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Abstract The physiological factors like the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) of individuals have seen to affect the thermal comfort of occupants in indoor environment. However, very few studies aimed at determining the effect of these physiological factors on the factors of thermal comfort were conducted, especially in India. In this paper, the results of the field survey based thermal comfort with the objectives of studying the effect of these physiological factors on the thermal comfort factors of clothing insulation, thermal sensation votes, comfort temperature and preferred temperature of the subjects are presented. The mean clothing insulation for female subjects was lower (0.83 clo), than that for male subjects (0.87 clo), while the mean clo for senior subjects (0.94) was higher than mid aged (0.86) and young aged (0.85), respectively. A lower comfort temperature for the male subjects (11.1–35.7°C) than for the female subjects (11.5–36.1°C) was noted. Similarly the mean comfort temperature was seen to be higher in younger subjects (20.4°C), than mid-aged subjects (17.5°C) and senior aged subjects (16.7°C), respectively. Likewise, the underweight subjects had a higher comfort temperature (mean 22.8°C) than normal (mean 20.9°C), overweight (20.3°C) and obese subjects (mean 19.7°C), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the relationship between energy poverty and economic development in India and its trend over a decade. For this purpose, we estimate a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) and an index of development at the district level using household level data. Empirical results show that energy poverty is quite extensive in India with substantial variations across the states and districts. Over the years, energy poverty shows a declining trend at all-India level, but with the exception of few bigger and less developed states. Further, the study records a negative relationship between economic development and energy poverty, the strength of relationship has increased during the study period. Among the components of economic development, education has a greater impact on reducing energy poverty compared with income. The study observes that energy poverty and socio-economic backwardness in India are highly correlated; Dalits and Adivasis have higher energy poverty and a lower rate in the reduction of energy poverty in comparison with the national average. Energy poverty is lower in urban India in comparison with rural India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A lecture theatre with dimension 16m×8.4m×3.6m located at Roorkee (28.58°N, 77.20°E) in the northern region of India, is selected to calculate the monthly and annual cooling load (kWh) and cooling capacity of air conditioning system by a computer simulation. The paper also presents the results of a study investigating the effect of different glazing systems on windows and the reduction in building cooling load. DesignBuilder software has been used for the computer simulation for calculating the cooling load. The paper aims to investigate the reduction in thermal gains and cooling load requirements by varying the U-values of different glazing types, insulating the ceiling, providing cool roofs, interior and exterior insulation on walls, and replacing the conventional fluorescent tube lamp (FTL) by energy efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Installation of false ceiling, wall insulation, different glazing types and lighting systems are cost effective with normalized annual saving ranging from 17% to 19.8% from this retrofitting project. Furthermore, the study also highlights the potential of reducing the emission of CO2 and equivalent carbon credit. Retrofitting techniques strongly influence the level of energy saving, although the payback period is generally quite long of order 8years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal comfort studies on traditional residential buildings of Kerala that is known for its use of natural and passive methods for a comfortable indoor environment, are under progress. Scientific analyses of the environmental parameters determining thermal comfort have already been reported. Similar studies on modern residential buildings are underway. In order to compare the results of the scientific analysis with the user responses from the residents of traditional as well as modern residential buildings, a questionnaire survey was conducted during various seasons such as winter, summer and monsoon. A questionnaire was prepared in detail to understand the effect of factors which affect thermal comfort such as temperature, humidity and air flow in the evaluation of thermal comfort. This paper is based on the compilation of responses from the conducted survey. A comparison of the study results with that of scientific analysis already reported is also incorporated at the end of this paper. This study further confirms that Kerala traditional residential buildings are very effective in providing comfortable indoor environment irrespective of various seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is running 11% peak demand as well as short of electrical energy which is the cause of poor grid availability at many sits in India. This motivates the consumer to install their own captive power plant in the building to improve reliability of electricity building. The photovoltaic system cost is rapidly decreasing day by day as well as it is the pollution free source of electricity it is popularity choice of residential consumers. The electronics loads (DC appliances) are increasing in the building. The PV system is also a source of DC power. Therefore, the integration of the DC appliances as well as PV system to the traditional AC distribution system forced to introduce the DC–AC and AC–DC converters at the PV system and appliances. Which decrease the system efficiency, reliability and system capital cost. In this paper, the comparison analysis of the distribution structures (i) Traditional system: AC distribution system with AC compatible appliances (conventional), (ii) Hybrid system: AC distribution system with DC compatible a appliances (high efficient) and (iii) DC system: