Solar Energy
Solar Energy

Author: Tom P. Hough

Publisher: Nova Publishers

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 378

ISBN-13: 9781594546303

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Solar energy is derived ultimately from the sun. It can be divided into direct and indirect categories. Most energy sources on Earth are forms of indirect solar energy, although we usually don't think of them in that way. Coal, oil and natural gas derive from ancient biological material which took its energy from the sun (via plant photosynthesis) millions of years ago. All the energy in wood and foodstuffs also comes from the sun. Movement of the wind (which causes waves at sea), and the evaporation of water to form rainfall which accumulates in rivers and lakes, are also powered by the sun. Therefore, hydroelectric power and wind and wave power are forms of indirect solar energy. Direct solar energy is what we usually mean when we speak of solar power -- it is the use of sunlight for heating or generating electricity. Solar energy research and applications have been receiving increasing attention throughout the world as solar energy must play a much greater role in the energy mix in upcoming years. This book examines new research in this frontier field.

Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and Flexibility in Smart Buildings
Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and Flexibility in Smart Buildings

Author: Alessia Arteconi

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2021-01-21

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 3039438492

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This Special Issue “Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and Flexibility in Smart Buildings” addresses the relevant role of buildings as strategic instruments to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the overall energy system. This role of the built environment is not yet fully developed and exploited and the book content contributes to increasing the general awareness of achievable benefits. In particular, different topics are discussed, such as optimal control, innovative efficient technologies, methodological approaches, and country analysis about energy efficiency and energy flexibility potential of the built environment. The Special Issue offers valuable insights into the most recent research developments worldwide.

Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation
Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation

Author: Jan L.M. Hensen

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-09-10

Total Pages: 538

ISBN-13: 1134026358

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Effective building performance simulation can reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, improve indoor quality and productivity, and facilitate future innovation and technological progress in construction. It draws on many disciplines, including physics, mathematics, material science, biophysics and human behavioural, environmental and computational sciences. The discipline itself is continuously evolving and maturing, and improvements in model robustness and fidelity are constantly being made. This has sparked a new agenda focusing on the effectiveness of simulation in building life-cycle processes. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation begins with an introduction to the concepts of performance indicators and targets, followed by a discussion on the role of building simulation in performance-based building design and operation. This sets the ground for in-depth discussion of performance prediction for energy demand, indoor environmental quality (including thermal, visual, indoor air quality and moisture phenomena), HVAC and renewable system performance, urban level modelling, building operational optimization and automation. Produced in cooperation with the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and featuring contributions from fourteen internationally recognised experts in this field, this book provides a unique and comprehensive overview of building performance simulation for the complete building life-cycle from conception to demolition. It is primarily intended for advanced students in building services engineering, and in architectural, environmental or mechanical engineering; and will be useful for building and systems designers and operators.

Automation in Construction toward Resilience
Automation in Construction toward Resilience

Author: Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2023-09-29

Total Pages: 639

ISBN-13: 1000912906

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While the word "automation" may conjure images of robots taking over jobs, the reality is much more nuanced. In construction, for instance, automation is less likely to diminish employment opportunities than it is to increase productivity. Indeed, automation alongside the global need for new and updated infrastructure and better and more affordable housing can help shape the direction of the construction industry. The key will be anticipating and preparing for the shift, in part by developing new skills in the current and future workforce. This book presents all aspects of automation in construction pertaining to the use of information technologies in design, engineering, construction technologies, and maintenance and management of constructed facilities. The broad scope encompasses all stages of the construction life cycle from initial planning and design, through the construction of the facility, its operation, and maintenance, to the eventual dismantling and recycling of buildings and engineering structures. Features: Examines Building Information Management systems, allowing on-site execution of construction more efficient, and for project teams to eliminate mistakes and better coordinate the workforce Presents the latest information on the automation of modular construction, production in factories, including 3-D printing of components such as facades, or even load-bearing and essential components

Sustainability and Automation in Smart Constructions
Sustainability and Automation in Smart Constructions

Author: Hugo Rodrigues

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-09-14

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 3030355330

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This book gathers outstanding papers presented at the Conference on Automation Innovation in Construction (CIAC-2019). In recent years, there have been significant transformations in the construction sector regarding production and the use of computers and automation to create smart and autonomous systems. At the same time, innovative construction materials and alternative technologies are crucial to overcoming the challenges currently facing the building materials industry. The book presents numerous examples of smart construction technologies, discusses the applications of new construction materials and technologies, and includes studies on recent trends in automation as applied to the construction sector.