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Energy efficiency is crucial in contemporary industry and controlling the resource power state by switching off/on commands is a promising measure. The control problem of deciding when to switch off/on the machines depending on the state of the system at a given time is not trivial due to the effect the control might have on the system production rate. Threshold-based policies using buffer occupancy information to control the machines can be effectively used to reduce energy consumption. Nevertheless, highly complex control policies are difficult to be applied and costly to be managed in practice. Buffer-based threshold policies to control multiple machines simultaneously in a serial production line for energy efficiency purposes are analysed in this work. The optimal control minimises the energy consumption while assuring a certain target production rate for the system. The effects of controlling different combinations of machines simultaneously with different number of thresholds have been investigated through numerical experiments with discrete event simulation. Insights regarding the trade-off between the complexity of the control and the performance gains are provided. The proposed policy works effectively and the effect of a proper selection of the controlled machines or thresholds is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy saving and the development of renewable energies already form part of the daily discourse in our society. Climate change and the environmental problems arising from it affect all of us on the planet. In view of the recent energy supply crisis in Europe and in line with the EU's Sustainable Development Goals, it is necessary to accelerate the ecological transition. This means, among many other things, encouraging energy efficiency and energy savings. This research is based on the EURONET 50/50 max project, which applied a methodology with no upfront capital outlay, but based on changing user habits to save energy in educational buildings. It was carried out in twelve educational centres of the Spínola Foundation throughout Spain. Significant reductions in energy and water consumption were achieved. The maximum reduction obtained in water consumption was 29%, 24% in electricity consumption and 33% in heating consumption. The average reduction in consumption obtained was 13% compared to 11% achieved in the 50/50 max project. It was concluded that, on the journey to optimising our energy consumption, working on patterns of usage is fundamental, raising awareness and involving users in order to give rise to permanent processes over time, gradually reversing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gap in demand and supply of energy across Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries has increased energy insecurity in the region. Therefore, power outages have become pervasive, causing unemployment and a decline in production output. Among the several energy-saving factors identified in the literature across developing economies, technological spillover driven by trade openness appears to be a prominent factor in improving energy efficiency. Thus, this study evaluates the impact of machinery imported from OECD and non-OECD countries and its corresponding research and development (R&D) spillover on energy efficiency performance in 18 SSA countries from 1995 to 2017. Using a stochastic energy distance function, we discover that aggregated data from OECD and non-OECD countries have no significant effect on energy efficiency performance across SSA countries. However, results from disaggregated data for OECD and non-OECD machinery imports show that OECD machinery imports improve energy efficiency contrary to non-OECD imports. Thus, technology spillover from OECD countries is advantageous for SSA countries to reduce long-term energy-based emissions. Furthermore, our results show that human capital has no significant effect on SSA energy efficiency. Consequently, the results possess some policy implications; for instance, policymakers responsible for promoting science and technology could increase investment in human capital development by developing technology and engineering expertise and increasing GDP allocation to R&D activities. For energy efficiency scores, we observe substantial differences in efficiency across SSA countries – implying potential improvements in energy efficiency across SSA countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient energy management in WSNs is pivotal for prolonged network lifetime and sustained performance. This research introduces a novel approach to energy optimization through the integration of an ARIMA-driven feature selection process and an Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning model. The Intel Lab dataset, encompassing data from 54 nodes distributed over a month, serves as the basis for experimentation. In the proposed methodology, the experimental setup ensures the validity of the study, leveraging the realism of the Intel Lab dataset. The data collection process captures the intricacies of WSN dynamics, with temperature records collected from strategically positioned nodes. The ARIMA-driven feature selection method refines the dataset, capturing temporal dependencies critical for energy prediction. The Actor-Critic model, a hybrid of policy and value-based reinforcement learning, dynamically adapts energy allocation strategies based on learned policies and offers a dynamic solution to the challenges posed by WSNs' ever-changing environments. Comparative analysis with methods reveals lower energy consumption of 0.32 mJ, an extended network lifetime of 1501 rounds, and higher prediction accuracy of 98%. The study's implications extend beyond the specific algorithms, suggesting a shift toward adaptive learning models in WSNs. The findings open avenues for future research in the integration of machine learning models for sustainable and efficient WSN deployments, emphasizing the growing importance of dynamic adaptation in sensor networks. Moreover, limitations, such as simulation realism and computational complexity, are acknowledged, prompting avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research suggests a new flexible method for the optimal operation of multi-carrier energy systems based on optimization techniques for different weather conditions and