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With an increase of building energy consumption, the requirement of building energy conservation becomes a key importance of national energy development. It's not feasible to apply the traditional method to predict and analyze energy consumption in relics museums like the Emperor Qin's Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum at Xi’an City, China, due to the particularities of soil and building structures. This paper uses commercial software DeST to analyze the building energy consumption by estimating building cooling and heating loads hourly. The single factor method is used to analyze the affection of load influential factors and the average unit change value and rate method is used to analyze the factor levels. The predicted results show that the simulated building possesses considerable energy saving potential. In addition, the significance of various loading impact factors is further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new method for modelling building energy performance based on a physical model to predict indoor environment and energy consumption by selecting best match parameters and variables. The innovative aspect is the introduction of an open and closed loop dynamics approach to explicitly presenting the complex behaviour and relationships between building indoor environment and energy consumption over time under uncertainty and disturbances and to simultaneously tracking the evolution of the complex lag-lead relationships between heating system and the building in order to keep the parameters and variables to the minimum. The model system is solved for an approximate analytical solution including physical and generalized parameters calibrated by measurements. Singular value decomposition model reduction technique is also applied to determine the model variables for the best approximation using lower dimensions. The approach is illustrated and validated with a case study of a swimming hall. A two-stage validation shows excellent agreements between the measurements and model (R 2 >0.9). The developed model is simple, accurate and straightforward that can serve the need in prediction and control in a wide variety of building applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development is an important and strategic priority for global nations which requires simultaneously satisfying multiple conflicting objectives involving social, economic, energy, and environmental constraints. Multi-criteria decision analysis using a goal programming approach, is a popular and widely used technique to study real world problems involving conflicting objectives due to modelling simplicity and elegance. In this paper we propose a goal programming model that integrates efficient allocation of labour resources to achieve sustainability objectives relating to economic, energy and environmental goals of the United Arab Emirates by the year 2030. The proposed solution provides mathematical and economic justification with critical insights to prioritize areas for strategic planning and resource allocation to develop and implement amenable strategies for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions of global warming gases continue to rise as the world burns ever more coal, oil and gas for energy. The study investigates the nexus between carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emission per capita and economic growth of energy consumption in over the period 1990-2100. To evaluate the impact of CO 2 emission on relative variables, this study verifies that there are positive long-run relationship among CO 2 emissions, Electric power consumption and Energy use. This paper also proves bi-directional causality between CO 2 emission and electric power consumption (modeling the impact of CO 2 emission on output especially in Algeria). The policy makers may evaluate exogenous effect to seeking economic growth for global climate warming and to formulate energy policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure in liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank continues to increase due to the heat transfer from ambient air to low temperature LNG, which raises safety concerns. This research numerically analyzed the energy consumption of the re-liquefaction of BOG using the following four approaches: 1) a Claude cycle driven by electrical motor with the electricity produced by burning coal; 2) a Brayton cycle driven by a gas turbine fuelled by BOG released; 3) a Claude cycle driven by a SI engine fuelled by BOG; 4) using liquefied nitrogen produced in industry. With the efficiencies of the power system derived from industry data, the energy consumed of the re-liquefaction process was explored. The impact of heat transfer coefficient, LNG tank configuration, size, and percentage of LNG stored in tank on the rate of BOG and energy needed for the re-liquefaction of methane vapor were investigated. The primary energy ratio (PER), defined as the ratio of the energy recovered to the energy consumed, was examined and compared. The highest PER was observed using the Claude cycle driven by internal combustion engine fueled with BOG while the lowest PER was observed when BOG was cooled using liquefied nitrogen approach. The data presented in this paper provides the guideline for the management of pressure development in LNG storage tank and the design of accessory LNG storage system capable of re-liquefying the BOG gas to LNG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of energy consumption (EC), fiscal deficit (FD) & gross domestic product (GDP) on public health expenditure (PHE) in the country. The data for this study is taken for the time period 1971-2011. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) has been used to test for presence of cointegration among the variables while vector error correction model (VECM) has been employed to determine the direction of causality. The results reveal the presence of long run causal relationship between EC, FD & GDP and PHE while in the short run; only GDP was found to be significantly causally related to health expenditure. There are clear policy implications of our results. There has to be a reduction in the energy that we import from abroad as lot of our revenue goes into these imports. Similarly, the government will have to move towards deregulating the oil price regime and better targeting of subsidies to reduce the burden on the fiscal situation of the country. Also, the indigenous non-renewable resources should be developed as substitutes for oil. These steps will save government finances that can be invested in improving the situation of healthcare in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increase of building energy consumption, the requirement of building energy conservation becomes a key importance of national energy development. It's not feasible to apply the traditional method to predict and analyze energy consumption in relics museums like