Hygrometric Conditions Research Articles

Micromechanical study of raw earth stabilization using instrumented indentation

Alkali-activated slag is used as a stabilizer in earthen materials to improve their mechanical properties and to reduce their sensitivity to water. The efficiency of this stabilization is assessed through the mechanical characterization of samples made of three stabilized raw earths (RE) with different mineralogical compositions and equilibrated under five different hygrometric conditions. Instrumented indentation tests are used to evaluate the cohesion of the stabilized samples as this testing method allows the characterization of the mechanical properties of brittle porous materials at a local scale. The results show an increase in hardness and elastic modulus and a strong decrease in water sensitivity of the three different RE with increasing slag and activator contents.

Nondestructive Analysis On 4D-Printed Hygroscopic Actuators Through Optical Flow-Based Displacement Measurements

The many advantages of additive manufacturing are particularly noticeable in the fabrication of 4D-printed actuators. Through the selection of specific printing properties and materials, hygroscopic wood polymer composites (WPCs) can be produced and their reaction to humidity can be preprogrammed to achieve the greatest deformations in the shortest time. This responsive behavior makes 4D-printed WPCs suitable for architectural applications, where they can act as passive airflow controllers to improve hygrometric conditions in indoor environments. Image analysis methods have been proven to be reliable to select the best combinations of materials and properties for hygroscopic WPCs but, in some cases, they provide only information on the curvature angles and the instrumentation and software can be expensive. This paper presents an optical flow method for tracking the displacements through a free and open-source software. Starting from a time-lapse video of the sample immersed in water, the analysis returns a matrix composed of the 3D displacement values for each pixel in consecutive frames and the velocity of the displacement, with their visual representation. Such image analysis techniques proved to be suitable to assess the different hygro-responsive behavior under water of 4D-printed WPCs through low-cost equipment without altering their configuration.

Effect of UV LED Intensity on The Growth of Red Lettuce in Indoor Hydroponics

Microclimate control is increasingly widespread in limited agricultural environments. This is especially important for the cultivation of plants that tolerate significantly different thermal and hygrometric conditions. Nevertheless, there is much to be done in automation and control technology in this area to achieve the best results in both quantitative and qualitative terms of the product. This applies especially to horticultural crops that are sensitive to the cultivation environment and microclimate. This work aims to characterize the microclimate parameters in a confined agricultural environment with perforated ducts for air conditioning supply. For this work, a microclimate control unit was used instead of a lettuce crop. It was placed into a confined agricultural environment at different locations in the space to obtain the main microclimate parameters. After setting the input of the microclimate environment, the instrument measured a series of physical quantities (temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air velocity). Tests were carried out by taking the optimum day temperature constant for growing lettuce and by varying the supply airflow rate by setting the fan speed at 30%, 50%, and 80%. The results of these tests are essential for performing real-time control of the microclimate environment and for managing parameters for optimization of the entire system. In addition, the air velocity test showed adequate velocity reduction and good air mixing. The values obtained are generally acceptable for indoor cultivation and the conditions created are suitable for growing plants in such an environment. Light is an essential need for plants so that plants can carry out the photosynthesis process properly. In indoor DWC hydroponics system, the source of UV light is LED lights for plants. Some of the advantages of using LED light include a small light spectrum, less heat production, low power consumption, and wavelengths of 660 m and 450 m that are needed by plants. This research project aims to create a DWC hydroponic system for growing red lettuce in an indoor hydroponics and see the effect of LED grow light on the growth of red lettuce. DWC hydroponics uses AB-Mix nutrients that are channeled through inch PVC pipes using pump power. The hydroponic rack used has a height of 1.7 m and a width of 40 cm and has 3 shelves, where each shelf has 9 nutrient containers. The red lettuce plants in the DWC system were provided with different light treatments by installing shading nets with different percentages of light penetration, namely, 75%, 50%, and 0%. From the results of these treatments, the average yield of red lettuce was 300 grams on the top shelf, 400 grams on the middle shelf, and 600 grams on the bottom shelf.

