Polish Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Inverted roof insulation kits and their durability

In the paper there was analyzed a mechanism of loss of performance properties of inverted roof insulation kits resulted by moisture increase of the insulation layers. This problem is very important in such systems because the thermal insulation is placed above the waterproofing layer and is not protected against water absorption. Abovementioned problem is more and more common in the course of building’s utilization in Polish climate conditions. Because inverted roof kits are based on extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), those materials have been used in tested samples. The results of laboratory tests showed the phenomenon and its effect on durability and sustainability of roof covering performance. It was also found that the biggest influence on the increase of moisture in the thermal insulation layer has not the long term water absorption by immersion but freeze –thaw cycles.

Using Solar Energy for Charging Electric Vehicles in Poland – a case study

The recent advancements in the fields of electric propulsion and battery technology have made possible the implementation of all-electric transport within the coming decades. However, the widespread use of electric cars could seriously threaten the existing capabilities of energy generation and the load of the utility grid. This work investigates the use of solar energy for producing energy for transportation locally, using energy buffering and minimizing grid energy transfers. A case-study of an electric car and dedicated PV-system is investigated for the duration of a full year in Polish climatic conditions.

On the possibilities of solar energy usage for heating single-family houses in Poland

The paper presents an assessment of the possibility of using solar energy for heating a selected residential building. The influence of the thermal insulation standard of the outer casing and the air tightness of the building on technical solutions with conventional heat sources and a solar energy system was analysed. In Polish climate conditions, especially in November and December, the availability of solar energy is usually insufficient in relation to heating needs. Therefore, it is necessary to store heat when it is to be used for heating. Monthly and yearly periods of heat storage have been considered. The influence of the use of solar radiation energy on the change in the energy performance of the building and on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions was determined. Characteristics of heating systems and devices [9] as well as generally available meteorological data [5] were used for energy calculations.

Analysis of climatic zones in Poland with regard to asphalt performance grading

Towards the end of the last century a new system of bitumen grading was developed and implemented as part of the American Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). Its aim was to better adjust the testing methods and requirements for road bitumens to the actual conditions in which those bitumens serve in road pavements. Currently in Poland, similarly as in the other EU countries, road bitumens are tested and classified with regard to mainly the penetration value determined at the temperature of 25°C. It should be noted that this classification is not correlated with the climatic conditions in which the bitumens are to serve in the road pavement. This paper presents the results of analyses concerning the determination of the temperatures at which bituminous binders serve in the Polish climatic conditions. A division of the area of Poland into climatic zones depending on the required performance grades (PGs) determined for bitumens on the basis of climatic data from 61 meteorological stations for a period of minimum 20 years is presented. It is proposed to select bitumens depending on the climatic zone in Poland, taking into account the proper probability level which follows from the road class.

Cooperation of Horizontal Ground Heat Exchanger with the Ventilation Unit During Summer – Case Study

Renewable energy sources are used in the modern energy-efficient buildings to improve their energy balance. One of them is used in the mechanical ventilation system ground air heat exchanger (earth-air heat exchanger - EAHX). This solution, right after heat recovery from exhaust air (recuperation), allows the reduction in the energy needed to obtain the desired temperature of supply air. The article presents the results of "in situ" measurements of pipe ground air heat exchanger cooperating with the air handling unit, supporting cooling the building in the summer season, in Polish climatic conditions. The laboratory consists of a ventilation unit intake - exhaust with rotor for which the source of fresh air is the air intake wall and two air intakes field cooperating with the tube with ground air heat exchangers. Selection of the source of fresh air is performed using sprocket with actuators. This system is part of the ventilation system of the Malopolska Laboratory of Energy-Efficient Building (MLBE) building of Cracow University of Technology. The measuring system are, among others, the sensors of parameters of air inlets and outlets of the heat exchanger channels EAHX and weather station that senses the local weather conditions. The measurement data are recorded and archived by the integrated process control system in the building of MLBE. During the study measurements of operating parameters of the ventilation unit cooperating with the selected source of fresh air were performed. Two cases of operation of the system: using EAHX heat exchanger and without it, were analyzed. Potentially the use of ground air heat exchanger in the mechanical ventilation system can reduce the energy demand for heating or cooling rooms by the pre-adjustment of the supply air temperature. Considering the results can be concluded that the continuous use of these exchangers is not optimal. This relationship is appropriate not only on an annual basis for the transitional periods (spring and autumn), but also in individual days in the potentially most favorable periods of work exchanger (summer and winter). Inappropriate operation of the heat exchanger, will lead to a temporary increase in energy consumption for the preparation of the desired air temperature, relative to the fresh air unit which is non-pretreated. For optimal energy system operation: exchanger EAHX - air handling unit, to preserve the most favourable parameters of inlet air to handling unit, there is a need to dynamically adjust the source of fresh air, depending on changing external conditions and the required outlet temperature of central unit (temperature of air forced to the rooms).