seasons. The results apply to different modes (a hot summer day, a cold winter day and a normal day). A new cost function from the operator's point of view is suggested considering the constraints on consumable gas supply and electrical energy in the cold and hot seasons respectively. Furthermore, a novel algorithm is suggested that gives the economical values of energy carriers, final cost, and the percentage of the direct electrical energy supply and outside the hub. In this method, load data, related prices, constraints, and penalties are applied to the suggested model, and afterward hub optimization assists in finding the optimal operation and costs. MATLAB software is used to check the results and the simulation outputs confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power generation comprises high environmental and ecological impacts. The global power industry is under pressure to develop more efficient ways to operate and reduce the impacts of inherent process variability. With the rapid development of technologies within the energy sector, large volumes of data are available due to in-time operational measurements. With increased computer processing capabilities, machine learning is applied to explore these in-time operational measurements for improved process understanding. This research paper investigates machine learning algorithms for energy efficiency improvement at coal-fired thermal power plants by conducting a systematic literature review. This research is essential since it provides guidelines for applying machine learning towards sustainable energy supply and improved decision-making. Subsequently, efficient processes result in the reduction of fuel usage, which results in lower emission levels for equivalent power generation capacity. Furthermore, this study contributes towards future research by providing valuable insights from academic and industry-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholder pressure is among the pathways through which firms are being prodded to adopt environmental management practices. Owing to research paucity from the context of developing countries and overall inconclusiveness, this research investigates whether mimetic, normative, and coercive pressures (which encompass stakeholder pressure) sway firms into adopting resource management and energy efficiency. An analysis of data from 852 firms in Kenya using a simple probit model, suggests that all the three types of stakeholder pressure positively influenced corporate resource management and energy efficiency. This augments our postulations on both stakeholder and neo-institutional theories. Based on these findings, it is plausible to view stakeholders as critical 'tools' that can foster corporate sustainability initiatives in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effectiveness of different energy scenarios for achieving early reductions in global energy-related CO2 emissions on trajectories to zero or near-zero emissions by 2050. To keep global heating below 1.5°C without overshoot by 2050, global CO2 emissions must decline by about half by 2030. To achieve rapid, early emission reductions entails substantially changing recent pre-COVID (2000–2019) observed trends, which comprise increasing total primary energy supply (TPES) and approximately constant fraction of TPES derived from fossil fuels (FF fraction). Scenarios are developed to explore the effects of varying future trends in these variables in the absence of substantial CO2 removal, because relying on the latter is speculative and risky. The principal result is that, to reduce energy-related emissions to at least half the 2019 level by 2030 en route to zero or near-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, either TPES must be reduced to at least half its 2019 value by 2050 or impossibly rapid reductions must be made in the FF fraction of supply, given current technological options. Reduction in energy consumption likely entails economic degrowth in high-income countries, driven by policies that are socioeconomic, cultural and political, in addition to technological. This needs serious consideration and international cooperation. Key policy insights If global energy consumption grows at the pre-COVID rate, technological change alone cannot halve global CO2 emissions by 2030 and hence cannot keep global heating below 1.5°C by 2050. In the absence of substantial CO2 removal, policies are needed to reduce global energy consumption and hence foster degrowth in high-income economies. Policies to drive technological and socioeconomic changes could together cut global energy consumption and thus total primary energy supply and associated emissions by at least 75% by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wireless sensor network requires judicious utilization of its limited energy resources. As a result, the energy efficient algorithms have become a pre-requisite for healthy and prolonged functioning of these networks. Consequently, the present work minimizes the energy expenditure, maximizes the node utilization, incurs less state switching, and prolongs the network lifetime by proposing a partly centralized and partly distributed sleep wake scheduling for the overlapped dominating sets. The concepts of such a hybrid scheduling and overlapped dominating sets have not been explored to their full potential for continuous sensing. Therefore, the research work presented in this paper shall be a stepping stone to further explore the suggested concept for the purpose of reducing energy consumption in wireless sensor networks. It is envisioned that the proposed approach shall be beneficial in battlefield monitoring, security surveillance, environmental monitoring etc., which necessitate long-term continuous/non-periodic coverage of the target region. The proposed sleep wake scheduling algorithm is hybrid in nature and possesses the advantages of both distributed and centralized approaches. The superiority and significance of the results have been established by a comparative analysis with other existing techniques mentioned in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are mostly used for applications which hardly have human interaction and WSN is always known for its limited-energy issue. The wireless sensor nodes are equipped with an in-built power supply and have limited energy to complete their assigned tasks in WSNs. Therefore, for