HEAT-TRANSFER BEHAVIORS OF A SLIGHTLY HORIZONTAL VENTILATED ROOF UNDER VARIABLE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

This paper illustrates a numerical study to evaluate thermal and fluid dynamic behaviors of natural convection inside a slight inclined ventilated roof for residential building in Mediterranean area. The system is studied considering a roof with a length equal to 6.0 m and three different inclinations with respect to the horizontal plane (0°, 2°, 5°). The ventilated channel, under the roof, has a distance between the flat plates equal to 10 cm. A two-dimensional natural convection with surface radiation model is considered assuming a turbulent air flow. Different conditions are applied on the top wall and the bottom wall of the roof to simulate summer and winter conditions. Different values of solar heat fluxes are applied on the top wall of the ventilated cavity together with heat transfer with the external ambient. Along the bottom wall there is a heat transfer toward an internal ambient by means a thermal conductance. The problem is solved by means of the commercial code Ansys-Fluent. Results are given in terms of temperature and pressure distributions, air velocity and temperature profiles. The increase in inclination of the pitched roof determines a better performance of the component. In fact, during the summer, the efficiency of the system improves because the high heat flux produces an optimal air-convective condition into the ventilated channel. In the winter, the effect of the ventilated layer is more significant to fulfill optimal thermal and hygrometric conditions.

Uffizi Gallery monitoring for IAQ assessment

In museums, poor indoor air quality combined with unsuitable thermal and hygrometric conditions can affect the visitors and staff wellbeing as well as cause the deterioration processes of the exhibit objects. In order to assess indoor air quality of the museum, a survey was carried out in some rooms of the Uffizi Gallery of Florence by the researchers of the Laboratory of Environmental Physics of the University of Florence. Indoor temperature, relative humidity, chemical and microbiological pollutants were sampled, and the results analyzed and discussed. To do that a general methodology of investigation and evaluation of the results was defined and applied to several rooms of the Gallery. The presence of critical pollutant concentration was underlined and proper investigations on the HVAC system were scheduled. In this paper the results regarding a representative room are shown and discussed.

REPRODUCIBILITY OF MEASUREMENTS OF PRE-CONTACT LENS TEAR FILM KINETICS UNDER NORMAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Objectives: To evaluate the reproducibility of tear film kinetics (TFK) measurements during the full interblink period in habitual wearers of delefilcon A daily disposable contact lenses under different environmentalconditions.Methods: Two independent studies were performed, one involving 90 eyes measurements in 49 subjects and the second involving 58 eyes measurements in 32 subjects, after 3 hours of conventional wear in normal environmental conditions (NEC) and an additional 3 hours of computer use under adverse environmental conditions (AEC), defined as 20% relative humidity (RH). Digital videos were obtained by non-invasive Tearscope illumination, followed by a parallel-group post-hoc comparative analysis by masked investigators of the videos obtained during the two studies. Parameters analyzed included non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT); dehydration speed (DS) between the initial break and the spontaneous blink, and minimum protected area (MPA) of the lens surface by the tear film.Results: After 3 hours of wear in normal environmental conditions, the overall population (n=148) had a mean NIBUT of 7.1 ± 7.0 sec, a mean DS of 0.28 ± 0.66 mm2/sec, and a mean MPA of 93.4 ± 16.6%. After an additional 3 hours in AEC, mean NIBUT was 8.4 ± 9.8 mm2/sec, mean DS was 0.26 ± 0.75 mm2/sec, and MPA was 95.2 ± 14.0%. The TFK characteristics in the two studies were similar for each environmental condition: after 3 hours of conventional wear, the mean [95% CI] differences between the two studies were −0.9 [−3.2, +1.4] sec for NIBUT, 0.00 [−0.22, +0.22] mm2/s for DS, and 2.0 [−3.5, +7.4] % for MPA; after an additional 3 hours of wear in 20% RH, the mean [95% CI] differences between the two studies were −1.3 [−4.5, +1.9] sec for NIBUT, −0.03 [−0.28, +0.22] mm2/s for DS and −0.3 [−4.9, +4.3] % for MPA. Conclusions: This analysis showed that the measurement of pre-contact lens TFK carried out in two differ-ent studies involving habitual wearers of delefilcon A having worn their contact lenses for an initial 3 hours under NEC and a further 3 hours under low (20%) hygrometry (AEC) produced similar on-eye wettability, including a long NIBUT, slow DS following the initial break, and wide MPA at the next blink. The results establish the reproducibility of the measurement of pre-contact lens TFK using the Tearscope; by quantifying the measurement variability, the data makes it possible to carry out precise sample size calculations in future studies involving pre-contact lens TFK measurements to quantify on-eye wettability under both normal and adverse environmental low (20% RH) hygrometric conditions.

