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Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 18795

Special Issue Editor

Department of Architectural Engineering, Pusan National University, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
Interests: building energy; building simulation; renewable energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, the concept of the zero energy building (ZEB) has received increasing interest around the world, in which energy production using renewable energy systems has become an essential factor for its realization. Moreover, building-integrated systems with renewable energy resources have also been in the spotlight as leading techniques in the field of building energy. Governments in leading countries have begun to move toward targets for zero energy buildings, and supported initiatives or research projects for the use of renewable energy systems. Under the political support for the realization of ZEB, the need for high-efficient design, cost-efficient installation, and an optimum control method for renewable energy systems is also significantly growing.

This Special Issue focuses on all the renewable energy systems which can be used in buildings to contribute to enhanced scientific and multidisciplinary studies as well as future applied studies. The topic covers specific areas of renewable energy systems in buildings relevant to physical science and applied engineering. We invite papers on the fundamental approach, novel technical developments, analytical, experimental, assessment, as well as reviews. This Special Issue aims to share research knowledge and skills, to promote new applied research, and to encourage other challenges in renewable energy systems in buildings.

Prof. Dr. Yujin Nam
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Renewable energy system
  • Photovoltaic
  • Solar thermal
  • Ground source heat pump
  • Wind power generation
  • Microgeneration
  • BIPV (building integreated photovoltaic)
  • Zero energy building
  • Building energy simulation
  • Experiment