DC distribution system with DC compatible appliances. The simulation results of this study shows that DC system in the building shows high efficiency and small capital cost as compared to the traditional as well as hybrid system. It is also need small number of AC–DC–sAC conversion stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to WHO (World Health Organization) data, people spend at least 80% of their lives indoors, with the percentage rising to 95% for older people with mobility impairments. Creating a thermally comfortable indoor environment is essential for improving users' productivity and well-being, particularly for those who spend maximum time indoors, such as elderly people. India's ageing population is increasing significantly; however, there is lack of studies in the field of thermal comfort for the elderly. The main aim of this paper is to determine the thermal comfort range of elderly people in residences of warm and humid climates during summers in India and to find out the adaptive actions opted by the elderly population to achieve thermal comfort. 740 responses were collected from elderly people through questionnaire surveys along with simultaneous field measurements during the summer. The linear regression analysis found the occupant's comfort temperature of 30 °C and the comfort range was found to be 28.5 °C- 31.5 °C, which was narrower than the younger people's thermal comfort studies at residences. The neutral temperature was higher for the male elderlies than the female elderlies, which was highly correlated with their clothing adjustments. The probit analysis revealed that 90% of the elderly felt comfortable when the operative temperature varied between 26.9 °C and 30.9 °C. Clothing adjustments and taking cold showers are the most preferred behavioural actions by the elderlies in summer, whereas changing the cooking time and tying up hair are the most preferred behavioural adaptations to overcome thermal discomfort for female elderlies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the performance of a solar assisted ground source heat pump (SAGSHP) system used for storage of solar energy in day time and space heating at night. Experiments were conducted to estimate the effectiveness of solar energy storage under the ground using a U-tube ground heat exchanger by absorbing solar energy from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and utilize the stored energy during space heating in the night time from 7 P.M. to 3 A.M.. Using the experimental data, heat absorbed by the solar collector, heat injected into the ground, heat extracted from the ground and COP of the system have been computed. Results indicate that heat absorption by the solar collector varied from 2.07 to 2.56 kW with increase in mass flow rate. Due to heat losses, only 1.991–2.414 kW of solar heat could be injected into the ground in the day time. Increase in mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid in the collector and ground heat exchanger has resulted in 21% increase in heat injection into the ground. Due to charging of ground, thermal energy of 2.8–3.2 times the work input to the solar collector could be extracted additionally from the ground in the night time for space heating. Charging of ground has resulted in 23% increase in the COP of the system for space heating in the night time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Community-led solar energy projects in India are analyzed using the grassroots innovation literature. • The status of community energy projects in the US, Europe and India and presented. • Three case studies, namely DURGA, Barefoot College and Rampura solar project, are reviewed. • Case studies are consistent with social justice concerns, such as participation, equitable distribution of benefits and recognition of marginal communities. Sustainable technologies for social mobilization and community empowerment are contemporary phenomena of grassroots innovation movements. The origins of the grassroots innovations appear in the appropriate technology movement of the 1970s, the People's Science Movement of the 1980s, and more recently, the Social Movement Organization as seen in the cases of the Honey Bee Network in India and the Social Technology Network in Brazil. This paper articulates the community energy movement in India in the framework of 'grassroots innovations for sustainability'. The paper presents three fine case studies of off-grid community energy initiatives namely, the Dungarpur Renewable Energy Technologies Private Limited, (DURGA), the Barefoot College and the Rampura Community Solar Power Plant (CSPP). The case studies represent three different kind of business models of community energy projects – a private limited company, a market-based model and a village energy committee (VEC) model. Therefore, they are representative of different grassroots innovations in off-grid energy projects. The case studies exemplify how off-grid community energy projects may manifest an embedded character of the grassroots innovations and address energy poverty and social justice concerns, such as community participation, equitable distribution of benefits, representation of marginalized communities. The case studies also demonstrate that the grassroots innovations in off-grid energy projects may enhance social mobilization, community empowerment and sustainability. To conclude, the findings of this research show that grassroots innovations in technology and sustainable development are consistent with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical countries such as India, increasing the roof albedo helps to reduce the heat ingress through the roof. This further reduces air-conditioning energy consumption in conditioned buildings and increases comfort in unconditioned buildings. In order to help users determine the benefits of high albedo roofs under varying conditions, a simple calculator has been developed. Parameters such as location, building type, roof area, and surface properties of the roof are taken as inputs. Annual EnergyPlus simulations are performed for the given parameters and the results are displayed in both graphical and tabular formats. It also calculates the simple payback by comparing a given base case roof albedo