Microclimatic Control in Confined Agricultural Environment for Plants Cultivation

Microclimatic control is having an increasingly widespread in confined agricultural environment. This is important especially for plants cultivations that tolerate thermal and hygrometric conditions significantly different. Nevertheless, there is much to do in automation and control technologies of this field to achieve the best results in both quantitative and qualitative terms of the products. This is true above all for horticultural crops, sensible to pedoclimatic and microclimatic environment of cultivation. Aim of this work is to characterize the microclimatic parameters in a confined agricultural environment with a perforated duct for the supply of the air conditioning. For this work a microclimatic control unit was used instead of lettuce plants. It was placed into a confined agricultural environment at different locations in the space to acquire the main microclimatic parameters. After setting the inputs of the microclimate environment, the tool measured a series of physical quantities (temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air speed). Tests were carried out taking as constant the optimal day temperature to grow lettuce, and by varying supply airflow rate, setting the fan speed at 30 %, 50 %, and 80 %. The results of these tests are essential to perform a real-time control of the microclimatic environment and to manage parameters for the optimization of the entire system. In addition, air speed tests showed an adequate speed decay and a good mixing of air. The values obtained are generally acceptable for indoor cultures and the created conditions are suitable for plants cultivation in this kind of environment.

Comparative Analysis of Energy Consumption, Indoor Thermal–Hygrometric Conditions, and Air Quality for HVAC, LDAC, and RDAC Systems Used in Operating Rooms

As controlling temperature and humidity is crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing microbial growth, operating rooms (ORs) are the most energy-intensive areas in hospitals. We aimed to evaluate the energy consumption of three dehumidification air conditioning systems used in ORs and their corresponding air quality for ORs at rest. This study selected three ORs using a conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; a liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) system; and a rotary desiccant air conditioning (RDAC) system, respectively. The indoor thermal–hygrometric conditions, air quality, and energy consumption of the ORs were monitored in this study. The median levels of relative humidity (RH) were 66.7% in the OR using the conventional HVAC system, 60.8% in the OR using the LDAC system, and 60.5% in the OR using the RDAC system. The median daily total energy consumption of the RDAC system (10.1 kWh/m2) and LDAC system (11.8 kWh/m2) were 28.12% and 16.54% lower, respectively, than that of the conventional HVAC system (14.1 kWh/m2). The PM≥0.5 levels and airborne bacterial concentrations in the ORs met the ISO 14644-1 Class 7 standard and China’s GB50333-2013 standard, respectively. The RDAC system was clearly superior to the LDAC and conventional HVAC systems in terms of energy consumption.

Parallel epidemics, or nearly so: Certainties and uncertainties about SARS-CoV-2 in Italy

Parallel epidemics, or nearly so: Certainties and uncertainties about SARS-CoV-2 in Italy

Earth Plasters: The Influence of Clay Mineralogy in the Plasters’ Properties

ABSTRACT Earth-based mortars have been used all over the world since ancient times in an extensive range of building types from vernacular architecture to monuments. Plastering is one of the most common contemporary applications of earth-based mortars used for earthen-building conservation or modern architecture. Raw earth is a very diverse natural material, and clay minerals play a key role in plaster properties being responsible for their setting process and providing the capacity of balancing the indoor hygrometric conditions of buildings. This capacity offers significant benefits to energy savings delivering comfort and health of inhabitants and also contributes to building conservation. For this study, three mortars were produced with different clayish earths to assess the influence of clay mineralogy. Mortars characterization confirmed that clay mineralogy drives important plaster properties, such as vapour adsorption and drying shrinkage, while also having a significant influence on mechanical strength, dry abrasion, and thermal conductivity. Within the studied mortars, illitic clayish earth stands outs as more adequate for earth-based plasters, showing balanced properties, namely linear drying shrinkage, mechanical strength, dry abrasion, and water vapour adsorption.