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3869 KiB  
Article
Performance Comparison and Analysis of the Curtain-Wall-Type Liquid-Type Photovoltaic Thermal Unit According to the Pipe Connection Method
by Yunho Kim, Jungha Hwang, Sangmu Bae and Yujin Nam
Energies 2022, 15(7), 2317; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15072317 - 22 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Recently, there has been increasing attention on the use of renewable energy in buildings, particularly, the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system that uses both solar power and thermal energy. However, there is a limit to adopting the PVT system in real buildings because many [...] Read more.
Recently, there has been increasing attention on the use of renewable energy in buildings, particularly, the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system that uses both solar power and thermal energy. However, there is a limit to adopting the PVT system in real buildings because many architects value the aesthetics of buildings or spaces. This study developed a curtain-wall-type liquid-type PVT (CW-PVT) that can be installed on a wall as it integrates with the building. To analyze the system performance, a real-scale experimental plant was established in an outdoor environment. The performance of the CW-PVT unit was verified for two different module pipe connection types: parallel and serial. Meteorological variable data, the inlet and outlet fluid temperatures, surface temperature, and electrical energy generation of the modules were measured and collected using the measurement equipment according to the module pipe connection type. Consequently, the parallel-type method was approximately 10% more efficient than the serial type in energy production, whereas the serial-type method produced water with a temperature approximately 47% higher than that of the parallel type. Notably, it was advantageous to apply the parallel-type connection to maximize the energy generation efficiency in buildings where the system efficiency is vital and the serial-type connection in buildings where the high temperature of hot water is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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16 pages, 4884 KiB  
Article
Performance Analysis of Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal and Air Source Heat Pump System through Energy Simulation
by Sangmu Bae, Soowon Chae and Yujin Nam
Energies 2022, 15(2), 528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15020528 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2747
Abstract
The concept of zero energy buildings (ZEBs) has recently been actively introduced in the building sector, globally, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. For the implementation of ZEBs, renewable energy systems, such as solar collectors, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and ground source heat [...] Read more.
The concept of zero energy buildings (ZEBs) has recently been actively introduced in the building sector, globally, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. For the implementation of ZEBs, renewable energy systems, such as solar collectors, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems, have been used. The system performance of solar collectors and PV systems are dependent on the weather conditions. A GSHP system requires a large area for boring machines and mud pump machines. Therefore, inhabitants of an existing small-scale buildings hesitate to introduce GSHP systems due to the difficulties in installation and limited construction area. This study proposes an integrate photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) and air source heat pump (ASHP) system for realizing ZEB in an existing small-scale building. In order to evaluate the applicability of the integrated PVT-ASHP system, a dynamic simulation model that combines the PVT-ASHP system model and the building load model based on actual building conditions was constructed. The heating and cooling performances of the system for one year were analyzed using the dynamic simulation model. As the simulation analysis results, the average coefficient of performance (COP) for heating season was 5.3, and the average COP for cooling season was 16.3., respectively. From April to June, the electrical produced by the PVT module was higher than the power consumption of the system and could realize ZEB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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19 pages, 4388 KiB  
Article
Local Buckling Characteristics of Stainless-Steel Polypropylene Deep-Sea Sandwich Pipe under Axial Tension and External Pressure
by Jianxing Yu, Weipeng Xu, Nianzhong Chen, Sixuan Jiang, Shengbo Xu and Mengxue Han
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4866; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14164866 - 09 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
In this paper, the effects of different loading paths of axial tension and external pressure on the collapse pressure of sandwich tubes are studied by experiments and finite element models. The difference of the two loading paths is investigated. Eight experiments were carried [...] Read more.
In this paper, the effects of different loading paths of axial tension and external pressure on the collapse pressure of sandwich tubes are studied by experiments and finite element models. The difference of the two loading paths is investigated. Eight experiments were carried out to study the influence of different loading paths on pipeline collapse pressure under the same geometric and material parameters. Parameterization studies have been carried out, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The test and finite element results show that the loading path of external pressure first and then the axial tension (P→T) is more dangerous; the collapse pressure of the sandwich pipe is smaller than the other. Through parametric analysis, the influence of the axial tension and the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the inner and outer pipe on the collapse pressure under different loading paths are studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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13 pages, 6445 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Heat Exchange Rate for Low-Depth Modular Ground Heat Exchanger through Real-Scale Experiment
by Kwonye Kim, Jaemin Kim, Yujin Nam, Euyjoon Lee, Eunchul Kang and Evgueniy Entchev
Energies 2021, 14(7), 1893; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14071893 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
A ground source heat pump system is a high-performance technology used for maintaining a stable underground temperature all year-round. However, the high costs for installation, such as for boring and drilling, is a drawback that prevents the system to be rapidly introduced into [...] Read more.
A ground source heat pump system is a high-performance technology used for maintaining a stable underground temperature all year-round. However, the high costs for installation, such as for boring and drilling, is a drawback that prevents the system to be rapidly introduced into the market. This study proposes a modular ground heat exchanger (GHX) that can compensate for the disadvantages (such as high-boring/drilling costs) of the conventional vertical GHX. Through a real-scale experiment, a modular GHX was manufactured and buried at a depth of 4 m below ground level; the heat exchange rate and the change in underground temperatures during the GHX operation were tracked and calculated. The average heat exchanges rate was 78.98 W/m and 88.83 W/m during heating and cooling periods, respectively; the underground temperature decreased by 1.2 °C during heat extraction and increased by 4.4 °C during heat emission, with the heat pump (HP) working. The study showed that the modular GHX is a cost-effective alternative to the vertical GHX; further research is needed for application to actual small buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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13 pages, 4608 KiB  
Article
Development of the Performance Prediction Equation for a Modular Ground Heat Exchanger
by Jaemin Kim and Yujin Nam
Energies 2020, 13(22), 6005; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13226005 - 17 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1717
Abstract
Although ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are more efficient than conventional air source heat pump (ASHP) systems, their high initial investment cost makes it difficult to introduce them into small buildings. Therefore, the development of a method for reducing the installation costs [...] Read more.