Evaluation of several dessert cultivars of plum, new under climatic conditions of Poland

An experiment was established in the spring of 2006 in the Experimental Orchard in Dąbrowice (central Poland). The plum cultivars under assessment included: ‘Avalon’, ‘Edda’, ‘Excalibur’, ‘Jubileum’, ‘Mallard’ and ‘Reeves’. Trees of the cv. ‘Victoria’ were the control combination. On the basis of the eight-year study it was found that the most vigorously growing were trees of the cultivar ‘Excalibur’. The most susceptible to frost damage and infection by Chondrostereum purpureum (silver leaf) were trees of the cultivars ‘Edda’ and ‘Excalibur’. In addition, the cv. ‘Excalibur’ was characterized by high susceptibility to the Plum pox virus (sharka). The highest cumulative fruit yield was shown by the cultivar ‘Jubileum’. The worst fruiting were trees of the cultivar ‘Mallard’. Fruits of the cv. ‘Excalibur’ had the highest weight. The smallest were fruits of the cv. ‘Edda’ characterized by early ripening time. The highest amounts of soluble solids were contained in fruits of the cultivar ‘Avalon’. The cvs ‘Edda’, ‘Reeves’ and ‘Avalon’ proved suitable for cultivation in Polish climatic conditions.

Polish experience with cold in-place recycling

Deep cold in-place recycling using cement and asphalt emulsion has been used for reconstruction of existing roads since the beginning of the 1990s. This paper describes the first Polish requirements for mineral-cement-emulsion mixtures. As requirements stated for the strength of the mineral-cement-emulsion mixtures were quite high, most of the mixtures were designed using high amount of cement and aggregate added for the improvement of gradation. The paper also presents selected results of the visual assessment of existing pavements with bases made of mineral-cement-emulsion mixtures. The mixtures used in bases were designed according to the first Polish requirements. On all of the sections numerous reflective transverse cracks were observed. Most of them resulted from very high requirements stated for the strength. Last part of the paper describes the changes which were introduced to the Polish requirements on the basis of conducted field investigations and other past experiences of using mineral-cement-emulsion mixtures in Polish climatic conditions. Newly developed instruction liberalized the requirements stated for base materials and significantly reduced the amount of cement.

OPTIMIZATION OF WINDOW SIZE DESIGN FOR DETACHED HOUSE USING TRNSYS SIMULATIONS AND GENETIC ALGORITHM

Abstract Heat gains from the sun affect the heat balance of building by reducing the energy demand at certain periods of the year and increasing it at others. Windows, especially the type of glazing, are a determining factor in the successful use of solar gains. The aim of the research presented in the paper is to analyse the effects of the type and size of windows on annual heating and cooling energy consumption considering the energy costs in Polish climate conditions. Additionally the influence of building orientation has been analysed. Optimal selection of these parameters for reduction of the energy consumption has been carried out. Genetic algorithms were used for the optimization, while TRNSYS program was used for energy analysis. The analyses were performed on an exemplary single family detached house. Self-adaptive genetic algorithm connected with energy building simulation successfully identifies the lowest energy costs. Optimal window type and size design and window orientation reduce the energy costs. The developed comprehensive energy simulation environment can also be used to optimize other building’s parameters.

The impact of the hot tap water load pattern in the industrial hall on the energy yield from solar collectors

The systems using solar energy, popular in Poland, can be used to supply hot water for the installation used by employees of industrial halls. In manufacturing plants, employing a large number of people, the demand for hot water is practically constant throughout the year and is characterized by periodic use at the end of each work shift. Dynamics of the hot water consumption depends on the number of shifts as well as working days and holidays. Additionally the maximum hot tap water demand occurs in the whole period of installation operation. In polish climatic conditions the solar collectors’ systems have the largest capacity in the summer, while in winter they need to be assisted. Beside that the supply of renewable energy is uneven and depends on weather conditions. In the paper the one-hour step analysis concerning the dependence of the load pattern of the hot tap water preparation system on the energy yield from solar collectors had been performed.