the Emperor Qin's Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum at Xi’an City, China, due to the particularities of soil and building structures. This paper uses commercial software DeST to analyze the building energy consumption by estimating building cooling and heating loads hourly. The single factor method is used to analyze the affection of load influential factors and the average unit change value and rate method is used to analyze the factor levels. The predicted results show that the simulated building possesses considerable energy saving potential. In addition, the significance of various loading impact factors is further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new method for modelling building energy performance based on a physical model to predict indoor environment and energy consumption by selecting best match parameters and variables. The innovative aspect is the introduction of an open and closed loop dynamics approach to explicitly presenting the complex behaviour and relationships between building indoor environment and energy consumption over time under uncertainty and disturbances and to simultaneously tracking the evolution of the complex lag-lead relationships between heating system and the building in order to keep the parameters and variables to the minimum. The model system is solved for an approximate analytical solution including physical and generalized parameters calibrated by measurements. Singular value decomposition model reduction technique is also applied to determine the model variables for the best approximation using lower dimensions. The approach is illustrated and validated with a case study of a swimming hall. A two-stage validation shows excellent agreements between the measurements and model (R 2 >0.9). The developed model is simple, accurate and straightforward that can serve the need in prediction and control in a wide variety of building applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free cooling is one of the most potential ways of reducing the energy consumption of data centers. Thermosyphon has superior heat transferability thus it is suitable for application in free cooling. However, a separate thermosyphon free cooling system usually cannot provide sufficient cooling capacity in warm seasons. In order to overcome this weakness and avoid two sets of equipment, hybrid system of thermosyphon free cooling and vapor compression refrigeration for data centers has been developed by researchers. The cooling performance of this kind of system depends greatly on the climate outside therefore its applicability in different time and zones needs to be studied. In this paper, the climate data from five cities of different climate zones in China is collected. The performance model of the hybrid system is built up. Based on the climate data and performance model, the annual energy consumption is then calculated and compared with traditional air conditioner. The result shows that the energy-saving potential of the hybrid system varies in different climate zones, and when the mode switching temperature is relatively high, it is distinct in most climate zones of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fulfill people's comfort requirements in built environment, the temperature T , relative humidity φ and the concentration c i of pollutants in indoor air tend to be controlled by air handling system. Mixing of air of different states is inevitable in such systems. Although the irreversible loss due to the mixing processes lead to more energy consumption, it has not been identified and analysed well up to now. In this paper, a preliminary thermodynamics analysis of mixing loss for air handling process in indoor environment is presented. As illustrative example, energy consumptions of two different air handling processes (mixed and separated) are analysed and compared. The results indicate that it is better to handle the air independently because of respective higher COP of chiller for such process. This work is helpful for optimization of the design of air handling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low carbon development roadmap is an extremely important topic of fundamental research in China due to China's lack of energy resources, serious environment pollution, and huge greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. In this paper, an overview of energy supply and demand in Chongqing, and a summary of current social and economic development planning and energy policies were provided, as background to the implementation of Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) model of Chongqing. The LEAP model is used to compare future energy demand and supply patterns, as well as GHG emissions peak arriving. Results of scenarios featuring business-as-usual (BAU) policies, low carbon development (LCD) strategy, carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) pilot, and coal consumption controlling (CCC) action are provided and compared, along with sensitivity cases exploring the impacts of various scenario assumptions. Results show that, Chongqing's emission peak would arrive at nearly 2025 in BAU scenario; while keeping the carbon intensity of GDP reduction continuously, utilizing more clean energy, and implementing ETS could help Chongqing to achieve energy consumption and GHG emission more cost effective than BAU scenario. This study provides a quantitative, city-specific analysis of low carbon development roadmap, which can be used to support policymakers’ decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-assisted liquid desiccant air-conditioning system (SLDAC) has been considered as a promising application as traditional AC systems have many problems. In this paper, the operation performance of the SLDAC of a typical commercial building in Hong Kong was investigated, for evaluating the energy-saving potential. Combing the numerical model of individual component and inputting the weather data and load profile, the annual energy consumptions of SLDAC and traditional system could be obtained. The simulation results show that the electricity driven LDAC is not suitable for the commercial building due to the high energy demand in the regeneration. But, the solar-assisted system with thermal storage could provide promising energy saving potential. However, with the cooling tower as the only cooling source of the dehumidifier, the dehumidification capacity could not satisfy the requirement and only up to 12.5% of electricity consumption could be saved annually compared to traditional systems. Therefore, to improve the energy-saving potential, extra cooling source should be supplied for the application of SLDAC of buildings in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, housing construction has become a priority axis in the development policy in Chlef district (north-west of Algeria). However, the construction of these homes surely leads to a significant increase in energy consumption of this region. This makes