WSNs designing energy-efficient protocols is always been a challenging task for researchers. In this paper, we have studied and discussed various WSNs' existing protocols highlighting their merits and demerits. We have also made a comparative study on different parameters and methodologies followed by the respective references while designing different energy-efficient WSN protocols for different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy performance of housing is a crucial element in plans for climate change mitigation, future energy supply and addressing energy poverty. The age of the UK housing stock, and its slow rate of replacement, indicate that attention needs to be focussed in particular on improving existing homes, a high proportion of which are private owner occupied. Thus, the improvements necessary to achieve carbon reductions will require both large scale investment and likely lead to significant disruption. The thriving home repair, maintenance and improvement market, delivered largely by small building trades companies and sole traders, offers practical opportunities and a potential route to market for such improvements. Set against the context of high-level strategic targets, this paper draws on qualitative research at the micro level and presents a framework for the changes that will be needed to enable this to happen in practice, as well as insights into current practice and the existing regime in which the industry operates. Through application of a multi-level perspective to this socio-technical challenge, the work identifies the levels at which such changes should occur, and uses the results to develop and identify key weaknesses and solutions to enable change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has risen as a primary global concern. It has stimulated interest in the development of the renewable energy (RE) system. Studies demonstrated that the regions of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA), and United Arab Emirates (UAE) face several changes in the form of uncertain weather conditions. Given the strategic location of the Gulf States and its enormous oil and natural resource, it is characterized to hold potential for using renewable energies such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy for meeting the power production needs. Previous studies suggested that energy consumptions such as crude oil and fossil fuels are the major sources of providing economic benefits to the states. The high oil price, deterioration of the financial markets, and incident of Arab Spring has shifted the working at a national and international level, making it important in using RE resources to generate excessive energy. The primary focus was to explore the scope of energy efficiency (EE) and the use of solar, wind and geothermal energy resources given their proliferation potential for the GCC region. The review assessed the energy and electricity consumption trends in the region. Also, it discussed the problems related to the effects of dust accumulation on devices. Moreover, it also highlighted the use of various computer interfaces that demonstrate the feasibility to use various RE technologies. Further, it draws conclusions and recommendations based on the issues. Abbreviation: A/CAir Conditioning AGHE Air-Ground Heat Exchanger CF capacity factor CPVC oncentrated Photovoltaic CSP Concentrated Solar power DHI Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance DNI Direct Normal Irradiance DEWA Dubai Electricity and Water Authority EE energy efficiency EER energy efficiency ratio GHI Global Horizontal Irradiance GHE Ground Heat Exchanger GSHPs Ground Source Heat Pump system GCC Gulf Corporation Council ISCC Integrated Solar Combined Cycle IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency KAUST King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KSA Kingdom Saudi Arabia MPPT Maximum power point tracking NPV net present value OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development PV photovoltaic PV/T photovoltaic/therma lR Erenewable energy RC RANKEN cycle SWH solar water heater SWOT strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat TOU Time-of use TPES Total primary energy supply UAE United Arab Emirates VAV Variable Air Volume VGSHPs Vertical Ground Source Heat Pump system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding of market-oriented reforms (MORs) over the past 40 years has provided steady momentum for China's rapid economic growth. Based on the balanced panel data of 28 Chinese provinces from 1985–2015, an empirical analysis using stochastic frontier analysis was conducted to examine the impacts of MORs on the evolution of China's green economic development. Energy efficiency is used to evaluate the degree of China's green economic development. Results demonstrated that the average level of provincial energy efficiency was relatively low and the deviation of real energy efficiency from the optimal efficiency frontier was approximately 58%. This indicated China's energy resources were extensively utilized. Provincial energy efficiency evolved dynamically in line with the degree of marketization. The MORs were the driving force of the improvements in China's energy efficiency, and provided strong institutional support for China's future green economy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries are actively trying to cope with recent effects of climate change and the energy crisis. At the same time, efficient energy use and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are very important, not only to reduce energy costs but also to contribute to an environment-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. Currently, manufacturing industries in some countries pay stratified electricity rates that depend on the time of the day (i.e. peak load, mid-load and off-peak load). Hence, the production scheduling process, which considers time-dependent and machine-dependent electricity costs, enables these industries to minimise energy expenses. Additionally, the emerging Smart Grid is supposed to require industries to pay real-time hourly electricity costs. More energy-efficient, intelligent production scheduling is thus a major goal. This paper deals with minimising the total production cost of the flexible job-shop scheduling problem. Our method allows each decision-maker in the manufacturing industry