Construction materials play a crucial role in the thermal behaviour of the urban space as well as the building energy consumption and indoor environmental quality. Recently, there has been growing ...interest in optical construction materials/coatings as an effective method to minimise energy use, improve indoor and outdoor thermal comfort and fight urban overheating. Thermochromic materials as one of the advanced optical materials that change their optical properties/colour as a function of the ambient temperature can present lower/higher surface temperature than conventional materials during the warm/cold periods. Although pilot applications of thermochromic materials in the built environment shown a tremendous energy conservation potential, the serious optical degradation they exhibited, restricts seriously their use. Recent development in the field of thermochromic materials including quantum dots, plasmonics, photonic crystals, conjugated polymers, Schiff bases, liquid crystals, and nano optical filters for Leuco dyes present fascinating and impressive characteristics, enhance significantly the potential of thermochromic materials and opens new opportunities for the development and use of advanced cutting-edge optical materials. The present paper aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the recent developments on advanced thermochromic materials and on their energy conservation potential.
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•A total of 95 papers systematically reviewed cool material as a mitigation strategy for urban heat island (UHI).•Based on the type of reflection and the spectral range, the analysis ...found 7 material technologies (UV–Vis-NIR).•Optical properties such as reflectance (ρ), absorptance (α), and emittance (ε) are key factors in cool materials design.•Technological setbacks constitute a key limitation to scale cool material technologies and low-cost alternatives.•DRC and super cool materials represent the most efficient innovations amongst current technologies.
The challenging urban expansion represents a pressing need to implement climate mitigation strategies for the urban heat island (UHI) effects and significant threats to the environmental quality, energy consumption, and human health. Thus, this manuscript systematically evaluates 95 relevant studies through a robust evidence-based analysis centered on the latest advances in cool materials, their potential, technological innovation, and global trends. The results showed studies in 21 countries, 81 cities, and 16 climate zones, of which the majority belong to Humid subtropical climates (Csa) including 29 % of studies, Oceanic climates (Cfb) with 15 %, and Mediterranean climates (Cfa) with 13 %. Spectrophotometry analysis is used in 48 % of the studies, while the most studied technologies are the Daytime Radiative Cooling (DRC); 22 %, followed by Thermochromics (TC); 19 %, Cool-Colored (CC); 17 %, Phase Change Materials (PCM); 17 %, Retroreflectives (RR); 11 %, Light-colored (LC); 5 % and Fluorescents (FL); 5 %. Finally, DRC reported the highest cooling power of up to 136 W/m2, however, the latest developments advocate for climate-dependent dynamic modulation techniques of Super Cool Materials (SCM) with Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling (PDRC) attributes and engineered spectral properties to dissipate urban heat to outer space in different meteorological conditions and wavelengths levels of the atmospheric window (8–13 μm).
The aim of this work is to develop a model of heat supply to buildings with almost zero energy consumption, indicating the significant importance of heat losses and gains in heating installations. ...The prepared model is to indicate the need for changes in the structure and topology of heating installations, resulting from the changing heat demand of buildings. The need to create a new model is heightened by changes that relate to tightening legal regulations related to energy consumption and demand, which must meet the standards of buildings in Poland from 2021. The article presents the assumptions and results of analyses of the use of energy installations in residential buildings that use renewable energy sources to balance energy consumption in various areas of its use. To achieve this goal, calculations were made using simulations of the impact of the use of installations using renewable energy sources on the energy performance of a building with different quality of partitions and improvement of energy efficiency in accordance with the Polish standard PN-EN 12831. The test results allow to choose the most advantageous, from the point of view of economic profitability, option of replacing installations in residential buildings, and they also allow to determine the possibilities of meeting national obligations in the field of final energy reduction and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in meeting its demand in accordance with the EU obligations imposed on Poland. Thermomodernization of buildings in the temperate climate zone allows for a reduction of 38% of energy demand over the entire life cycle of a building and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 99%.
This research addresses energy consumption challenges in the design and construction of concrete freeform surface architecture. It proposes an integrated design approach centered on smooth poly-hypar ...surfaces, serving as a mediator to amalgamate architectural smoothness, structural stiffness, construction convenience, and building energy efficiency from the initial design phase. To testify the versatile functionality of smooth poly-hypar surfaces beyond structural loadbearing, they are employed in the design and construction of a Solar house—a prototype aimed at establishing an energy-efficient modular design and construction system for concrete-freeform surface buildings. This approach capitalizes on the unique structural and geometrical properties offered by smooth poly-hypar surfaces. By leveraging this special geometry, the methodology transcends individual stages, encompassing the entire integrated process and overcoming limitations associated with traditional sequential design strategies. It underscores the interconnected nature of design, construction, and sustainability considerations.
Traditional building materials have some drawbacks in the construction industry, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Biomaterials derived from renewable sources ...are a promising alternative, significantly reducing the greenhouse effect and enhancing energy efficiency. However, traditional materials still dominate the construction sector, and there is a lack of understanding among some policymakers and developers regarding biomaterials. Here, we review building biomaterials and their policies and life cycle assessment through case studies. Bio-based materials have the potential to reduce over 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. They also exhibit advantages like decreasing water absorption by 40%, reducing energy consumption by 8.7%, enhancing acoustic absorption by 6.7%, and improving mechanical properties. We summarize recent advancements in mycelial materials, bioconcrete, natural fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites. We also explore the contributions of nanotechnology and microalgae technology in enhancing biomaterials' thermal insulation and eco-friendliness.