the reduction of energy consumption in buildings is a major challenge. Space heating and cooling loads are the most post energy consumer. These loads can be reduced through many means; notable among them is the thermal insulation of the building envelope and use of solar energy.In this paper, the energetic performances of a solar combisystem providing both space heating and domestic hot water for a typical rural house located in Chlef district are analyzed. Two cases are investigated and their performances are compared. The first case considers the house in its current condition and the second case considers that the envelope house is well thermally insulated and single glazing windows are replaced by double glazing windows. Energy balances are established using Trnsys software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to demonstrate that fine bubble generators manufactured by spark erosion are more efficient that generators endowed with porous diffusers. Pressure losses experimentally established are presented and energy consumption needed for water oxygenation is calculated. The advantages of using fine bubble generators endowed with plates with nozzles manufactured by spark erosion are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is anticipated to play a major role in electricity generation in Algeria. This source of energy is considered as an opportunity and a lever for economic and social development, particularly through the establishment of wealth and job-creating industries. However, the use of solar PV in habitat is almost absent. In order to help decision-makers use solar energy in the building sector and implement policy packages that can deliver a deep path of energy consumption reductions and associated CO2 emissions mitigation from buildings, this paper discusses findings from technical simulations of grid-connected photovoltaic system supplying a home electricity load with backup electricity network in north-western of Algeria. From this point of view, this case can be generalized for northern Algeria houses and for worldwide sites which have the same sunning conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the results of building thermal simulation of office buildings in Jakarta, Indonesia are presented using the simulation and visualization tool of DesignBuilder, an Energy Plus based dynamic thermal simulation engine. The simulation results show that for new office design, building envelope optimization and utilizing high efficiency office equipment and HVAC system, the annual energy consumption decreased by 43%. For the renovated building, implementing task lighting will reduce the energy consumption by 25%. In addition, applying task lighting with scenario improving glazing material with increasing chiller's efficiency will give additional potential reduction of 30%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Domestic water heating in Australia conventionally uses electric resistance heating storage or gas fuelled water heaters. The Australian electricity supply has some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions factors in the world. Consequently, water heating is responsible for approximately 24 percent of residential sector greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. To assist households to move towards an energy efficient, low carbon future, a suite of market intervention programs to support solar hot water uptake have been introduced at both state and federal levels. These programs aim to improve the capacity of industry to deliver solar solutions, reduce the emissions intensity and net cost of household water heating, and increase the market share of the solar water heating sector. Incentives include: [•] Point of sale rebates and certificate-based programs for energy efficiency and renewable energy; [•] Regulations for new houses that encourage solar water heating installations; [•] Community awareness programs; and [•] Training programs for installers to ensure that tradespeople have the competencies to size systems and the skills to install them correctly. In some jurisdictions the incentive programs were performance-based, but in others a fixed rebate amount was available for all systems having performance above a minimum threshold. These programs have lead to the widespread expansion of the industry, with an almost doubling of the proportion of households with solar water heaters between 1999 and 2011. Installations in new homes have seen an even more marked increase: For example, regulations for new homes in the state of Victoria require the installation of a solar water heater or rainwater tank. This program has seen the adoption of solar water heaters in new homes increase fro m around 5% in 2004 to over 70% in 2011. Across most of Australia there are proposed regulations limiting the emissions intensity of replacement water heaters which will effectively ban resistance electric water heaters in most situations. Recently both South Australia and Queensland commenced their program for existing houses. It is expected that in the future these programs will drive an even greater uptake, which will go some way to insulating Australian households from price increases that may result from carbon driven future increases in the cost of energy. This paper discusses the various approaches and outcomes of the different programs and provides analysis of the basis of program success or improvements. Learning relevant to market interventions worldwide include [•] Continuity in program operation is necessary to allow industry to grow in a sustainable way. [•] Basing the incentive on independently derived performance results provides industry with a means of differentiating better products and provides purchasers with appropriate guidance. [•] Rebate program design should consider the consumer''s purchasing priorities. For example, a point of sale discount awarded as part of the purchase transaction aligns with the urgency of the purchasing process and does not require additional cash to be available from the purchaser. [•] Design of the schemes can not only produce a greater market share, but can also encourage the manufacture of lower greenhouse gas emissions products. [•] Market interventions can have unintended consequences, so the programs need to be monitored and flexibility maintained to changes to avoid poor outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper introduces the overview of China''s solar water heater industry. The share of non-pressurized compact SWHs is about 80%. Due to its low pressure-resistant, the thermal performance testing for non-pressurized SWHs is not as easy as the pressurized system. The pressure for the supplied water for the testing must be lower enough to ensure the tested SWH cannot be damaged. So, except the method identified in ISO 9459-2, China national standard introduces another way to test the thermal performance for the non-pressurized SWHs. It uses a pump to mix the water in the non- pressurized