Hybrid ventilation in residential buildings – the proposal of research for the Polish climatic conditions

Due to the geographic location and the influence of the polar maritime and polar continental air masses we observe a large variety and variability of external air parameters in Poland. Both during the whole year and also in shorter, even several-day periods. The parameters of outside air indicate that combination of mechanical and natural ventilation in detached buildings can be cost-effective and allows keeping the thermal comfort and good indoor air quality.

Evaluation of Clinker Microstructure Changes Resulting from Different Subsoil Contacts After Long-term Exposition to Polish Climate Conditions

A face wall is defined as an element applied inside or outside which should have an attractive look. The achievement of expected results is very difficult. Usually, during the first years of exploitation efflorescence appears, covering mostly clinker surface. This is primary efflorescence which should disappear within the first year of exploitation. Long-term observations led by the author on real objects indicate that this period is definitely longer, and efflorescence change depending on seasons of the year. The essential influence has the wall and subsoil contact area. This is an area especially endangered with rain and soluble compounds contained in water. The cyclic character of these changes influences the clinker microstructure. This paper deals with clinker microstructure changes resulting from ten years of exposition to external climate. There are three cases of wall and ground contact: a tight concrete band, humus layer, and gravel filter layer. The tests were performed on a field station located at the University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz. Three types of clinker walls with different mortars were analyzed. Six samples of bricks designed for wall erecting were taken as initial material for microstructure evaluation. The tests were led on 5mm thick face layer of bricks. Based on observation there were indicated areas of the biggest efflorescence intensity. Microstructure evaluation was done using mercury porosimetry method. The results obtained were used for comparative analysis of meso- and macropore share changes in clinker after ten years of functioning in external environment. These tests let us indicate the best solution taking into account the wall and ground contact.

A method of optimizing the rapeseed oil transportation costs in biofuel production installations

Background. Rapeseed oil is the main source of production biofuels in the Polish climatic conditions. This oil in the raw state has a high kinematic viscosity, much higher than the esters derived from it RME. Such a property rapeseed oil generates additional costs during its transport in industrial hydraulic systems. The goal of study was to develop a technology to reduce the viscosity of rapeseed oil by heating it before further pumping between the tanks. Material and methods. The research was raw rapeseed oil prior to transesterification. The simulation tests in the laboratory were performed on a specially designed test bench for testing the properties of a viscous liquid having a volume of 5 liter tank. The oil is heated heater at 5°C temperature range 20¸80°C and determined the cost of its heating HC, the costs of pumping PC, making up the total cost of transport TC. Then the analytical method and graphical establish optimum temperature rapeseed oil during transport in pipelines. Results. Heating the fresh rapeseed oil temperature from 20°C to 80°C causes a significant reduction in the kinematic viscosity from 62 to 10 mm2·s-1. In this temperature range, the cost of oil heating grow faster than the benefits of a lower load the electric motor driving the pump. Conclusions. In the case of small volumes of liquid heating method proposed rapeseed oil preparation tank in order to reduce its viscosity without any recognizable economic benefits. Mathematical analysis showed that the total costs were the smallest in the lower temperature range studied (here To = 20°C). Yet, the method can become profitable for large flows and low temperatures of hydraulic installations operation e.g. in the winter season when a oil puts up a meaningful resistance of flow. This requires further research conducted on an industrial scale.

Variation in polyphenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves following foliar development

Seasonal dynamics in the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and their relationships during plant development were evaluated for eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves, a traditional herbal medicine of North American natives. With the complementary UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3, HPLC-PDA-fingerprint, Folin-Ciocalteau, and n-butanol/HCl assays of methanol-water (75:25, v/v) extracts, the dried leaf samples harvested monthly across the growing season under Polish climate conditions were found rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (149.2–210.7mg/g DW) including the dominating salicylates (64.6–107.5mg/g DW), proanthocyanidins (53.0–66.8mg/g DW), and flavonoids (17.3–25.3mg/g DW), and the accompanying chlorogenic acid isomers (2.4–4.4mg/g DW) and simple phenolic acids (0.9–1.1mg/g DW). Among 28 detected analytes, gaultherin (64.6–107.5mg/g DW), miquelianin (14.6–21.1mg/g DW), procyanidin A-type trimer (5.5–9.5mg/g DW), and (–)-epicatechin (5.8–7.8mg/g DW) were the most abundant. The phenolic levels and antioxidant activity parameters in the DPPH (EC50, 15.0–18.2μg DW/mL; 0.95–1.16mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) and FRAP (2.3–3.4mmolFe 2+/g DW; 0.86–1.26mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) assays showed parallel seasonal trends with maxima in September and October. As the subsequent correlation studies confirmed the determinative impact of polyphenols on the leaf antioxidant activity and its seasonal fluctuations, the Fall season could be recommended as optimal for harvesting the plant material for medicinal purposes and cost-effective production of natural health products.