Rat-trap bond (RTB) masonry is a fast-growing building technique owing to its thermal insulation and cost saving. While cost and energy efficiency are important parameters, structural stability and ...performance are as important. The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the behaviour of unreinforced and confined RTB masonry subjected to lateral load. The experimental work consists of in-plane quasi-static cyclic load tests of two full-scale specimens; an unreinforced wall and a confined masonry wall. Key parameters such as lateral strength, stiffness, damping, force-deformation behaviour and ductility modification factor of both specimens are determined to understand the lateral load behaviour of RTB masonry. The experimental results indicate that the addition of confining elements significantly improved the behaviour of RTB masonry by enhancing the lateral strength, stiffness and ductility ratio of RTB walls by 121%, 52.8% and 23.8%, respectively.
This paper presents the results of material tests, experimental tests and statistical analysis of the thermal performance of three types of heat accumulators containing an organic phase-change ...material and two materials of a higher thermal conductivity: a copper mesh and porous coke recyclate. The aim of the research was to empirically and statistically compare the increase in the PCM heat distribution through a copper conductor and coke recyclate. The research was conducted in accordance with an incomplete central compositional experimental design and using the Statistica software. The studies of the structure and chemical composition of the coke recyclate used and the empirical testing of the finished heat accumulators confirmed an improvement in the distribution and storage of heat by the accumulator with the phase-change material and coke recyclate compared to the pure phase-change material and copper-conductor accumulators, as the holding time of a temperature of 20 °C was extended by seven minutes and nine minutes, respectively. Moreover, the results of the statistical analysis provided answers as to which of the assumed input quantities—initial temperature, battery geometry, and heating temperature—were statistically significant for each of the three battery types considered. The determined approximating functions were verified in terms of the statistical validity of their use for all three types of heat accumulators tested. The results obtained are important answers to the current problems in the design and modification of phase-change heat accumulators applied in the construction industry to reduce the emissivity of structures and increase their energy efficiency.
This article aims to the various benefits of a modular green roof technology. Nowadays smart solutions of green roofs are popular for their ecological, technical, economic benefits and esthetic ...qualities. Green roofs are used in residential, commercial, government and public buildings. Innovative energy-efficient construction technologies will bring great benefit to the ecology and help to relief the heat island effect. The purpose of this research is to provide an effective apparatus and method for green roof system, the principal results of this research are focused on adjusting of optimal physical parameters of green roof modules. This friendly-environmental green roof technology is oriented on policy of sustainable development and protection of the urban ecology.
Abstract
Der im Jahr 2019 durch das BMWi ausgeschriebene Wettbewerb „info.energiewendebauen – An Urban hub for the SDE21!“ wurde ins Leben gerufen, um einen Informationspunkt für den Solar Decathlon ...Europe 21 zu entwerfen. Die Aufgabe bestand darin, einen architektonisch ansprechenden Entwurf für einen wiederverwendbaren und ressourceneffizienten Informationspunkt im urbanen Raum zu entwickeln. Ziel des sogenannten „Urban Hub“ ist es Informationen über den Solar Decathlon Europe 21 in Wuppertal in Verbindung mit energie‐ und ressourceneffizientem Bauen zur Verfügung zu stellen. In diesem Bericht wird der Entwurf des Siegerteams vorgestellt.
Abstract
Information point “Step by Step” – the winning project for the Urban hub for the Solar Decathlon 2021
The competition “info.energiewendebauen – An Urban hub for the SDE21!” was launched in 2019 by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs nd Energy BMWi to design an information point for the Solar Decathlon Europe 21. The task was to develop an architecturally appealing design for a reusable and resource‐efficient information point in urban space. The aim of the so‐called “Urban Hub” is to provide information about the Solar Decathlon Europe 21 in Wuppertal/Germany in conjunction with energy‐ and resource‐efficient construction. This article introduces the competition design by the winning team.
Abstract
The aim of the current research article is to provide a comprehensive review and discuss and conclude on two types of earth blocks i.e., stabilized compressed earth blocks and fire-burnt ...clay bricks. A direct correlation exists between the number of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount of coal used to manufacture the fire-burnt clay bricks. To address this issue, new construction materials have been developed. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) is an enhanced earth-based masonry material as it is not burnt. CSEBs are manufactured by compressing the soil under pressure. Coal and other burning fuels are not used at any point in the manufacturing process of CSEBs. Environment-friendly and energy-efficient construction materials that encourage the sustainable development have grown significantly in the recent years, as the public have become highly conscious. Since the building materials are produced in local communities, the local resources are efficiently used, transportation costs get reduced and high-quality housing is made available to a large spectrum of people. Less time-consuming construction techniques and low labour demand results in increased strength, insulation and thermal characteristics, lower carbon emissions and embodied energy during the life cycle of the materials and exceptionally low levels of trash that can be easily disposed of. When locally-produced materials are used for building purposes, it creates jobs and is more eco-friendly, during the times of crisis. CSEB and conventional bricks require different amounts of energy and release significantly different amounts of carbon dioxide throughout the production process. A review of the construction process that utilizes clay bricks and CSEBs has been conducted using the data and reports from numerous research papers and organizations. According to this review, the Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks outperform the fire-burnt clay bricks in terms of advantages. When it comes to creating new environment-friendly construction materials, the CSEBs remain a viable option.
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