to seek a compromise solution for total production costs, by considering electricity costs with distributed energy resources and energy storage. We use constraint programming and mixed-integer programming approaches to solve this problem, and compare our proposed models with the classical computational method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate different intermittency ratios applied to a spouted bed used to dry alumina, from the energy perspective. Two types of intermittency (reduction and total interruption of the air flow) and five different intermittency profiles were evaluated, including the use of time-variant intermittency ratios. The use of intermittency provided higher energy efficiency and better use of the energy supplied, compared to the continuous process. Reductions of energy consumption in the range from 13.2% to 67.2% were obtained, relative to the continuous process. The findings showed that the use of intermittency is a promising way to optimize energy consumption in spouted beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-aware scheduling problem is a multi-objective optimization problem where the main goal is to achieve energy savings without affecting productivity in a manufacturing system. In this work, we present an approach for energy-aware flow shop scheduling problem and energy-aware job shop scheduling problem considering the process speed as the main energy-related decision variable. This approach allows one to set the appropriate process speed for every considered operation in the corresponding machine. When the speed is high, the processing time is short but the energy demand increases, and vice versa. Therefore, two objectives are worked together: a production objective, paired with an energy efficiency objective. A generic elitist multi-objective genetic algorithm was implemented to solve both problems. Results from a simple comparative design of experiments and a nonparametric test show that it is possible to smooth the energy demand profile and obtain reductions that average 19.8% in energy consumption. This helps to reduce peak loads and drops on applied energy sources demand, stabilizing the conversion units operational efficiency across the entire operational time with a minimum effect on the production maximum completion time (makespan). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 20 years, economy of Chile grew faster than any other country in South America, thanks to its rigorous economic and political systems and its integration to the global economy. Nonetheless, Chile faces the continuing challenge of finding additional energy supplies to support its economic growth. The country has almost no fossil fuel resources and depends heavily on external sources that accounts for around 60% of its energy needs. However, this may change in the near future, as Chile has started developing its huge potential of sustainable energy sources. This paper examines strategically important energy alternatives for Chile, including energy efficiency (EE) programs, large hydro projects, renewable energy, and nuclear power, focusing on recent developments and remaining challenges. It also gives some recommendations providing alternatives to remove the obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, energy-related issues have become most important for the maritime sector due to economic and environmental reasons. The use of shoreside power for serving ships while at port has been increasingly considered as a measure to improve their energy efficiency and environmental performance. In this study, the economic analysis is performed considering different marine fuels and shoreside power supply for the ship’s electrical needs while at the international ports. Future predictions about shoreside power application are also discussed in the next-generation smart electrical power system for the maritime sector. For this purpose, real data of a bulk carrier ship are used to determine the unit energy cost. The results obtained from the analysis showed that the use of shoreside power has economic advantages. It is an important issue for shipowners and port authorities to reduce operating costs, fuel consumption and to decrease the environmental impacts of emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Most household electronic products and office equipment circuitry are operated internally at a low direct current (DC) voltage. However, they are designed to be plugged directly into wall outlets with alternating current (AC). AC to DC conversion is performed by devices called DC power supplies. Energy efficiency is a serious concern for most electrical and electronic appliances that require power supplies to operate. The majority of end users consume excess energy because of inefficient, bulky, and outdated power supply systems. A great gap exists in studies on energy saving in power supply design and selection. This article presents an overview of power supply energy consumption patterns and the effects of different operation modes on overall system power consumption. Recommendations for achieving an efficient energy system are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising energy prices and increasingly imposing regulations have drawn attention for improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes. Over the past decade, different approaches have been developed to target from individual unit processes to entire manufacturing systems. However, each model or approach has limitations in terms of the efficiency improvement. Thus, an integrated approach is proposed to overcome these limitations combining unit process energy consumption models with production system simulation. The outcome potentially leads to a more energy-efficient production and process planning, which considers the dynamics of individual processes as well as the entire system. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the approach and its benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cyprus’ building stock energy saving potential is considerably high due to the absence of legislation and regulations governing the energy performance of buildings, prior to the country's accession to the European Union. In this study, a methodology is proposed and applied to a typical residential building to assess the financial attractiveness of alternative retrofit scenarios. An advanced simulation software tool is utilised to measure the energy performance of a typical residential building in terms of envelope characteristics, construction materials and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system. The thermal model is used to assess the impact of alternative retrofitting scenarios. Then, an economic model is developed to evaluate the financial impact over the investment horizon. Finally, a risk analysis is conducted to investigate the stochastic behaviour of key input variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since carrying out reforms and launching its “opening up” policy in the late 1970s, the Chinese government has issued a series of energy policies that has increased China’s total energy supply, optimized the energy structure, and improved energy efficiency. China’s total energy supply increased from 627.7 million tons of standard coal equivalent to 3.2 billion tons from 1978 to 2011, an average annual growth rate of 5 percent. The structure of China’s energy supply is improving gradually, with natural gas accounting for 4.3 percent of the total energy production in 2011 compared to 2.9 percent in 1978. The proportion of hydroelectric, nuclear, and wind power increased from 3.1 percent in 1978 to 8.8 percent in 2011. China’s energy efficiency continues to improve, with the amount of standard coal equivalent required to produce RMB 10,000 of gross domestic product decreasing from 15.68 tons in 1978 to 0.74 in 2011. The development of China’s energy structure not only has guaranteed national economic and social development but has also made a great contribution to world energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the twenty-first century, the continuous demand in energy resource has put sustainability on the agenda of many businesses. This is particularly true for the manufacturing industry, where a large amount of energy is consumed to sustain daily operations. This paper studies energy-efficient computer numerical control machining systems. To achieve overall energy efficiency in machining systems, several activities are involved as in the proposed research framework of a global energy-efficient machining system (GEMS). These activities are described as modules, i.e. energy monitoring, energy analysis and optimisation, energy-based optimal control and energy-enriched database. In a GEMS, one critical issue is data interoperability. Seamless data sharing enables collaboration for improving energy efficiency. Using the EXPRESS language, energy data models are proposed for each module in the GEMS, and integrated with the existing STEP-NC (STandard for Exchange of Produce-compliant Numerical Control) standards. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate how the proposed data models may be used. One study updates an existing production file to include general energy information for auditing or reviewing purposes; the other study maintains machine tool energy profiles in a database. Many other energy-efficient activities, e.g. online energy optimisation, can be realised with the proposed data models. The present study proved that interoperable energy information can enhance the energy-efficient performance of a machining system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

What are relevant urban development investment strategies for improving building energy efficiency (BEE) and decarbonizing the urban district heating supply in rapidly urbanizing China? Different trajectories of BEE and energy supply technologies are compared in the urban context in a northern Chinese city. Vigorous improvement of BEE will significantly enhance the prospective financial capacity to facilitate deployment of backstop technologies (e.g. carbon capture and storage) in order to decarbonize the energy supply and achieve the long-term targets of low-carbon buildings. Carbon finance instruments should be used to facilitate public policy to accompany the necessary transition in the urban development process. The government-run efficiency procurement scheme will overcome the problem of insufficient incentive and high transaction costs associated with individual Clean Development Mechanism projects. Appropriate investment strategies (allocation of financial resources over the time frame) will allow local governments to harness the large potentials of carbon emissions mitigation while minimizing the risk of long-term technical lock-in in the built environment in Chinese cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenging environmental issues faced by the electr(on)ic industry is the development of energy-efficient products during their use. Indeed, regulations, standards, and consumers always have growing expectations on this aspect. Nevertheless, tools to support design for energy efficiency in use are scarce and do not always give an appropriate answer to the challenge. This paper presents a new methodology based on the calculation of an indicator that enables a design team to drive energy efficiency more effectively during the design process. The indicator combines the power of components with time spent by these components to do their jobs, in order to lead to energy consumption estimation. When used for design purposes, the method can provide the team with a relevant analysis of the energetic performances of the product, including modes, jobs and scenarios variations. This analysis can lead to products’ hot spots and eventually to design strategies. A case study on an existing electr(on)ic equipment is proposed for illustration purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper discusses a research approach to investigating the application of bioclimatic concepts, principles and strategies for large-scale buildings for the purposes of advanced renovation. In particular, it will identify various (green) technologies that can be employed to significantly improve the thermal and environmental performance of mixed-use developments. From this, arguments will be advanced for the development of new innovative technology combinations and systems known as solution sets. Some initial research findings are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, energy efficiency in production systems has partially been achieved on the component level, but methods are missing for the energy optimal operation of plants, machines and components. We therefore, propose a novel