water tank, records the temperature at the beginning and the end of the test, and calculates the heat gain under the daily irradiation. This test method is much closer to the real using situation for these SWHs. In 2012, China will issue a new national standard for solar water heaters Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for domestic solar water heating systems. This standard requires all products sold in China should be labeled with the energy efficiency grade. The energy efficiency grade is calculated with the value obtained by the thermal performance test. A complicated test system like a testing laboratory is not suitable for the factories in China. A compact automatic test facility to assist the factory to determine its products’ energy efficiency grade is needed. This test facility has user-friendly interface developed with LabView, can perform the test and print the test report automatically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a study of the effect of key design parameters on energy performance of two-storey single family dwellings and small scale neighborhoods, in a mid-latitude northern climate. Design parameters include the geometric shapes of dwelling units and their assemblage in a neighborhood. The effects of the design parameters are presented in a matrix that relates design parameters to performance criteria. An example for an evaluation system of the performance of design alternatives is proposed, based on design parameter effects and weights assigned to different performance criteria. Performance criteria considered are heating and cooling energy consumptions, solar energy generation, and shift of peak of electricity generation. The evaluation system is a decision-aiding tool, which enables selection of design parameter values leading to optimal performance for the assumed performance criteria. A design methodology is proposed for the design of solar optimized housing units and neighborhoods, based on the matrix of results and the evaluation system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The site of the new Tallinn Town Hall designed by the BIG architects is situated to the north of the medieval city center on the edge of the green ring close to the waterfront. The goal is to create a new urban typology that combines the human scale and intimate experience of the medieval townscape, with the public space and municipal symbolism of the modern extension. The New Town Hall will be an open and permeable public institution, extending both town center and the green ring all the way to the water''s edge. The building will be created of a village of ten individual departments and two for common space and meeting rooms. Each department is accommodated in its own dedicated office building. A thirteenth building, the tower hosts the City Government, the City Council and the Council Hall on the top floor. The departments are grouped together to meet the programmatic requirements of adjacencies. The departments are consolidated in a village-like cluster, allowing them to perform as a single open office structure as well as ten independent departments. The departments are hinged on the corners and rotated to leave courtyards for daylight and views between them. The many generous openings also provide views to the public ground floor below as well as the sky above. The current paper gives an overview of the daylight modeling and facade design, describes passive architectural cooling strategies considered. Estonia is situated in latitude 59° which means that the solar angle of incidence is rather low from late autumn to early spring. The maximum solar angle of incident is just 7° in December 21st. Then at the other side the summer temperatures are of average 27°C which makes the shading strategies essential. The building is currently in detail design phase and the construction work will presumably start in early 2014. The building has been already shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival Award in the Future Projects and Competition entries category. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a solar field configuration to supply thermal energy to the heating and air conditioning system of a hotel located in Almería (Southern Spain). The solar collector technology selected for the solar field is parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology, in particular a small sized PTC prototype especially designed for industrial process heat and air-conditioning systems. Each PTC collector is 8m long and its aperture length is 1m. The heat transfer fluid in the solar field is pressurized hot water. Considering the space available for the solar collector field just close to the hotel and its thermal energy demand profile, the solar field configuration proposed consists of 8 parallel rows, north-south oriented, composed of 32 PTCs connected in series. With this solar field configuration, 25% of the cooling demand is covered the hottest day of the summer and 76% of the heating demand is covered the coldest day of the winter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solar thermal systems have been identified as a viable solution to meeting domestic thermal energy needs due to their low temperature operating conditions. The complication of these systems is that solar availability and demand side loads are often mismatched. This is especially true for solar space heating systems, where demand is a maximum in winter when solar potential is the lowest. By using a long-term thermal storage, useful gains in the summer may be carried over to the heating season. There are numerous simulation tools capable of studying such solar thermal systems and building-side demands, however each tool possesses both strengths and shortcomings. This paper outlines the strengths of two modelling tools, TRNSYS and ESP–r, through a new co-simulator in order to evaluate the potential contributions of a seasonal solar thermal system at a single-house scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Within the framework of the French program called Emergence aimed at financing high quality solar heating and cooling demonstration projects, a first solar cooling installation was designed in 2011, and then installed on the beginning of 2012. This installation is based on an innovative and energy efficient concept to optimize solar energy valorization all year long: hybrid solar Domestic Hot Water and cooling strategy. The actual monitoring data won’t be shown on this document since the implementation of the system is still not over at the time of the paper redaction, but simulation data will be shown. This document will also give a feedback about implementing such systems and will show the high interest of such strategy to combine long term quality, simplicity of use and economical efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an assessment of two solar assisted heat pump systems integrated into an air distribution system in three different 210 m2 single detached