jtire
Abstract : Form follows Zero Energy: Technological Design for Sustainable Housing in Extreme Climate Areas
|
|
|
Abstract: Hot and humid Extreme Climate Areas, like the United Arab Emirates, pose unique challenges for architects and engineers seeking innovative technologies for energy and environmental efficient building designs; at the same time, these regions are characterized by an innovative spirit that pushes to develop and implement projects to test renewable building technologies and solutions. The research team, which includes the Engineering faculty of The British University in Dubai, is working to develop design strategies that contribute to implementing low-energy and off-grid architecture in the UAE. The goal is to design a home balancing human comfort and efficient energy use, and to respond to the site’s climatic and contextual variables. The research aims to design a water-conserving, net-zero energy single-family home that can be used as a prototype for new building developments in this area. The approach developed toward an energy-efficient design process includes both traditional bioclimatic elements and high-performance active technological systems. The experimental design process also aims to reduce the building’s environmental impact while creating a comfortable and responsive living environment. In this way, efficient water use and renewable energy features can be aesthetically, economically and culturally integrated into the home’s architecture to improve its residents' quality of life. The house design responds to the climate challenges and complements active systems reducing energy use and associated carbon emissions. At the same time, it aims to contribute to the development of appropriate architecture, a starting point for simple architectural expression in the UAE. Keywords: Sustainable design, sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, on-site energy production, green energy, climatic resource, solar control, ventilation, passive cooling, natural elements, insulation. |
Abstract : Energy Efficiency of Low Quality Built Heritage: Methodological Reflections on Achieving the NZEB through a Case Study in the City of L'Aquila
|
|
|
Abstract: About the building heritage and, in particular, about the widespread heritage without historical or architectural quality, it currently opens a challenge in perpetual evolution. This is the integration of innovative technological solutions for building regeneration, which can help a qualitative improvement of the living spaces and the reduction of energy consumptions. Context factors, the intensity of precipitation, the different types of soil, and the amount of solar irradiation or wind speed are doubtless the main causes of the degradation of the existing buildings. On another way, through the control of climatic and biophysical parameters, the focus on the properties of materials and a careful design process, these variables can increase the use of renewable energy sources, becoming environmental resources to reduce energy consumption, to provide comfortable living spaces and aiming the realization of a Near Zero Energy Building. The paper proposes a reflection on the main methodological issues emerged in the hypothesis of intervention experimented on a case study in the city of L’Aquila. The building, located near the historical center of the city, is in direct relation with important pre-existences such as the Forte Spagnolo and the San Salvatore hospital. It is an example of possible regeneration of low quality building in which the additional use of new functional spaces can increase not only energy performances, but also an increase of architectural value of the building. Keywords: Low quality built heritage, bioclimatic parameters, building regeneration, energy efficiency, building envelope. |
Abstract : Effect of Reverse Bias on Dye-Sensitized Technology: Lessons for Application in PV-Integrated Textile Fabric Designs Useable in Wajir, Vihiga, Kitui and Kajiado Counties in Kenya
|
|
|
Abstract: This paper reports on the effect of reverse bias (RB) on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that were investigated outdoor in Wajir (1o44’50’’ North, 40o 4’ 8’’ East), Vihiga (35o0’ East, 0o15’ North), Kitui (3o 0’ South, 37o 50’ East) and Kajiado (360o 5’ East, 30o 0’ South) in Kenya. The DSSCs’ J-V characteristics, namely, Voc, Jsc, FF and η, were studied under varied RB potentials. This was achieved through partial, as well as complete shading of the DSSCs during their operation in the study sites, using a thick piece of black cloth, and measuring the obtaining J-V characteristics. Findings of the study reveal that subjecting the DSSC module that was investigated in Wajir to RB of between 1V and 4V triggered between 25.53% and 23.53% drop in the module’s efficiency (η), followed by its total breakdown thereafter. The modules studied in Vihiga, Kitui and Kajiado exhibited a similar trend, but with variations in η under the different RB regimes. The DSSCs’ breakdown under RB regimes of over half their voltage ratings could be attributed to the damaging of their dye constituents. These findings are important for context-informed DSSC dye choices, as well as DSSC-integrated designs that appeal to local cultural textile fabrics, like shawls, kanzu (long robes) and light coats that women and men dress in, respectively, in Wajir, and blankets that both men and women wrap around their shoulders in Kajiado, as well as in local architectures. The findings underscore the existence of vast prospects for localized industries that innovate in DSSC-integrated designs for local espousal. They could form foundations for programs that mentor people, especially children and youths at local levels to engage in climate change-mitigating enterprises. Keywords: Dye sensitized, shading, textile fabrics, architecture. |
Abstract : Carbon Black and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Supported Cobalt for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
|
|
|
Abstract: Carbon black (CB) and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) supported cobalt, namely, CoPc/CB and CoPc/MWCNTs, respectively, with different metal loads was synthesized and used as the cathode catalyst for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. The prepared catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The surface morphology analysis revealed heterogeneous cobalt distribution on the carbon support. Cyclic Voltammetry was also studied to investigate the best combination ratio. The results indicated that the electrochemically largest active surface area was observed when 30 and 40 wt% cobalt was combined with 70 wt% CB and 60 wt% MWCNTs, respectively. The anion exchange membrane fuel cell performance showed that both cathode catalysts exhibited the highest peak power density at 40 wt%t. Co load. The peak power density of 55 mW/cm2 at 0.4 volts was obtained using CoPc/CB. Meanwhile, the promising catalyst CoPc/MWCNTs only produced 35mW/cm2, which did not meet the expectation. According to some references, the alkaline fuel cell performance might be bothered by the acid residues, sulfates and nitrates produced by the MWCNT purification process. Keywords: Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon black, cobalt phthalocyanine, catalyst. |