generic method to model the energy consumption behaviour of machines and plants based on a statistical discrete event formulation. It is lean, integrative and scalable and can be used directly in planning processes to make predictions of the energy consumption of different configurations in different scenarios based on any amount of available information. Using the modelling framework, we introduce applications in real-time, tactical and strategic decision making processes that make it possible to exploit the potential for energy consumption minimisation of any given machine or production system while obeying conflicting general conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International carbon credit markets are based in differences between developing and developed countries greenhouse gases emissions mitigation costs and technological limits faced by developed countries. Potential of energy efficiency measures to reduce fossil fuel usage in Brazilian industrial segments is assessed, and analysis of such potentials singles out those segments and regions more apt to generate carbon credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. Though there are currently few Brazilian CDM projects, their number may be significantly increased, which is a positive outcome. For this purpose, it is crucial that energy conservation programs estimate how CDM may improve their economic competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimization of energy expenditure in autonomous mobile robots for industrial and service applications is a topic of huge importance, as it is the best way of lengthening mission time without modifying the power supply. This paper presents a method to minimize the energy consumption of a hexapod robot on irregular terrain. An energy-consumption model is derived for statically stable gaits before applying minimization criteria. Then, some parameters that define the foot trajectories of the legged robot are computed to minimize energy expenditure during every half a locomotion cycle. The method is evaluated using an accurate geometric model of the SILO-6 walking robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency benchmarking can be used to monitor changes in the overall efficiency of buildings. Benchmarking models, based on energy efficiency indicators, are valuable tools for both public and private stakeholders because they allow an improvement in the building energy management. For the last decade, some governments have used these tools to define their building regulations (Santamouris, M., et al., 2005. Energy performance of residential buildings book. UK: James and James/Earthscan. ISBN: 1-902916-49-2, Chung, W., Hui, Y.V., and Miu Lam, Y., 2006. Benchmarking the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. Applied Energy, 83, 1-14). This paper tries to go further, integrating a benchmarking and a modelling process, into the same energy efficiency analysis. The connections between the energy use intensities (EUIs) and the characteristic building factors are modelled using neural network techniques. The process is divided into two stages: the data acquisition stage and the benchmarking and modelling stage. The benchmarking and modelling stage is focused on the adjustment of these EUIs within the climatic conditions (with a severity climate index method) and the development of a prediction model for calculating the relationship between these climate-adjusted EUIs and the significant factors of a building. In order to validate this methodology, an application to schools in Catalonia is presented. Additionally, the use of the artificial neural network (ANN) benchmark model for predicting potential energy savings from retrofit projects was evaluated. Some of the input variables were modified to reflect potential energy savings from a retrofit project, and the new input set was simulated with the ANN model. The preliminary results show that the developed ANN model can be used to predict energy savings from retrofit projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues raised by the papers in the Building Research & Information special issue titled 'Climate Change: National Building Stocks' (2007) include the need for an explicitly engineering vision of low-energy and low-carbon futures, the need to develop detailed, dynamic models of the interactions between building stocks and energy supply systems, the importance of data in supporting both the development and the implementation of roadmaps to low-carbon futures, the likely role of micro-generation in low-carbon futures, and the phenomenon of rebound and its implications for energy-efficiency technologies. There appears to be consensus on all but the last two. This paper proposes three alternatives to Saunders' formulation of the Khazzoom-Brookes postulate, based on the view that rebound is only likely to be a problem if energy-efficiency improvements are implemented in the absence of a carbon cap. The paper ends by reviewing the interactions between regulatory and economic environment, culture and technology, and their potential impacts on energy use and carbon emissions. Les questions soulevees par les articles du numero special de Building Research & Information intitule « Changement Climatique: le Parc Bati National » (2007) comprennent la necessite d'une vision permettant de concevoir explicitement un avenir a faible consommation d'energie et a faible emission de carbone, la necessite de developper des modeles dynamiques detailles des interactions entre le parc bati et les systemes d'approvisionnement en energie, l'importance de donnees permettant d'appuyer a la fois le developpement et la mise en œuvre de feuilles de route conduisant a un avenir a faible emission de carbone, le role probable de la micro-generation dans un avenir a faible emission de carbone, ainsi que le phenomene de rebond et ses implications pour les technologies a haut rendement energetique. Un consensus semble exister sur toutes ces questions, sauf les deux dernieres. Cet article propose trois alternatives a la formulation par Saunders du postulat de Khazzoom-Brookes, basees sur le point de vue selon lequel ce rebond n'est susceptible de poser probleme que si les ameliorations en matiere de rendement energetique sont mises en œuvre en l'absence d'un plafonnement du carbone. L'article se termine par l'examen des interactions entre l'environnement