residential houses in Montreal, Canada. The housing types considered are a 1980''s house, an energy efficient house and a “net zero ready” house. The advanced heat pump systems considered in the analysis focused on coupling solar energy on the evaporator side of an air source and water source heat pumps to improve performance compared to a standard air source heat pump and provide an alternative to a costly ground source heat pump system. The annual energy consumption and utility cost of the solar assisted heat pump systems were compared to a market available air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump system as well as the typical reference housing heating and cooling system. The results predicted that a solar assisted air source heat pump has a comparable capital cost to a ground source heat pump system in all housing types and the highest energy savings for a “net zero ready” house of 34% compared to the base case. The solar assisted water source heat pump did not yield interesting results, as the solar assisted air source heat pump demonstrated improved energy savings and lower capital costs in all housing types considered. Comparing the 20 year life cycle costs of the solar assisted heat pump systems to the base case, only in the 1980''s housing archetype did the solar assisted air source heat pump system demonstrate a lower life cycle cost than the base case. A standard air source heat pump yielded the lowest life cycle cost in the 1980''s and energy efficient house considered and the reference base case system had the lowest life cycle cost in the net zero ready house considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, the concept of net zero energy buildings has become a major topic in the R&D work on future buildings. In order to achieve a zero energy balance on annual level energy saving and energy efficiency measures have to be fully exploited. However, a demand for active heating and/or cooling will remain in most buildings and under most climatic conditions. Solar energy is the main on-site renewable energy source which can be used to achieve a high fraction of renewable energies to cover the remaining energy demand in buildings. Main energy needs in buildings are due to heating and/or cooling, depending on local climatic conditions and type of building. In this paper principle ways of covering part of the demand for heating, cooling and domestic hot water by using solar technologies are discussed and a design study of a solar thermally driven heating and cooling system for a virtual hotel is presented. A model of the same hotel has been investigated under various climatic conditions in order to study the impact of sizing of key components on the overall performance. In addition an analysis of economic performance is presented for the example of the location Malta in Mediterranean Sea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper the comparison between the performance of a cross flow heat exchanger in wet and dry operation for air handling process has been investigated. In addition, a case study of application of the component to perform indirect evaporative cooling in a AHU was studied with the software TRNSYS.Using experimental data and an appropriate analytical method, energy saving performances of the system has been evaluated through the entire cooling season for a typical Mediterranean site. Results show that high energy saving potential can be obtained if the component is operated in wet operation in term of reduction of electricity consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study is another step of a long-term work in order to study the thermal behaviour of extensive green roofs in dry Mediterranean Continental climate. In this paper there are two main goals. On one hand, the possibility of using rubber crumbs as a drainage layer in green roofs, substituting the porous stone materials used in some commercial solutions is studied. On the other hand, new data concerning the use of green roofs as passive system for energy savings in dry Mediterranean Continental climate is provided. First results correspond to summer 2011, when the roof was just planted and the irrigation system installed. The vegetation cover in those days was about 20% of the roof surface. With an internal set-point of 24°C first results show an improvement in energy consumption with respect to the reference cubicle. New data will be recorded during 2012 when the vegetation has developed and it is expected better results than in 2011. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper introduced design flow chart and algorithm. By inputting solar hot water load, meteorology, solar fraction, system type, water tank volume etc., the software calculated the system annual energy saving benefit, the result was compared with Polysun software and analyzed. According to recent years’ testing date of National Center for Quality Supervision and Testing of Solar Heating System (Beijing), more than one hundred collectors were simulated to promote the solar collector energy efficiency certification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy efficient HVAC solutions may be obtained by combining different energy sources – fossil and renewable – into single hybrid systems. This leads to a variety of system concepts with specific boundary conditions. As a consequence, the definition of a unique representation method and a standardized performance evaluation procedure is a challenging task. Currently, two international projects promoted by the IEA are dealing with the representation and the performance calculation of a particular category of hybrid systems, i.e. integrated solar assisted systems. The HPP Annex 34 “Thermally Driven Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling”, whose goal is to reduce the environmental impact of heating and cooling by the use of thermally driven heat pumps, has solar cooling as one of the systems under investigation. The joint project between SHC and HPP Task 44/Annex 38 “Solar and Heat Pump Systems” is focused on different system combinations of solar thermal collectors and heat pumps. The scope of the present paper is to show a systematic methodology to represent and evaluate the energy performance of complex hybrid systems. The proposed approach is a joint effort of the on-going IEA activities and will be discussed regarding the mentioned solar hybrid systems. However, the final goal of the work is to provide a basis for a simple, fair and transparent comparison of all systems for heating and cooling, regardless of the technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have been performing research on a Totalized Hydrogen Energy Utilization System (THEUS) which is composed of a Unitized Reversible Fuel Cell (URFC) and metal hydride tanks. THEUS is very similar to the regenerative fuel cell system located at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) but it utilizes the thermal energy from the system to improve the total system