Effect of pore structure and moisture content on gas diffusion and permeability in porous building stones

Hazardous gases in buildings are a concern for public health and security. These gases can be released from the building materials to indoor air and their concentration may become critical where ventilation is hindered, as such in hypogean or more energetically efficient airtight constructions. Furthermore, the gas ventilation and the indoor gas concentration can considerably increase by the vapour condensation on the ceiling and walls of buildings. In this paper, we characterise the CO2 gas diffusion for a representative range of building porous stones with the aim of establishing the effect of the water content in the gaseous diffusion coefficient. We propose a new methodology to measure gas diffusion with a laboratory device that works under different hygrometric conditions. Results reveal water pore condensation reduces both connected porosity and pore size and therefore, the CO2 diffusion coefficient. This variation occurs in all the studied porous building stones although it is especially important in stones with small pores. Thus, the reduction of CO2 diffusion coefficient for the stone with thinnest pores is by 50% when relative humidity varies from 20 to 90%. Permeability and gas diffusion coefficients present similar trends. Porous stones with larger pores and higher porosity values present the highest CO2 diffusion, water and gas permeability coefficients. Pore size is the conclusive parameter within the transport coefficients. It greatly affects both the tortuosity factor of the CO2 gaseous diffusion and the slip parameter of the Klinkenberg’s model for gas permeability coefficient. Finally, for studied samples, we establish a power regression, which correlates thoroughly both coefficients.

Combined effect of moisture and electrostatic charges on powder flow

It is well known in industrial applications involving powders and granular materials that the relative air humidity and the presence of electrostatic charges influence drastically the material flowing properties. The relative air humidity induces the formation of capillary bridges and modify the grain surface conductivity. The presence of capillary bridges produces cohesive forces. On the other hand, the apparition of electrostatic charges due to the triboelectric effect at the contacts between the grains and at the contacts between the grains and the container produces electrostatic forces. Therefore, in many cases, the powder cohesiveness is the result of the interplay between capillary and electrostatic forces. Unfortunately, the triboelectric effect is still poorly understood, in particular inside a granular material. Moreover, reproducible electrostatic measurements are difficult to perform. We developed an experimental device to measures the ability of a powder to charge electrostatically during a flow in contact with a selected material. Both electrostatic and flow measurements have been performed in different hygrometric conditions. The correlation between the powder electrostatic properties, the hygrometry and the flowing behavior are analyzed.

Monitoring the mycobiota of three plants manufacturing Culatello (a typical Italian meat product)

This study reports the composition of the mycobiota growing on the surface of Culatello (a typical Italian meat product) and occurring in the environments of three processing plants. Samples were collected in both winter and summer. A total of 84 culatelli and 14 samples from the plant environment were examined. A total of 331 (from food samples) and 2030 (from air samples) fungal isolates belonging to six genera and 29 species were identified. The substantial correspondence between air- and product-mycobiota in all the manufacturing plants studied seems to indicate a natural selection of those species that have adapted to the thermal–hygrometric conditions to which meat products were subjected. In particular, all sexual Aspergillus spp. with Eurotium-type ascomata, all Scopulariopsis spp. and Sporendonema casei from culatelli exactly matched with those from air samplings, and a prevalence of xerotolerant and xerophilic species belonging to Aspergillus or Penicillium was observed for both culatelli and environments, depending on the plant considered. Aspergillus candidus (16.0%), Penicillium solitum (19.6%), and Aspergillus cristatus (≡ Eurotium cristatum) (17.2%) were the prevalent species in Plants 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Fungal species producing unsightly spots on the casings (Scopulariopsis spp. and Sporendonema casei) were mainly found in the first steps of the aging, but tended to diminish or to change color throughout the process, so ultimately they did not represent a matter of concern. Fungal species potentially producing ochratoxin A (Penicillium nordicum and Aspergillus westerdijkiae) were the least prevalent species collected from a minor number of culatelli, so their presence could be defined as sporadic and did not represent a risk for consumers' health. This study reports the dominance of desirable species over undesirable molds on culatelli, but also highlights the importance of monitoring those meat products where no bacterial starter can degrade mycotoxins and where neither fungal starters nor a skin can inhibit fungal development. The control of the so-called “house mycobiota” in such products should be periodically assessed both in artisanal and industrial plants, since it proved to be fundamental to focus the potential risks connected to consumption of these meat products.

