Abstract
The authors of each article included in this issue explain how their research is applicable to modern industrial practice.
Domestic heating with compact combination hybrids (gas boiler and heat pump): A simple English stock model of different heating system scenarios
G Bennett, S Watson, G Wilson and T Oreszczyn
Convenient, low-disruption heat decarbonization technology is crucial to the speed of deployment necessary to achieve net zero. This article defines the size of HP necessary to achieve rapid low-disruption impact and distinguishes the types of compact hybrid which can deliver the highest decarbonization impact while minimizing in-house disruption and the electrical grid impact.
A multi-objective optimization operation strategy for ice-storage air-conditioning system based on improved firefly algorithm
X Zhou, J Yu, W Zhang, A Zhao and M Zhou
The optimized operation strategy of the ice-storage air-conditioning system can reduce energy loss and operating costs. The traditional operation strategies have the problems of low optimization precision and poor optimization effect. Therefore, this study presents an optimal operation strategy based on IFA. The convergence accuracy and stability of the algorithm are increased after the algorithm is improved. The operation strategy can get the maximum energy-saving effect and economic benefit of the ISAC system.
Energy, exergy and economic assessments of the dual-mode evaporative cooler for various international climate zones
S Kashyap, J Sarkar and A Kumar
This article considers the application of a dual-mode evaporative cooler (direct as well as regenerative mode) in different climate zones, and through investigating the exergy and economic performances, allows designers and operators to understand the potential benefits of employing various operating modes in particular climates.
Implementation of new high-rise building staircase pressure differential system improvements
D Brzezinska and M Fryda
Pressure differential systems (PDSs) for the staircases are playing an essential role in fire safety strategies for vertical escape routes. The actual state of the art demonstrates that an additional throttle of the leak implemented in the pressure differential system improves its effectiveness and allows it to be more precisely adjusted to the required overpressure on a tight staircase. The article describes tests of their application which could be a guideline for the PDS designers.
Field investigations on operational performance of a novel radiant floor heating equipment applied in a typical office building
G Qiao, Y Wang, H Yu, Y Li and C Guo
In this study, the practical application effect of a new type of water-passing floor is examined in cold regions to provide a design reference for engineering applications. Therefore, it is expected that the results will be helpful to researchers for indoor environments, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning engineers; system manufacturers; and those who want to analyse the operational performance of a radiant floor heating system.
Associations between indoor soundscapes, building services and window opening behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown
S Torresin, R Albatici, F Aletta, F Babich, T Oberman and J Kang
This paper focuses on the mutual interrelations between indoor soundscapes, building occupants, building services and window-opening behaviour. The knowledge derived provides initial insights into (1) criticalities in the design and operation of building services and (2) factors driving window opening behaviour. Notably, knowledge on the drivers of occupants’ interaction with windows is relevant for those practitioners and researchers modelling occupant behaviour in energy simulation programmes as this can affect indoor air quality, thermal conditions and cause gaps between the predicted and the actual energy performance of buildings.
Measuring and modeling moisture environment in underground metro stations during commissioning stage: A case study
Y Yu, S You, H Zhang, T Ye, Y Wang, C Tang and S Wei
This article analysed the moisture environment of the underground metro stations in the commissioning phase and conducted a numerical approach to assess the condensation risk. Potential dehumidification solutions including increasing the exhaust air volume and using industrial dehumidifiers have been proposed, and their effects have been investigated and compared. The authors hope that this research can aid the decision on dehumidification strategies for facilities maintenance and provide a guidance to further moisture control in underground stations.
Residential buildings with brain-computer interface functionality: An elevator case study
I Chatziparasidis and IK Sfampa
Many researchers are dealing with BCI systems that give the possibility to disabled people to control a variety of devices from wheelchairs to different home appliances, using the signals of their brain and forming a smart home services framework. This work comes to support this effort by presenting a case study, as a proof of concept, for an elevator BCI system that could be part of a complete ‘smart’ home BCI system. The presented experimental setup proves that elevators with BCI functionalities are practically feasible and in an affordable cost, and that they could be a significant element within a ‘smart’ residential building.