reglementaire et economique, la culture et la technologie, et leurs impacts potentiels sur l'utilisation d'energie et les emissions de carbone. Mots cles: parc bati, changement climatique, demolitions, consommation d'energie, rendement energetique, faible emission de carbone, mesures politiques, effet de rebond [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of energy efficiency measures is generally evaluated for one or only a few houses. While the energy and environmental optimization of a particular building design is crucial, this cannot easily draw generic conclusions for future building designs. A method is presented for considering the effect of building geometry in simplified energy and life cycle assessment studies. Based on architectural and functional considerations, realistic ranges were determined for the parameters describing the geometry of 'technically feasible' buildings and their relationships. These parameters include floor area, the number of storeys, the perimeter-to-floor area ratio, the ratio of the building envelope adjoining neighbouring heated buildings, the window ratio and frame factor, the density of partition walls, and the roof slope. An algorithm is developed for the random generation of a large building sample based on the realistic ranges of these geometric parameters. By analysing the results, it is possible to calculate the expected value, standard deviation and confidence interval of the sample. The application of the method is shown in an example. The cumulative non-renewable energy demand is calculated for the whole life cycle and for different building types. On evalue generalement l'effet des mesures de l'efficacite energetique sur une ou seulement quelques habitations. Alors que l'optimisation energetique et environnementale d'un modele de batiment particulier est essentielle, elle ne permet pas de tirer facilement des conclusions generiques pour les futurs concepts de batiments. Cet article presente une methode qui permet de prendre en consideration l'effet de la geometrie d'un batiment dans des etudes d'evaluation simplifiees de l'energie et du cycle de vie. En s'appuyant sur des considerations architecturales et fonctionnelles, on a defini des plages realistes pour les parametres decrivant la geometrie de batiments « realisables sur le plan technique » et leurs relations. Ces parametres incluent la surface au sol, le nombre de niveaux, le ratio entre le perimetre et la surface au sol, le ratio de l'enveloppe de batiments chauffes se trouvant a proximite, le ratio des fenetres et le facteur de chassis, la densite des cloisons et la pente du toit. Un algorithme a ete calcule pour la generation d'un grand echantillon aleatoire de batiments base sur des plages realistes de ces parametres geometriques. En analysant les resultats, on peut calculer les valeurs escomptees, les ecarts standard et l'intervalle de confiance de l'echantillon. L'application de cette methode est decrite au moyen d'un exemple. La demande cumulee en energie non renouvelable est calculee pour l'ensemble du cycle de vie et pour differents types de batiments. Mots cles: geometrie des batiments, morphologie des batiments, parc bati, efficacite energetique, evaluation du cycle de vie, batiments residentiels, Hongrie [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Emerging energy technologies are bringing planners a new set of issues. The supply-oriented framework from engineering economics within which energy planning has traditionally been conducted may be useful for siting large refineries, power plants, and transmission corridors, but it is not helpful for mitigating conflicts at the site level, encouraging new technology adoptions, managing the demand for energy, or, especially, coordinating the diverse users of smaller, local energy facilities. Purpose: I provide an alternative conceptual framework for thinking about emerging energy planning tasks. I highlight factors not considered in the traditional model, and introduce terminology for characterizing key characteristics of the changing energy economy. Methods: I draw on concepts from industrial ecology, urban metabolism, and ecological economics, and apply my new framework to a set of examples illustrating its advantages relative to the traditional approach to energy planning. Results and conclusions: I propose that planners use network models to think about energy systems and focus especially on nodes where energy is converted from one form to another. Understanding the scale, scope, commodification, and agency of such nodes, and whether and when these attributes are open to change, can improve energy planning decisions for traditional energy investments such as power plants and for energy initiatives such as wind farms, rooftop solar systems, energy-efficient buildings, cogeneration, compact growth, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Takeaway for practice: Planners should do more than just mitigate energy facility siting conflicts. They should also identify points of governmental leverage on private decision makers, keep track of evolving technologies, bundle energy users with different temporal demand profiles, and help build smarter energy networks. Focusing on energy networks and their nodes should help planners see how they can be most effective. Research support: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of energy use effectiveness of oil production and pipe-line transport systems by the efficiency test is suggested. The concept of idealized analogs of the processes for calculation of the minimum necessary energy/work consumption on their realization is used. The idealized analogs, under the assumptions made for their forming, are described. Determining the theoretic energy consumption is based on methods of hydraulic and thermodynamic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the energy performance of eight new and existing museum buildings located around Europe. Various energy efficiency and microclimate improvement measures have been adopted to reduce the energy consumption of the buildings and improve the comfort conditions. The investigation was implemented in two principal phases. During the first phase, energy simulation studies were performed in all buildings to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed measures and the various design possibilities. The energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting and other electrical devices was calculated with and without the application of the proposed techniques and the corresponding energy conservation was estimated. Therefore, the proper measures from the energy point of view were adopted. During the second phase, measurements of the energy consumption were performed in the buildings after the finalization of the construction and the implementation of the proposed measures. The energy conservation was again calculated to evaluate the energy efficiency of the final construction. In addition to the energy aspect, the environmental impact of the final construction of the museums was investigated by calculating the reduction of the CO2 emissions due to the applied energy conservation techniques. Finally, the economic efficiency was examined by assessing the payback period of the adopted measures.The results of the present work show that the adaptation of energy conservation techniques in museums buildings can reduce significantly the energy consumption by respecting at the same time the requirements of the exhibition spaces and the comfort conditions of the visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retrofitting and enlargement of National Etruscan Museum ‘Pompeo Aria’ in Marzabotto, Italy is one of the demonstration projects of ‘MUSEUMS’ EC FPV Project that concerns retrofitting and construction of eight European museums in accordance with sustainability principles.The museum was originally placed inside some buildings unsuitable to host exhibitions. As the wrong indoor microclimate could affect objects and boost their deterioration, it was essential to define suitable conditions under which the pieces should be exhibited, and the structures had to be accordingly upgraded to improve their performances.The project aims to balance active systems with bioclimatic strategies and passive solar techniques in order to assure the best conditions for people’s comfort and exhibit preventive conservation together with energy savings. In order to succeed in such an attempt, it is essential to define a methodology that helps in managing the complexity, for instance, this has allowed the cross disciplinary team to focus on common priorities and to talk a universal language.In effect, each retrofitting and extension phase followed a preset design method: starting from the site analysis, general and specific targets have been defined, and they have been continuously verified.Methodologies and technical solutions developed and tested during this experience have a great chance of becoming a knowledge platform and being replicated in future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological museum of Delphi is one of the most visited museums in Greece with visitors ranging from about 150,000 to 300,000 per year. The building was retrofitted as a result of the Greek case study in the demonstration project ‘MUSEUMS—Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Retrofitted and New Museum Buildings’ which was executed within the fifth Framework Programme of the European Commission DG TREN (Energie Programme). The retrofitting works aimed to integrate bioclimatic and sustainable measures in the existing exhibition halls, to minimize energy consumption and to improve comfort and exhibition quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For conventional energy technologies, energy and exergy analyses have been performed and have yielded useful results. Besides this, for advanced energy technologies, the use of energy and exergy analyses can be expected to provide meaningful insights into performance that will assist in achieving optimal designs. In this regard, this study describes the modeling and analysis of sectoral energy and exergy utilization. The sectors considered are subgrouped into four main sectors, namely, utility, industrial, commercial-residential and transportation. The modeling presented here is expected to assist in the simulation and optimization activities and also in the planned studies towards increasing energy efficiencies in the sectors studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the importance and usefulness of Second Law (exergy) analysis for evaluating and comparing solar cookers in meaningful ways. The thermodynamic considerations required for the development of rational and meaningful methodologies for the evaluation and comparison of the efficiency of the solar cookers were defined. Energy and exergy equations were also developed to obtain energy and exergy efficiencies of the solar cookers. The evaluation of the solar cookers requires a measure of efficiency, which is rational, meaningful, and practical. Exergy analysis provides an alternative means of evaluating and comparing the solar cookers. Since exergy is a measure of the quality or usefulness of energy, exergy efficiency measures are more significant than energy efficiency measures, exergy analysis should be considered in the evaluation of the solar cookers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy affects all aspects of modern life. The demand for energy is increasing at an exponential rate due to the exponential growth of world population. Oil and gas are expected to continue to be important sources of energy. Contemporary electric power generation is based on non-renewable resources such as oil, coal, and nuclear power. New efficient and cost-effective small-scale renewable energy generation options are commercially available today. The share of renewable energy sources is expected to increase very significantly. Alternative energy technologies are being disseminated in many countries with an objective to reduce the uses of traditional and commercial energy sources. For each country, the choice between the various available options is strongly dependent on the local condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a review of the present energy situation, technical potential of renewable energy resources, future policies in the energy sector, energy conservation studies in residential, industrial, transport, and power sectors, and the efficient utilization of energy in Turkey. Some useful suggestions and recommendations are also presented. The present study shows that there is an important potential for renewable energy sources (biomass, hydropower, and solar) and energy saving capacity in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]