efficiency. AIST and SRNL started a collaborative research program on THEUS in 2010 under the Clean Energy Partnership Technology Program between METI and DOE. To initiate the project, a horizontal type metal hydride tank was developed. It had a double coil type heat exchanger and contained 50kg of AB5 type metal hydride alloy. Absorption and desorption of 6,350 NL of hydrogen was successfully attained at an absorption rate of 11.8 NL/min and a desorption rate of 8.1 NL/min. The experimental results of the heat exchanging performance were compared with the results of a vertical type metal hydride tank which was developed in AIST in 2008. This paper introduces the experimental results of the metal hydride tank which is tested in SRNL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A number of studies have been conducted on the conversion of diesel powered auto rickshaws to electric drive. Of key importance to the design of any hybrid vehicle is the energy management strategy that controls the energy flow between components. This paper reports on a project whose objective is to develop and compare different intelligent control strategies for the optimal performance of a fuel cell hybrid auto rickshaw. At first, a novel fuel cell load following strategy (FCLS) showed better results when compared to a traditional equivalent consumption minimization strategy. FCLS was then benchmarked against a fuzzy control strategy (FCS). It was found that after careful tuning, FCLS and FCS were equivalent. However, tuning the fuzzy logic controller was difficult. Thus, further work is being conducted to find a more systematic way to tune FCS, with the belief that it has potential to produce better results than FCLS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Benchmark refrigerated systems in the road transportation sector are powered by diesel, having operation costs of up to 6,000 €/y. This paper presents the development of an alternative refrigeration system based on fuel cells, with higher efficiency, reduced costs and independent of diesel price fluctuations. Energy load profiles have been analyzed and the fuel cell stack and auxiliaries are being modeled in order to dimension and design a balance of plant and control algorithms that ensure a safe and easy utilization. Additionally, a prototype shall be tested under different load profiles to validate the control strategies and to characterize the performance of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The demand for low-priced solar cells with higher efficiencies becomes more necessary to reach grid parity. An optimized solar cell design which uses the same equipment as state of the art solar cells could be easily implemented into solar industry. In this paper an approach for a front side design is discussed, using more busbars than the widely used three busbar design for the solar cell front electrode. A simulation program based on the two-diode model was used summing up the series resistances of each contributor in a module optimizing the number and geometry of wires needed. The simulations reveal that the advantages of the multi busbar design originate from a reduction of effective finger length, opening up new possibilities for the cell design. It is demonstrated that the multi busbar solar cell design can increase the module efficiency by 0.5%abs and a reduction in the consumption of silver of over 89% can be achieved by using seed and plate techniques. A significant surplus in short circuit current can be realized by using round wires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The prospective development of the offshore wind energy conversion system is mainly promoted by demand for higher efficiency and power density. This paper describes a simple procedure to calculate the efficiency and power density of power conversion systems for offshore wind turbines. The proposed method can be used as starting point into the linear design process to calculate the losses in semiconductors and transformer as well as the volume of main elements. With the losses and volumes, efficiency and power density can be calculated. In order to illustrate the evaluation procedure, the reduced matrix converter with single-phase transformer is considered like example topology. The Efficiency-Power-density Pareto Front is obtained for a set of design parameters. The methodology is eminently suitable for comparison of power converter with different topologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The waterway counts as a main and costly part of a hydro power project. Excavating tunnels for waterways by rock-blasting is a rapid method compared to utilizing tunnel boring machines (TBM). However the variation in cross-section geometry and surface roughness that arises in unlined rock-blasted tunnels results in a considerable increase in head loss due to friction. Several empirical formulas are available to calculate the total friction loss of an unlined hydro-power tunnel. However, the existing methods of documenting the final geometry, such as manual measuring, leveling and photographing, are time-consuming and introduce uncertainty.Recent development of terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) has increased the efficiency and accuracy of surface measurements. Improved documentation of the geometry of these hydraulic structures enables higher accuracy in hand-calculations, as well as in physical and numerical modeling.This paper investigates the application of TLS on existing rock-blasted hydro power tunnels. The measuring procedures and results from a test performed by a Topcon GLS-1500 scanner are presented. The result shows that three dimensional representations of the tunnel geometry can be derived in an efficient way with high accuracy. Hence, this method yields as an efficient method to document the geometry and estimate the roughness of an existing unlined hydro power tunnel. Parameters such as accuracy, resolution, time consume and costs are investigated in the current study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Kuwait, electricity is becoming an increasingly essential element of modern life. This flexible energy is used for heating, cooling, appliances, TVs, computers and transportation. The demand for electricity is growing at an average of 5.4% per year well above the world average of 2.7%. The growth of Kuwait energy demand is projected to rise sharply over coming years. The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) expects that the peak demand will grow to 17.2 GW by the year 2013. The chilled water thermal storage (CWTS) system is one of the available techniques that can be utilized to reduce peak electricity demand of buildings when national electricity consumption is at its highest level. In this paper, Life Cycle Cost (LCC) was estimated to investigate impact of implementing CWTS for cooling of buildings for both the MEW and the consumer. Results show that CWTS operating with a load leveling strategy gives the lowest LCC