Tong Yang

A Comparison of CFD and Full-scale Measurements for Analysis of Natural Ventilation

Abstract CFD modelling techniques have been used to simulate the coupled external and internal flow in a cubic building with two dominant openings. CFD predictions of the time-averaged cross ventilation flow rates have been validated against full-scale experimental data under various weather conditions in England. RANS model predictions proved reliable when wind directions were near normal to the vent openings. However, when the fluctuating ventilation rate exceeded the mean flow, RANS models were incapable of predicting the total ventilation rate. Improved results are expected by applying more sophisticated turbulence models, such as LES or weighted quasi-steady approximations.

Coupling a model of human thermoregulation with computational fluid dynamics for predicting human–environment interaction

This article describes the methods developed to couple a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program with a multi-segmented model of human thermal comfort and physiology. A CFD model is able to predict detailed temperatures and velocities of airflow around a human body, whilst a thermal comfort model is able to predict the response of a human to the environment surrounding it. By coupling the two models and exchanging information about the heat transfer at the body surface, the coupled system can potentially predict the response of a human body to detailed local environmental conditions. This article presents a method of exchanging data, using shared files, to provide a means of dynamically exchanging simulation data with the IESD-Fiala model during the CFD solution process. Additional code is used to set boundary conditions for the CFD simulation at the body surface as determined by the IESD-Fiala model and to return information about local environmental conditions adjacent to the body surface as determined by the CFD simulation. The coupled system is used to model a human subject in a naturally ventilated environment. The resulting ventilation flow pattern agrees well with other numerical and experimental work.

Building Energy Management Systems

Building energy management systems (BEMS) are integrated building automation and energy management systems, utilizing IT or ICT, intelligent and interoperable digital communication technologies promoting a holistic approach to controls and providing adaptive operational optimization. The system may have multiple levels from individual sensors and actuators to users’ interface, to facilitate data collection, analysis, diagnose, trend finding, and decision-making. BEMS could provide flexible access to the building automation systems from several different platforms and locations. By using service-oriented abstractions to connect building, systems, and people, BEMS dynamically control indoor climate in a cost-effective manner and ensures the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of the occupants in buildings.

Barriers and policy recommendations for developing green buildings from local government perspective: a case study of Ningbo China

ABSTRACT This paper is based on an ongoing research project funded by the World Bank GEF Program, which aims to identify the key barriers to green building development in Ningbo China and suggest policy improvements to the local government. China is undergoing the largest scale of urbanization in history and at an unprecedented pace. The construction and operation of buildings have inevitably brought severe pressures on resource conservation and environmental protection. China has initiated policies, strategies and financial incentive schemes at national level to address these issues. It is also seen that there is a growing interest in recent years at local government level in promoting green buildings. This paper will take a look at the current national policies and targets and then discuss the motivations and opportunities of developing green buildings from a perspective of local governments. Questionnaire surveys and interviews with relevant stakeholders have been conducted in the case study city. Based on the surveys and interviews, the key barriers to developing green buildings in the case study city have been identified, and recommendations for policy change are proposed.

Smart meter and in-home display for energy savings in residential buildings: a pilot investigation in Shanghai, China

ABSTRACT Smart meters and in-home displays (IHDs) have been recently adopted to help give residential users more control over energy consumption, and meet environmental and supply security objectives. The article aims to identify the effectiveness and potential of smart meters and real-time IHDs in reducing Shanghai household energy consumption by affecting occupants’ behaviour. A general landscape of the occupant behaviour in residential buildings was briefly painted. A pilot study in Shanghai with an effective sample of 131 respondents was arranged into two groups as IHD and non-IHD households. A dedicated statistical analysis model was developed based on the micro-level empirical data to investigate the characteristics and the regulations of electricity consumption in these two groups, such as check frequency, electricity consumption reduction and shifting, energy bill saving, and standby power. The research results demonstrate that IHDs could lead to around 9.1% reduction in monthly electricity consumption and about 11.0% cut off in monthly electricity bills. A general comparison of the electricity consumption reduction between this research and the average UK case was further made. Barriers at current stage and challenges for further work were finally discussed. The statistical model is expected to ‘future proof’ smart meter and real-time displays through macro-level designing in modularity and flexibility in China. The overall research initially proves the concept of the feasible impact of smart meter and display technologies in the Chinese context, which is further expected to contribute to the empirical evidence on how IHD feedback could influence household electricity consumption in the Chinese context.

Building integrated solar thermal (BIST) technologies and their applications : A review of structural design and architectural integration

Solar energy has enormous potential to meet the majority of present world energy demand by effective integration with local building components. One of the most promising technologies is building integrated solar thermal (BIST) technology. This paper presents a review of the available literature covering various types of BIST technologies and their applications in terms of structural design and architectural integration. The review covers detailed description of BIST systems using air, hydraulic (water/heat pipe/refrigerant) and phase changing materials (PCM) as the working medium. The fundamental structure of BIST and the various specific structures of available BIST in the literature are described. Design criteria and practical operation conditions of BIST systems are illustrated. The state of pilot projects is also fully depicted. Current barriers and future development opportunities are therefore concluded. Based on the thorough review, it is clear that BIST is very promising devices with considerable energy saving prospective and building integration feasibility. This review shall facilitate the development of solar driven service for buildings and help the corresponding saving in fossil fuel consumption and the reduction in carbon emission.

A whole-system approach to high-performance green buildings

This book provides a comprehensive insight and practical guidance on an integrated approach to sustainable design, construction, operation and beyond for high-performance green buildings. Drawing o...

Environmental implications of privatised public space in gated residential neighbourhood: case study of China's small residential district

Gated neighbourhood is well-defined by enclosed walls and gates with clear physical boundaries. The most distinctive feature of gated neighbourhoods is that their public spaces are normally privatised. The construction and operation of the public space within a gated neighbourhood consumes energy and resources, and sequentially has impacts on the environment. This paper argues such environmental impacts from the construction and operation of the public space should be also “privatised”, i.e. it should be jointly owned by all property owners of a gated neighbourhood. Through examining a case study neighbourhood in China, this research indicates the environmental outcomes due to the privatisation of the public space cannot be ignored. De-privatising the public space from gated neighbourhoods through sound urban planning can help to improve environmental sustainability as well as social sustainability in tandem.

Planning and design scenarios for liveable cities

As the urban populations increase we have to think more deeply about how to make cities less stressful and more creative for people to live in. Liveability and quality of life are key factors while designing and managing energy, water, pollution, and waste systems which are sustainable for the long term. The rapidly developing digital technologies can help to enable these aims to be achieved. New approaches are proposed with recommendations for achieving these goals.

An initial concept design of an innovative flat-plate Solar Thermal Facade for building integration

An initial concept design of an innovative flat-plate solar thermal facade for building integration