extend the use of the Schwartz theory of basic human values in explaining the academic success of Ph.D. students in Tanzanian universities. Past studies that applied this theory were based on secondary school and college students. Moreover, based on the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the early studies to systematically look into the role of personal values on Ph.D. students’ academic success. Thus, the study contributes to the existing literature on personal values and academic success because previous studies on this subject could not examine Ph.D. students’ success in isolation.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

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Article
Publication date: 27 March 2008

P.J. Coelho and D. Aelenei

This paper sets out to implement bounded high‐order (HO) resolution schemes in a hybrid finite volume/finite element method for the solution of the radiative transfer equation.

311

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to implement bounded high‐order (HO) resolution schemes in a hybrid finite volume/finite element method for the solution of the radiative transfer equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid finite volume/finite element method had formerly been developed using the step scheme, which is only first‐order accurate, for the spatial discretization. Here, several bounded HO resolution schemes, namely the MINMOD, CLAM, MUSCL and SMART schemes, formulated using the normalized variable diagram, were implemented using the deferred correction procedure.

Findings

The results obtained reveal an interaction between spatial and angular discretization errors, and show that the HO resolution schemes yield improved accuracy over the step scheme if the angular discretization error is small.

Research limitations/implications

Although the HO resolution schemes reduce the spatial discretization error, they do not influence the angular discretization error. Therefore, the global error is only reduced if the angular discretization error is also small.

Practical implications

The use of HO resolution schemes is only effective if the angular refinement yields low‐angular discretization errors. Moreover, spatial and angular refinement should be carried out simultaneously.

Originality/value

The paper extends a methodology formerly developed in computational fluid dynamics, and aimed at the improvement of the solution accuracy, to the hybrid finite volume/finite element method for the solution of the radiative transfer equation.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2020

Md. Jewel Rana, Md. Rakibul Hasan, Md. Habibur Rahman Sobuz and Norsuzailina Mohamed Sutan

This study investigates the impact and economic viability of energy-efficient building envelope and orientation for contributing net zero energy building (NZEB) and suggests…

481

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact and economic viability of energy-efficient building envelope and orientation for contributing net zero energy building (NZEB) and suggests optimum thermal insulation thickness, optimum wall thickness, appropriate orientation and glazing types of window in the contexts of unique Bangladeshi subtropical monsoon climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The whole study was conducted through energy simulation perspective of an existing office building using building information modeling (BIM) and building energy modeling (BEM) tools which are Autodesk Revit 2017, Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS) and eQUEST. Numerous simulation patterns were created for energy simulation considering building envelope parameters and orientations. A comprehensive data analysis of simulation results was conducted to sort out efficient passive design strategies.

Findings

The optimum thermal mass and thermal insulation thickness are 6.5 and 0.5 inches, respectively, considering energy performance and economic viability. This study highly recommends that a building should be designed with a small window-to-wall ratio in the south and west face. The window should be constructed with double glazing Low-E materials to reduce solar heat gain. The studied building saves 9.14% annual energy consumption by incorporating the suggested passive design strategies of this study.

Originality/value

The output of this work can add some new energy-efficient design strategies to Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) because BNBC has not suggested any codes or regulations regarding energy-efficient passive design strategies. It will also be useful to designers of Bangladesh and other countries with similar subtropical climatic contexts which are located in Southeast Asia and Northern Hemisphere of Earth.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 27 March 2008

Arnaud G. Malan and Josua P. Meyer

481

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 4 August 2021

Carmen Marina Garcia-Falcon, Tomas Gil-Lopez, Amparo Verdu-Vazquez and Julia Claudia Mirza-Rosca

This paper aims to analyze the corrosion behavior in Ringer solution of six commercially used Ni-based alloys that are present and commonly used as metallic biomaterials.

119

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the corrosion behavior in Ringer solution of six commercially used Ni-based alloys that are present and commonly used as metallic biomaterials.

Design/methodology/approach

The specimens were received in the form of cylindrical ingots and were cut to get five samples of each brand with a cylindrical shape of 2 mm height to conduct the study. In this scientific research, the following techniques were used: open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization studies, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The study findings revealed the passivation tendency of the different specimens. Additionally, when the materials were compared, it was discovered that the decisive factor for high corrosion resistance was the chromium concentration. However, with similar chromium content, the stronger concentration in molybdenum increased the resistance. According to the results obtained in this investigation, the biological safety of the dental materials studied in Ringer solution was considered very high for specimens 1 and 2, and adequate for the other samples.

Originality/value

Metal alloys used as biomaterials in contact with the human body should be deeply investigated to make sure they are biocompatible and do not cause any harm. The corrosion resistance of an alloy is the most important characteristic for its biological safety, as all problems arise because of the corrosion process. There is scarce investigation in these Ni-based dental biomaterials, and none found in these commercially used dental materials in Ringer solution.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 16 February 2022

Thanos N. Stasinopoulos

The objective is to provide a quantitative insight on the dynamic nature of insolation on the building perimeter according to location, season and orientation. Such understanding…

173

Abstract

Purpose

The objective is to provide a quantitative insight on the dynamic nature of insolation on the building perimeter according to location, season and orientation. Such understanding is necessary for deciding on solar control strategies in diverse climatic environments, from low to high availability of insolation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the seasonal changes of solar irradiation on building façades of various orientations at five locations with diverse climates (Reykjavík, London, Athens, Riyadh, Lagos). Solar data collected from the European PVGIS database is used to study the monthly distribution of global solar radiation incident on building façades at cardinal and ordinal orientations, as well as the proportions of its components.

Findings

The results illuminate the effects of the various factors on insolation. Among others: In all locations, horizontal surfaces receive more annual irradiation than any façade. In summer, east/west facades receive more radiation than south, hence solar protection on those directions is more important than on south. The beam fraction varies seasonally on south and north facades, but not so on east/west. Local atmospheric conditions can offset the importance of latitude on insolation levels and composition.

Originality/value

The paper utilises commonly available data to correlate insolation values and types under different factors across the globe, offering a better understanding on insolation for the design of greener buildings.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 30 May 2019

Sarah O’Connell, Glenn Reynders, Federico Seri, Raymond Sterling and Marcus M. Keane

The purpose of this paper is to standardised four-step flexibility assessment methodology for evaluating the available electrical load reduction or increase a building can provide…

489

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to standardised four-step flexibility assessment methodology for evaluating the available electrical load reduction or increase a building can provide in response to a signal from an aggregator or grid operator.

Design/methodology/approach

The four steps in the methodology consist of Step 1: systems, loads, storage and generation identification; Step 2: flexibility characterisation; Step 3: scenario modelling; and Step 4: key performance indicator (KPI) label.

Findings

A detailed case study for one building, validated through on-site experiments, verified the feasibility and accuracy of the approach.

Research limitations/implications

The results were benchmarked against available demonstration studies but could benefit from the future development of standardised benchmarks.

Practical implications

The ease of implementation enables building operators to quickly and cost effectively evaluate the flexibility of their building. By clearly defining the flexibility range, the KPI label enables contract negotiation between stakeholders for demand side services. It may also be applicable as a smart readiness indicator.

Social implications

The novel KPI label has the capability to operationalise the concept of building flexibility to a wider spectrum of society, enabling smart grid demand response roll-out to residential and small commercial customers.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for an early stage flexibility assessment which explicitly includes source selection that can be implemented in an offline manner without the need for extensive real-time data acquisition, ICT platforms or additional metre and sensor installations.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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