Wine of Cool-climate Areas in South Poland

A number of new vinery production regions, especially in the southern parts of Poland, have appeared in the last ten-odd years. This study was aimed at completing the chemical characterisation of wine produced from ten Polish grape cultivars planted near Krakow. The wine was analysed to determine organic acid concentrations, total polyphenols and extract content, antioxidant activity, alcohol content, total acidity and pH. Moreover, a sensory analysis was performed on the wine. Significant differences were recorded between red and white wine. The total acidity expressed as tartaric acid, and tartaric and malic acid concentrations, were significantly higher in white and red wines, whereas antioxidant activity and phenolic content were significantly higher in the red wines. Similarities and relationships between various parameters and specific wine brands were further examined with cluster analysis. Our results show that, under Polish climatic conditions, it is possible to produce wine with quality comparable to wine from established wine denomination regions. Selected wine brands showed high antioxidant activity (FRAP – ferric reducing antioxidant power) and a high level of polyphenols. This study also provides confirmation that wines from colder climates frequently reveal unique and desirable properties.

Characteristics of spring wheat genotypes exhibiting high resistance to FHB in terms of their resistance to other fungal diseases

<p>The field experiment was carried out in 2010–2012 at the Dłoń Agricultural Research Station, the Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland. The study was designed to evaluate the degree of infection by powdery mildew, brown rust, and septoria leaf blotch in 61 spring wheat genotypes differing in their resistance to <em>Fusarium</em> ssp.</p><p>The vast majority of spring wheat genotypes in the collection of gene resources in the USA defined as resistant to <em>Fusarium</em> ssp. confirmed their resistance under Polish climatic conditions. The <em>B .graminis</em> infection rate of genotypes that are considered to be resistant to Fusarium head blight was high. The resistance ranged from 7 for Sumai 3 (PL2) up to 8.8 for Ning 8331 (in a 9-point scale). Most of the genotypes (56.5%) were infected by <em>Puccinia recondita</em> at a level of 1–3 (in a 9-point scale). The genotypes of Sumai 3 exhibited high resistance to septoria leaf blotch, amounting to 1–2 in a 9-point scale; the resistance of Frontana ranged from 1 to 3.5, while the genotypes of Ning were infected by <em>Mycosphaerella graminicola</em> at 5–6.</p>

Prospects for Sorghum cultivation in Poland

The article presents the origin and cultivation history of sorghum (<em>Sorghum</em> spp.), its biology, requirements, cultivation techniques, and utilization. Sorghum is a cereal of the Poaceae. It is one of the most important crop plants grown in warmer parts of the world. Sorghum comes from Africa and therefore has very high heat requirements. In comparison with other crop plants, it is characterized by more efficient nutrient and water utilization. Sorghum grain is used to produce porridge, flour, syrup, sugar, ethanol, vegetable oil, starch, wax, paints, and animal fodder (the grain and entire plant). Sorghum straw is used to produce fibres, paper, and building materials. Sorghum has high energy value and can be an excellent source of renewable energy. It is easy to cultivate, with low soil and nutrient requirements. Due to its content of allelopathic compounds, it inhibits weed growth and has a phytosanitary effect. It is also resistant to disease and pests. It is a short-day plant, and in Polish climate conditions, it does not form sufficiently mature seeds, but produces a very high yield of green matter that can be used for fodder. Cultivation of sorghum during periodic water shortages may be an alternative solution for obtaining fodder when maize cultivation is unreliable.

Linear concentrating collector as an air heater in the heating system of building in Polish climatic conditions

The article presents the analysis of the performance of a concentrating collector in the heating system of a residential building. Air was used as the working fluid. The heating requirements of the building were determined for each day of the year. The amount of direct irradiation reaching the absorber’s surface on all the days of the year was determined with the use of hourly meteorological data for Wroclaw, shared by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Growth. It was assumed that the collector is equipped with a tracking system working in one axis. Calculations and comparisons were made for the amount of solar irradiation for three values of the receiver’s inclination angle: β 1 =60°, β 2 =90° and β 3 =30°. Statistical method was used in order to determine the optimum inclination of the mirror and the amount of flowing air. This method involves creating a plan of experiment with three levels of changeability for two input factors. In the last stage, the amount of heat obtained from the installation during all the days of the year was analysed. The gains were juxtaposed on the diagram with the building’s heat demand. The analysis has shown that the heat requirements can be met only partially.

