Sam C. M. Hui

Developing a Web-Based Learning Environment for Building Energy Efficiency and Solar Design in Hong Kong

With the growing importance of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies, there is an urgent need to integrate the new knowledge in these fields into our education system. The Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) can be an effective medium for the delivery of good quality education and training for these subjects, because of its flexibility, timeliness, and breadth of access. This paper investigates an approach for developing a web-based learning environment for building energy efficiency and solar design. The use of the WWW as a delivery system for educational materials and information resources is discussed. Some of the technical and pedagogical issues associated with the web-based techniques are identified. The experience from a pilot study at the University of Hong Kong is evaluated and the major considerations for the design of web-based learning are presented. It is hoped that the present study could stimulate more discussions and innovative ideas for exploiting the educational potential of the WWW for energy education.

Holography: Art and Science of light in Architecture

Holography provides a medium for creative visual experiences in space and scale. It bas been firmly established as a tool for scientific and engineering studies. It could be creatively used in architecture and building design as a practical device and as a form of art. Basic principles and features of holography are explained. Designs of the holographic systems are illustrated in some architectural applications. It is believed that holographic elements can make a valuable contribution to architectural design by controlling light and creating new concepts of colour and space.

Robustness of Air Distribution in Plenum-Based Ductless Ventilation Systems

Abstract This paper introduces a concept of robustness of an air distribution method, which is defined as being capable of meeting the ventilation requirements during varying operational conditions. The robustness performance may be particularly important when the system allows individual control of the supply air parameters. As a preliminary example, plenum–based (ductless) air distribution methods are studied using computational fluid dynamics. Among the four basic air distribution methods in plenum–based systems, it is found that the floor supply and ceiling return system does not always produce the conventional displacement ventilation system performance when the heat sources are not concentrated. The ceiling supply with ceiling return produces the best robustness performance over a wide range of supply velocities.