Modelling atmospheric effects on performance and plume dispersal from natural draft wet cooling towers

Abstract The study of cooling towers in realistic atmospheric conditions is important to assess their performance and plume dispersal as a function of wind speed and hygrometric conditions for their economical and public health consequences. In the present work the plume formation and its dispersal are modeled using a finite volume method on grid including details of the towers. The air mass flow and heat transfer are simulated inside and outside the tower. The equations for the transport of momentum, mass and liquid potential temperature are solved using the CFD software Code Saturne. In contrast to other studies dealing with the performance of cooling towers, the exchange processes inside the tower are represented with a source terms approach. The adiabatic expansion of the plume at the exit of the tower in the atmosphere is accounted for using the thermodynamical laws. The results of the simulation are compared to the measurement at Bugey nuclear power plant. The results of the model are shown to be in good agreement with the field measurements from point of view of the air flow structures, plume patterns and thermodynamical variables. Based on this reference simulation we study the variation of the cooling tower performance against the wind speed and quantify the effect of the ambient wind speed increase on the reduction of the natural draft. We also discuss the sheltering effect that the upstream tower can have on the other.

Theoretical and experimental analysis of the performances of a heat sink with vertical orientation in natural convection

In the various areas in which electrical components are used, the problem of heat dissipation generated due to the absorption of electrical energy assumes great interest and is worthy of an in-depth study. In steady state conditions, the thermal power generated can equal the electrical power absorbed and leads to an alteration in the physical properties of electrical components compromising their performance and correct functioning. One of the most frequently adopted solutions consists in the application of a heat sink on the surface to be cooled. Experimental tests were conducted using an infrared thermal camera, an internal climate control unit for the recording of the thermo hygrometric conditions of the environment and a finite element software (ProENGINEER) to simulate the thermal behaviour of the heat sink in order to analyse the modalities of thermal exchange of the heat sink. The results obtained were subsequently compared with the heat sink properties provided by the manufacturer. The main objective of the work is that of providing a methodology that blends the use of thermographic and simulation techniques with finite elements, in order to render the development of a theoretical–experimental correlation possible for any physical condition and geometrical configuration taken into consideration. This methodology is confirmed in the field of technological development of electrical components, where at each stage of the planning process exists a marked intertwining of computing, electronics, mechanics and heat transmission.

Modelling of chloride ingress into concrete through a single‐ion approach. Application to an idealized surface crack pattern

SUMMARYThe paper examines ion (chloride) transport equations in porous media (concrete) integrated over a representative elementary volume, that is to say, averaging over the macroscopic level the phenomena that occur really at the pore scale. There are three basic variables to be used: chloride concentration, moisture and temperature. The diffusion process is examined, in addition to other phenomena such as convection (the motion of dissolved substances caused by flow of water in a pore solution of partially saturated media) or chloride binding (the capacity of free chloride of being chemically bound, particularly with C3A to form Friedel salts). Contrary to other approaches, such effects are not considered by means of apparent diffusion coefficients but by developing the complete set of time‐dependent equations for both the chloride concentration within the pore solution and the moisture content within the pore space.Once the general model is described, the system of equations can be solved numerically by means of a two‐dimensional finite element formulation. The main objective is to reproduce results of experimental tests by means of a priori parameter estimation, according to the characteristics of materials and external environment conditions, thereby superseding the well‐known best fit a posteriori through Fick's second equation.While the introduction of hygrometric conditions and convection phenomena appears to be of high significance, other factors like temperature, surface concentration, chloride binding or equivalent hydration time are analysed too. The proposed model can reproduce bidimensional complex geometries, for example, cracked concrete cover, as well as variable surface condition. An application case is developed through a realistic model of the geometry of a crack. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phase transformation of calcium oxalate dihydrate–monohydrate: Effects of relative humidity and new spectroscopic data

New data on vibrational properties of calcium oxalates and their controversial transformation mechanism are presented. We have focused on whewellite (CaC2O4·H2O) and weddellite [CaC2O4·(2+x) H2O], the most common phases of calcium oxalate; these compounds occur in many organisms, in kidney stones and in particular kinds of films found on the surface of many works of art. Low temperature experiments carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have highlighted both the high structural order in the crystalline state of whewellite and the disordered distribution of the zeolitic water molecules in weddellite. The synthesised nanocrystals of weddellite have been kept under different hygrometric conditions in order to study, by X-ray powder diffraction, the role of “external” water molecules on their stability. Moreover, in order to identify the different kinds of water molecules, a re-investigation, supported by quantum chemical calculations, of the observed vibrational spectra (IR and Raman) of whewellite has been conducted.