with the proposed roof albedo. The calculator can perform comfort simulations for unconditioned buildings and simulates measures including a radiant barrier system and under deck roof insulation. The calculator also runs a parametric simulation between insulation thickness and roof albedo to find an optimum roof insulation thickness based on incremental internal rate of return. This paper presents the features of the cool roof calculator and the type of analysis that can be performed using the cached results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents life cycle energy (LCE) analysis of different types of residential buildings (one storey, two storey, and duplex and multi storey) in Indian context. A total of 10 houses’ designs were examined with energy saving features, e.g. thermal insulation on wall and roof, double pane glass for windows. One of these buildings was further examined to assess LCE performance with on-site power generation. Dynamic energy simulation tools DesignBuilder, e-Quest and EnergyPlus were used to assess energy performance of the buildings. LCE of the buildings is varying from 240 to 380kWh/m2 year depending on the type (envelope) of the building and climatic conditions. LCE savings of about 5–30% are observed with thermal insulation on wall and roof along with double pane glass for windows. It is found that net zero operating energy building can be achieved by on-site power generation from PV and wind turbine. LCE of the building for net zero operating energy is evaluated to be 71.24kWh/m2 year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides a summary of an energy benchmarking study that uses performance data of a sample of Information Technology facilities in Bangalore. Information provided by the sample of occupiers was used to develop an Energy Performance Index (EPI) and an Annual Average hourly Energy Performance Index (AAhEPI), which takes into account the variations in operation hours and days for these facilities. The EPI and AAhEPI were modelled to identify the factors that influence energy efficiency. Employment density, size of facility, operating hours per week, type of chiller and age of facility were found to be significant factors in regression models with EPI and AAhEPI as dependent variables. Employment density, size of facility and operating hours per week were standardised and used in a separate regression analysis. Parameter estimates from this regression were used to normalize the EPI and AAhEPI for variance in the independent variables. Three benchmark ranges – the bottom third, middle third and top third – were developed for the two normalised indices. The normalised EPI and AAhEPI of LEED rated building, which were also part of the sample, indicate that, on average, LEED rated buildings outperform the other buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the modeling and analysis of a greenhouse-integrated power system consisting of solar photovoltaic panels, electrolyzer bank and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks. Electric power is generated in an array of solar photovoltaic modules. Excess energy after meeting the requirements of the greenhouse during peak sunshine hours, is supplied to an electrolyzer bank to generate hydrogen gas, which is consumed by the PEM fuel cell stack to support the power requirement during the energy deficit hours. The predicted performance of the integrated system is presented for different climatic conditions, for a given location (Kolkata) in the Indian subcontinent. The study reveals that 51 solar photovoltaic modules each of 75W p along with a 3.3kW electrolyzer and 2 PEM fuel cell stacks, each of 480W, can support the energy requirement of a 90m2 floriculture greenhouse with fan-pad ventilated system. The study shows that this integrated power system provides a viable option for powering stand-alone greenhouses in a self-sustained manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Building energy use in India is rising phenomenally. Indian codes prescribe a very narrow comfort temperature range (23–26°C) for summer. Ventilation controls alone consume 47% of total energy in residences. Thermal comfort field studies in Indian residences were not attempted. The author conducted a field study in apartments in Hyderabad, in summer and monsoon seasons in 2008. This paper presents the occupants’ methods of environmental and behavioural adaptation and impediments in using controls. Only about 40% of the occupants were comfortable in summer due to inadequate adaptive opportunities. The comfort range obtained in this study (26.0–32.5°C), was way above the standard. Fanger''s PMV always overestimated the actual sensation. The occupants used many adaptation methods: the environmental controls, clothing, metabolism and many behavioural actions. Use of fans, air coolers and A/cs increased with temperature, and was impeded by their poor efficacy and noise, occupant''s attitudes and economic affordability. A/c and air cooler usage was higher in top floors. Behavioural adaptation was better in summer and was restricted in higher economic groups always. Thermal tolerance was limited in subjects using A/cs and resulted in “thermal indulgence”. This study calls for special adaptation methods for top-floor flats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Performance analysis of earth air heat exchanger has been done in Lower Himalayan Region. • Air outlet temperature decreases with increase in pipe length during summers and vice-versa for winters. • The maximum average cooling and heating potential is 14.81 kWh & 27.7 kWh. Energy demand in India at present is fulfilled by non-renewable sources despite the prime geographical location of some states. Geothermal energy is the renewable energy within the earth's interior will be used for various purposes. In this paper, an attempt has been made to use the renewable source of energy for sustainable development. The thermal performance of earth to air tunnel heat exchanger for passive winter preheating and summer cooling has been evaluated. The effect of an operating parameter such as pipe/tube material, soil thermal conductivity and air velocity on the thermal performance of earth to air heat exchanger (GEAHE) to be used in