compared to 50% demand limiting and full storage strategies, and is, therefore, considered as the most cost effective option for both MEW and consumer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to utilize clean energy such as solar energy to reduce electricity consumption in heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating (HVAC&R) engineering, the author developed a new style diffusion-absorption refrigerator (DAR) with solution pumps. It can be driven by low-temperature heat sources, in which LiNO3-NH3-He is used as working fluids and an adiabatic spray absorber with a plate-type solution cooler is designed to enhance the mass and heat transfer, respectively. This paper is mainly concern on the principle and operating performance of the DAR, especially the relationships of evaporator temperature (Te), absorber temperature (Ta) and parameters such as the volume flow rate and inlet temperature of LiNO3-NH3 solution sprayed from the top of the adiabatic spray absorber. Based on measured data and theoretical analysis, the solution circulation ratio is also presented. Analyses indicate that in this DAR system, Te mainly depends on Ta rather than condenser temperature (Tc) and generator temperature (T g ). Thus Te and the performance of the DAR can be modulated by changing parameters of the sprayed solution. The results show that this DAR system can be driven by solar energy to meet the requirements of air conditioning, freezing or else. A typical operating experiment shows when temperatures of heat source (hot water temperature Tws), Tg, Ta and Tc are 92.7°C, 87.0°C, 29.6°C and 21.6°C, respectively, the lowest Te is -13.0°C, the corresponding refrigeration capacity and coefficient of performance (COP) are 1.9kW and 0.156, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For various reasons, sustainability today is producing an important and interesting approach between architecture and the environment. This is taking place in forms and with different degrees of intensity. Within the challenges of energy crisis and climatic changes architects started to develop new approaches to address the quest of energy demands in buildings. One of these approaches is façade greening which started to take an important place in the last 10 years, it''s not considered a new innovation, where applying green facade is not a new concept; however it has not been approved as an energy saving method for the built environment. Vertical greening can provide a cooling potential on the building surface, which is very important during summer periods in hot climates. The cooling effect of green facades has also an impact on the inner climate in the building by preventing warming up the façade. Within this quest, this paper is focused on the analysis of the effect of green facades systems on the building temperature and addressing different types of green facades systems and their thermal effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The urbanized surface of the old continents could be double in little more than a century due to the transit of the _world from villages to cities (according to the UN) beside the rapid growing in the world population, these will lead _to large numbers of environmental problems, one of these problems is that the energy consumption per person will _increase so more energy will be produced. ^pElectricity from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas negatively affect the environment at each step from production till consumption, and relaying mainly on these resources of energy to apply this new huge demand will lead to producing more CO2 gas in the atmosphere which will case rising of earth temperature in a rapid rate while electricity generated using sources other than fossil fuel reduces the environmental impacts. Buildings consumes approximately 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced annually in the United States (according to LEED BD+C version 3), and as a rule of thumb the better the energy performance of a building, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted, So relying on renewable energies to supply urban areas with the power needed is the solution for this problem and is considered an important approach for our cities to be more sustainable. The major shift in the vision of sustainable cities is the potential of buildings to produce energy. This will entail a whole host of solutions (solar, wind power and so forth) that will make cities more interesting as well as sustainable. And in this paper we will try to introduce the main parameters and considerations of these renewable energies specially the wind energy which can affect the form of the city and the important dimensions that should be taken into consideration when designing a new sustainable city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) engines can potentially replace the internal combustion engine for transportation because they are clean, quiet, energy efficient, modular, and capable of quick start-up. Since a PEMFC simultaneously involves electrochemical reactions, current distribution, hydrodynamics, multicomponents transport, and heat transfer, a comprehensive mathematical model is needed to gain a fundamental understanding of the interacting electrochemical and transport phenomena and to provide a computeraided tool for design and optimization of future fuel cell engines. This paper analyses the effects of inlet pressure and channel height on the distribution and consumption of reagents. The gas flow is assumed laminar, unsteady, isothermal and incompressible, flow fields of the anode and cathode sides are modeled as straight channels. The equations of conservation of mass, momentum and species are developed. A program based on the finite volume method was performed to simulate the system of equations governing the phenomenon. The simulation results show that increasing the inlet pressure will improve consumption of reagents and more homogeneous distribution. The effect of channel height on the consumption of reagents is such that, if the height is smaller it is noticed that there is an increased consumption of species and consequently an increase in water production. Channels with smaller heights have shown a higher concentration of oxygen and hydrogen. The effect of height is more important for a higher pressure inlet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A control method to make the chaotic gait converge to a stable cycle gait is proposed for the biped robot with knees. This control method is called adaptive excitation control. It is based on the principle of bionics and the principle of self-excited. The control law is a combination of sinusoidal input and sensory feedback control. The control torque is only inputted into the robot''s hip. Therefore, the walking process is low energy consuming. Simulation results show that the control method proposed in this paper is effective. It can enlarge the basin of attraction of limit cycle and increase the gait stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the world''s second-largest energy consumer, it''s crucial to realize the relationship between energy consumption and influence factors, in the need of achieving economy development and sustainable usage of the limited energy resource. Based on the relevant knowledge of statistics and econometrics, the paper analyzes some relevant factors, concludes that secondary industry output is the most important factor; and there are long-term stable cointegration relationships between energy consumption and GDP, secondary industry output, fixed asset investment; one-way causality relationships between energy consumption and GDP, population, traffic energy-using, industry energy-using, fuel power price index; and two-way causality between energy consumption and secondary industry output, resident energy-using, fixed asset investment. then gives lots of relevant suggestions, which is useful to realize the sustainable development of energy consumption and economy development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: According to the characteristics of utility-type generator set in variable load sliding-pressure operation, the paper comprehensively analyzes the features of feed-water system, in which variable-speed main feed-water and power frequency booster-pump connect first in series and then in parallel. It puts emphasis on fitting characteristics equation of feed-water pump under different operations, determining characteristics of feed-water pipeline under sliding-pressure operation, corresponding resistance coefficient, and finally deducing the equation of lift, efficiency and rotating speed when different loads and different sliding-pressures are adapted only by main feed-water pump variable speed adjusting. It takes one power plant 600MW supercritical unit for example to compare the energy consumption of different operation modes, and thus puts forward a more suitable operation mode under different loads, providing theoretical basis for the practical application of project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the steam, ammonia parametric, This paper programs to get the energy efficiency ratio of composite air-cooling system in variable conditions .Through the control variable method, it optimizes turbine back pressure, gets the relationship between efficiency and environmental temperature. Thus this method provides theoretical basis for Composite air-cooling system optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to measure the relationship between economic activities and energy consumption for low-carbon economy strategy in ethnic minority autonomous regions, this paper used the Carbon Footprint Model and based the VAR model, used the Impulse Response Function method to describe the dynamic relations between economic growth and the energy Carbon Footprint in these regions. The result indicated that there is a strong interactive response between economic growth and Energy Carbon Footprint. The increases of Carbon Footprint can also cause the increase of GDP, this means the economic growth will be growth more rapidly depends on the massive energy consumption in the short-term, but when the economic growth to the certain extent, energy''s excessive consumption can’t bring higher growth of economic, even give the negative influence to the economic growth, therefore, transforming economic growth pattern, modifying industrial structure and improving energy efficiency are useful ways for low-carbon economy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyzed the general month distribution of moisture load and solar radiation in the high humidity regions, and then calculated the monthly average solar radiation energy and the moisture load, so as to obtain the seasonal match between energy and load. After analyzing the relationship between humidity and PMV, it showed that solar energy can be used to dehumidify to raise indoor comfort in the transition season of the high humidity area. By using solar energy, it can reduce primary energy consumption, save energy, lower energy consumption and reduce pollutants discharge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The negative effects of energy consumption and pollution have restrained the Chinese economy from further rapid growth. Therefore to clarify their relationship with economic growth can lay a solid foundation for the decision-making of energy conservation and pollution reduction and ensure the sustainable development of the Chinese economy. Using panel data on the 30 Chinese provinces from 2001 to 2008, this paper builds a 3E model of pollution, energy and production and conducts an empirical study on the interaction between pollutant emission, energy consumption and average GDP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The application of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the power industry is important for reducing man-made CO2 emissions. This paper proposes new ways to categorize the options for mitigation of man-made CO2 emissions and CO2 capture. A detailed description on the ways to capture, transport and store CO2 has been presented. The power penalties and cost can be big challenges to apply CCS to the power industry, while a lot of opportunities exist, such as value added CO2 storage, industrial utilization of CO2 and the development of the carbon trade market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy is a bottleneck, which restrains the development of China''s economy and society. Our government has always been attaching great importance to energy problem. In China, there exist space-time correlation and differences in energy consumption and efficiency among different areas. The purpose of this paper is to study the spatial correlation and heterogeneity in energy consumption among different provinces, as well as the mechanism of the spatial effects of economic growth on energy consumption, energy prices, and population growth by means of constructing Bayesian spatial econometric model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low-carbon energy and constraints of resources and environment will increasingly become two important factors inhibiting China''s economic development in the future. According to the relationship and coordinating mechanisms among energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission and economic development, This paper establishes the two-dimensions evaluation indicating system based on balanced. Use data development analysis, through the fact data of some typical provinces in 2009, we make a comprehensive assessment of its historic coordination, analyze the degree of coordination and the reasons for the contradiction, strive to source the dialectical unity from similarities and differences, and finally proposed some political ideas and recommendations on promoting China''s future coordinating development among economy, energy, and environmental. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]