Selection of Quiet Pavement Technology for Polish Climate Conditions on the Example of CiDRO Project

Transportation noise has a growing detrimental impact on the environment, humans health and living conditions. In addition to noise mitigation by erection of the expensive noise barriers, tire/pavement noise can be reduced “in source” by construction of special asphalt pavements. While that solution is commonly known in regions with moderate maritime climate (e.g. The Netherlands), in places with more harsh climate it is not popular. High number (>100/year) of freeze and thaw (F&T) cycles in Poland is a significant limitation for porous asphalt technology. This paper presents results of the research work conducted within research project called “Innovative pavement technology with reduced noise emission” with acronym CiDRO. The project was conducted by a consortium composed of Mostostal Warszawa (leader of the consortium), Warsaw University of Technology – Faculty of Civil Engineering and Road and Bridge Research Institute – Department of Pavement Technology (members of the consortium). This project was supported by Polish National Centre for Research and Development. Within the scope of the CiDRO project presented in this paper, various noise reducing asphalt technologies were tested in both laboratory and field sections. Those sections included the following types of wearing course: asphalt concrete AC 11 (reference), stone mastic (matrix) asphalt SMA 5 and SMA 8, open graded friction course OGFC 8 and OGFC 11, porous asphalt PA8 and PA11. The range of laboratory research program consists of typical quality control and evaluation studies of functional characteristics such as resistance to water and frost, low temperature cracking resistance, aging resistance, rheological properties and fatigue life. In addition, field tests such as noise emissions by CPX and SPB methods, texture depth, friction coefficient and in-situ water permeability were performed. Field tests were repeated following winter period. Moreover, to simulate clogging, dirt (previously collected road debris) was spread on the surface and cleaning treatment was performed using specialized equipment. Selected properties of the pavement surface were tested to determine the effectiveness of cleaning process. Finally, two most promising sections were proposed for construction as real traffic exposed roads and subjected for observation during their exploitation. An initial conclusions and recommendations were drawn regarding the mixture maximum aggregate size and air void content.

Biologia i epidemiologia Valdensinia heterodoxa Peyronel – patogena borówki wysokiej

Summary Valdensinia heterodoxa Peyronel is polyphagous fungus infecting many species of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. The geographical range of the pathogen area includes Europe, North America and Asia. The fungus was classified as ascomycetes (Sclerotiniaceae). The fungus was rarely observed at a perfect stage. The pathogen spreads by conidia – staurospores and overwinters as sclerotia or mycelium on fallen infected leaves. The pathogen causes leaf spots and defoliation of the shoot. In the recent years, the pathogen has begun to play a significant role among the economically important crops including bilberry and highbush blueberry. In Polish climatic conditions the pathogen was recorded back in the 20's of the XX–century, but its biology and epidemiology have not been well recognized yet. Due to the increasing importance of highbush blueberry crop, it is worthwhile to extend knowledge of life cycle and harmfulness of V. heterodoxa with respect to this species crop.

Influence of the Balcony Glazing Construction on Thermal Comfort of Apartments in Retrofitted Large Panel Buildings

This paper presents the results of the annual computational simulations conducted for separate flats of a ten-story W70 large-panel building. The calculations were carried out in the Design Builder program which prepares a simulation of the building envelope as well as the separate parts of the building interior. The simulations conducted for the polish climatic conditions allowed the assessment of the thermal comfort of the entire multi-family building and of the particular flats. It is very rare to take into consideration the requirements connected with the overheating effect in the panel buildings. This issue is closely related to the thermal comfort of the building, especially during the summer months. For the last couple of years modernization of large panel buildings has become very popular. Most of the multi-family large panel buildings in Poland have already been insulated, windows were exchanged and in many cases balconies were closed with glazing constructions. Based on conducted simulations authors analyzed the microclimate conditions in different apartments, with different orientation of balconies. Different simulation steps were analyzed which allowed an evaluation of the influence of different windows, loggia glazing framings and night cooling on microclimate in different apartments.