Lower Himalayan Region has been analyzed. The results indicate that the exit temperature drops with an increase in underground pipe/tube length during summers and decreases during winters. However, the mean efficiency increases with increase in underground pipe/tube length. Maximum efficiency of 85.6% and 87.7% is achieved during summer and winter respectively at an air velocity of 0.5 m/s for an underground pipe of 60 m length. Also, the maximum average cooling potential is 14.81 kWh during summer for earth air tunnel heat exchanger at underground pipe length of 60 m and at a velocity of 0.5 m/s. Similarly, the maximum average heating potential is 27.7 kWh during winter for same operating parameters; which is higher as compared to summers. Thus the results indicate that earth air tunnel heat exchanger is more effective during winter in Lower Himalayan Region. The results demonstrate that geothermal energy stored in a Lower Himalayan Region of India can be a driving force for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use of GFRG building technology promotes the concept of industrial symbiosis. • Reduction in initial embodied energy due to GFRG building technology is determined. • Benefits of GFRG technology include savings on materials, time and manpower needs. • Significant reduction in self-weight of GFRG buildings and its related advantages. The present situation vis-á-vis increased energy use and environmental emissions has urged the building sector to contribute more towards sustainable construction. This is possible only through appropriate choice of building materials and technologies that minimize the environmental impacts. Nevertheless, the adoption of the same need to necessarily satisfy the user in terms of aesthetics, utility and cost. This paper presents the comparison of embodied energy of a two-storey residential building, made using, i) GFRG (glass fibre reinforced gypsum), and, ii) load-bearing brick masonry, building technologies. GFRG technology uses load-bearing walls and slabs that are manufactured using gypsum waste, and consumes reduced quantity of reinforced concrete in comparison with conventional construction. It has been found in this study that the embodied energy related to building materials of the GFRG building is 16% less, and that associated with transport of resources is twice, compared to the conventional brick masonry building. The major advantages of the GFRG building construction are found to be about – reduction in structural weight and construction cost, – savings in construction time and – savings in total man power requirement for construction. Further, the use of cement, steel rebar and sand is reduced by 25%, 36% and 44% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing units of around 20 million need to be constructed in India by 2022. One key challenge for government and industry is high demand for sustainable and affordable housing. This paper introduces the results of an industry focus group meeting with Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) and industrial associates, regarding needs for housing construction, novel products design and service life increase. Results show that present design methods for buildings and structures in India need improvement, from a whole life energy use perspective at a material and system level, service life improvement and real monitoring of buildings and structures. More than 50% of respondents are not happy with the existing buildings design codes as they do not help on energy use minimisation. Materials inefficiency in design, disconnection with real operational use and lack of durability tend to increase with high construction speed. It is highlighted that many of the technologies are not proven in local environments which is inhibiting their use, including reusing of blended ashes from agro-industry waste. Almost 240 million tonnes of CO 2 eq are emitted per year by Indian agricultural industry, which justify their re-use. Precast components are highlighted as a suitable solution in modular housing construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conducted ASHRAE class II Protocol based thermal comfort field survey studies in 10 different buildings in 5 neighboring locations experiencing two different climatic region, i.e. Hot and humid climate and Cold climate. • Clothing Insulation was significantly higher in cold climatic region than in hot and humid region. • Comfort temperature in cold climatic region was significantly lower than that in hot and humid region. • Variation of proportion of use of fans is provided by a logistic regression equation. • Variation of proportion of wearing of warm clothing is provided by a logistic regression equation. Thermal comfort standards determine the sustainability and comfort in buildings. In order to determine the comfort conditions in the real environment and to include the adaptability of the subjects, numerous field survey-based comfort studies were conducted across the globe. Apart from the four environmental factors and two personal factors that affect thermal comfort, several interpersonal and non-thermal factors affect adaptation. However, previous studies reported from different climatic conditions also had their subjects as different natives, thus involving subjects with different interpersonal factors altogether. In this paper, we present the results of a cross-sectional thermal comfort study conducted with 436 subjects having close interpersonal factors, i.e. similar group of people in close geography but separated by two different climates, i.e. hot and humid type and cold type. Clothing insulation was significantly higher in cold climatic region than in the hot and humid region, while comfort temperature was significantly lower in the cold climate than in the hot and humid region. Compared to the published reports, the comfort temperatures varied widely: 18.4 °C to 36.1 °C in the hot and humid region and 11.1 °C to 30.1 °C in the cold climate region. We present a logistic regression model to predict the probability of fans running in the hot and humid region given the temperature variation. Also, presented is the probability of wearing warm clothing with plummeting temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]