Although ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are more efficient than conventional air source heat pump (ASHP) systems, their high initial investment cost makes it difficult to introduce them into small buildings. Therefore, the development of a method for reducing the installation costs of GSHPs for small buildings is essential. This study proposes a modular ground heat exchanger (GHX) for cost reduction and an improved workability of GSHPs. In addition, a numerical model was constructed for the analysis of the performance of the modular GHX. However, to easily introduce the new GHX at the building design stage, the development of a performance prediction method for the introduction of modular GHXs to small buildings is necessary. Therefore, the entering water temperature (EWT) equation was derived from the calculation methods in the heat transfer process, and the ground temperature model was developed in consideration of the operation condition. The numerical results showed that the average values of EWT and ground temperature were 8.11 °C and 8.00 °C, respectively under an average ambient temperature of 0.42 °C. In addition, the performance prediction model was compared with the numerical results. The results showed that the coefficient of variation of the root mean square error (RMSE) of the ground temperature and EWT model were 5.20% and 1.33%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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19 pages, 9499 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of System Performance and Thermal Comfort for an Integrated System with PVT and GSHP Considering Two Load Systems: Convective Heating and Radiant Floor Heating
by Sangmu Bae, Yujin Nam and Joon-Ho Choi
Energies 2020, 13(20), 5524; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13205524 - 21 Oct 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2307
Abstract
The zero-energy building (ZEB) concept has a high potential for securing energy savings in the building sector. To achieve ZEB, various active systems, including renewable systems such as photovoltaic, solar heating, and geothermal systems, have been developed. However, the existing systems are costly [...] Read more.
The zero-energy building (ZEB) concept has a high potential for securing energy savings in the building sector. To achieve ZEB, various active systems, including renewable systems such as photovoltaic, solar heating, and geothermal systems, have been developed. However, the existing systems are costly or not optimized. To overcome these issues, the authors previously developed an integrated tri-generation system. In this research, the previously developed system was comprehensively analyzed considering the indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency to develop a design and operation method for the integrated system. Two different heating systems (convective heating and radiant floor heating) were employed in the tri-generation system, and their system performance, predicted mean vote (PMV), and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) were compared using simulations. The results showed that the heating coefficient of power of the radiant floor heating system was 18.8% higher than that of the convective heating system. Moreover, the radiant floor heating system (Case 4) met the PMV and PPD standards during all the heating periods. Overall, radiant floor heating was found to be more efficient than convective heating. The results confirm that radiant floor heating is more suitable than convective heating considering the indoor thermal comfort of occupants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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17 pages, 5188 KiB  
Article
Study on the Performance of Multiple Sources and Multiple Uses Heat Pump System in Three Different Cities
by Hongkyo Kim, Yujin Nam, Sangmu Bae and Soolyeon Cho
Energies 2020, 13(19), 5211; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13195211 - 06 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2678
Abstract
Various efforts have been made worldwide to reduce energy use for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Research and development are essential to ensuring the efficient use of renewable energy systems. This study proposes a [...] Read more.
Various efforts have been made worldwide to reduce energy use for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Research and development are essential to ensuring the efficient use of renewable energy systems. This study proposes a multiple sources and multiple uses heat pump (MMHP) system that can efficiently respond to heating, cooling, and domestic hot water (DHW) loads using multiple natural heat sources. The MMHP system uses ground and air heat as its primary heat sources and solar heat for heat storage operations and ground temperature recovery. For the efficient use of each heat source, it also determines the heat source required for operation by comparing the heat source temperatures in the same time zone. A model for predicting the heat source temperatures, electricity use, and coefficient of performance (COP) was constructed through simulation. To analyze the efficiency of the proposed system by comparing the existing air source heat pump with ground source heat pump systems, a performance analysis was conducted by setting regional and system configurations as case conditions. The results demonstrate that the electricity use of the MMHP system was 13–19% and 1–3% lower than those of air source heat pump (ASHP) and ground source (GSHP) systems, respectively. In addition, the MMHP system was the most favorable in regions with a low heating load. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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17 pages, 8922 KiB  
Article
Development of Optimal Design Method for Ground-Source Heat-Pump System Using Particle Swarm Optimization
by Hyeongjin Moon, Jae-Young Jeon and Yujin Nam
Energies 2020, 13(18), 4850; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13184850 - 16 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
The building sector is an energy-consuming sector, and the development of zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) is necessary to address this. A ZEB’s active components include a system that utilizes renewable energy. There is a heat-pump system using geothermal energy. The system is available regardless [...] Read more.
The building sector is an energy-consuming sector, and the development of zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) is necessary to address this. A ZEB’s active components include a system that utilizes renewable energy. There is a heat-pump system using geothermal energy. The system is available regardless of weather conditions and time, and it has attracted attention as a high-performance energy system due to its stability and efficiency. However, initial investment costs are higher than other renewable energy sources. To solve this problem, design optimization for the capacity of geothermal heat-pump systems should be performed. In this study, a capacity optimization design of a geothermal heat-pump system was carried out according to building load pattern, and emphasis was placed on cost aspects. Building load patterns were modeled into hospitals, schools, and apartments, and, as a result of optimization, the total cost over 20 years in all building load patterns was reduced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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21 pages, 6107 KiB  
Article
Design and Performance Assessment of Multi-Use Offshore Tension Leg Platform Equipped with an Embedded Wave Energy Converter System
by Jianxing Yu, Zhenmian Li, Yang Yu, Shuai Hao, Yiqin Fu, Yupeng Cui, Lixin Xu and Han Wu
Energies 2020, 13(15), 3991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13153991 - 02 Aug 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2350
Abstract
In this study, a new multi-use offshore tension leg platform (TLP) was designed for wave energy production through an embedded wave energy converter (EWEC) system. The proposed EWEC system consists of four built-in tuned liquid column dampers for absorbing the hull [...] Read more.
In this study, a new multi-use offshore tension leg platform (TLP) was designed for wave energy production through an embedded wave energy converter (EWEC) system. The proposed EWEC system consists of four built-in tuned liquid column dampers for absorbing the hull motion energy and eight Wells turbines as the power take-off devices. A multifold nonlinear analytical model of this multibody system was developed considering the hydrodynamics of the TLP-EWEC system during large motions and the aerohydrodynamics of the chamber-turbine groups. A comprehensive assessment, including an evaluation of motion responses and preliminary generating capacity, was performed for different wave-load directions using the numerical time integration method. The results indicated that the multi-use platform can generate a considerable amount of turbine power for the offshore platform energy mix as well as serve for offshore oil and gas production in the target oil fields. Such additional benefits and profitability were proven effective and worthy for further exploration and practical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings)
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