Monitoring the thermal–hygrometric conditions induced by traditional heating systems in a historic Spanish church (12th–16th C)

Most historic churches are characterised by low thermal efficiency due primarily to their architectural design and the traditional materials used in their construction. Heating the huge volumes of air involved may be more or less effective depending on the HVAC system used. Up until very recently, traditional heating has been the system of choice in Spanish churches. The present study analysed the parish church at Talamanca de Jarama (a village on the outskirts of Madrid), where the forced hot-air system was found to induce wide fluctuations in indoor thermal–hygrometric (T/RH) conditions, in turn translating into the temporal and horizontal stratification of temperature and relative humidity. As a result, the thermal comfort sought for parishioners is not reached, for the air remains cold at pew height while heat accumulates in the upper area of the church. A three-dimensional sensor network was designed to monitor these conditions. Suspended from helium balloons, the sensors could record the indoor air temperature and humidity without causing any damage whatsoever to church property.

Optimization of sustainable buildings envelopes for extensive sheep farming through the use of dynamic energy simulation

Extensive sheep farming can be seen as a marginal market, compared to other livestock and agricultural activities, taking into account only the economic absolute values. But for many rural marginal areas within the European Community member states, in particular for those located in the Mediterranean area on hills or mountains with high landscape value, extensive sheep farming is not only the longest practiced animal farming activity, but also the most interesting considering its adaptability to the territorial morphology and the restrictions that have been established over the years in terms of sustainable rural development practices. At the moment, most of the structures used in this type of farming are built using low cost and sometimes recycled, but often unsuitable, materials. Few specific studies have been carried out on this particular issue assuming, presumably, that the very low profit margins of these activities made impossible any restructuring. Taken this into account, the new Rural Development Plans that will be issued in 2014 will surely contain some measure dedicated to innovations in farming structures and technology towards facilitating the application of the principles of energy optimization. This is the framework in which the present research has developed. The software that has been applied to perform the energy optimization analysis is the dynamic energy simulation engine Energy Plus. A case study farm has been identified in the small village of Ceseggi (PG), situated in Central Italy. For the case study optimum thermo hygrometric conditions have been identified to ensure the welfare of animals and operators and it has been hypothesized the insertion of an ideal HVAC system to achieve them. Afterwards were evaluated the different energy requirements of the building while varying the insulation material used on the vertical surfaces. The greater goal is to verify which could be the best insulation material for vertical surfaces from energy requirement, primary energy and cost points of view and to verify as well if it would be possible to achieve optimum environmental conditions by using only passive solutions.

Optimization of sustainable buildings envelopes for extensive sheep farming through the use of dynamic energy simulation

Extensive sheep farming can be seen as a marginal market, compared to other livestock and agricultural activities, taking into account only the economic absolute values. But for many rural marginal areas within the European Community member states, in particular for those located in the Mediterranean area on hills or mountains with high landscape value, extensive sheep farming is not only the longest practiced animal farming activity, but also the most interesting considering its adaptability to the territorial morphology and the restrictions that have been established over the years in terms of sustainable rural development practices. At the moment, most of the structures used in this type of farming are built using low cost and sometimes recycled, but often unsuitable, materials. Few specific studies have been carried out on this particular issue assuming, presumably, that the very low profit margins of these activities made impossible any restructuring. Taken this into account, the new Rural Development Plans that will be issued in 2014 will surely contain some measure dedicated to innovations in farming structures and technology towards facilitating the application of the principles of energy optimization. This is the framework in which the present research has developed. The software that has been applied to perform the energy optimization analysis is the dynamic energy simulation engine Energy Plus. A case study farm has been identified in the small village of Ceseggi (PG), situated in Central Italy. For the case study optimum thermo hygrometric conditions have been identified to ensure the welfare of animals and operators and it has been hypothesized the insertion of an ideal HVAC system to achieve them. Afterwards were evaluated the different energy requirements of the building while varying the insulation material used on the vertical surfaces. The greater goal is to verify which could be the best insulation material for vertical surfaces from energy requirement, primary energy and cost points of view and to verify as well if it would be possible to achieve optimum environmental conditions by using only passive solutions.