Semi-arid Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Regulated Deficit Irrigation to Boost Processing Tomato Sustainability and Fruit Quality

Improving water use efficiency is gaining relevance for the sustainability of agricultural practices. In semi-arid Mediterranean areas, recent studies highlighted that future climatic scenarios will be even more critical for crops, given the increase in water scarcity. In this context, the rationalization of irrigation water is necessary to sustain processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and quality since this crop requires large volumes of water. The present research aimed to identify the effects of a regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategy on the environmental and economic sustainability and fruit technological and functional quality of the processing tomato crop in the Mediterranean area. A two-year, open-field experiment was carried out to compare full irrigation management (IRR, restoring 100% ETc) with an RDI strategy based on restoring 50% ETc when the first fruit cluster reached the typical size (BBCH 701 phenological stage, relative to Solanaceous fruits). Remarkable water saving (21.46%, average of the two years) was achieved under RDI without significant variations in total and marketable yield compared to the IRR regime. Consequently, improved economic water productivity (+23.17%) was observed, allowing enhanced processing tomato sustainability. The RDI strategy boosted the glucose content (+17.78%), soluble solids content (SSC, +10.17%), and dry matter of the fruits (+10.03 g%). Furthermore, a higher SSC-to-titratable acidity ratio (+15.47%) and a negative shift in fructose/glucose balance (−7.71%) were observed in RDI-treated plants. Higher levels of the drought stress markers proline (+38.99%) and total polyphenols (+20.58%) were detected in RDI- compared to IRR-irrigated tomato fruits. These findings suggested the RDI strategy as an effective and sustainable approach for increasing both water productivity and the fruit quality of the processing tomato crop under semi-arid Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Age and environmental conditions for the formation of the Pannonian mega-yardang system

The Pannonian mega-yardang system is the northernmost mega-yardang field in Europe, exerting a profound influence on the relief and surface hydrographic structure of Western Hungary. Despite its significance, the precise timing and climatic conditions under which this mega-yardang system formed remain elusive. The geological setting was studied, the former humidity and biome patterns were modelled, the climatically analogous regions of the past climates of the region were identified, and the Köppen Aridity Indices of the region were compared to the aridity values of other yardang fields from five continents in the last 3.3 mys. The geological structure of the yardangs suggests an origin post-dating the Tortonian period but preceding the mid-Pleistocene era. In the Zanclean and in the warmer periods of the Piacenzian, the studied region had humid subtropical climatic conditions that were not suitable for the formation of large-scale aeolian landforms. Similarly, in the Quaternary period, the climate varied between boreal and humid continental, which was not conducive to the formation of mega-yardang fields. Cold semi-arid climatic conditions only existed in the mid-Pliocene cold period and perhaps at the transition of the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. This paleoclimatic hypothesis is in accordance with the Pliocene fossil record of the region, which contains the remains of such arid habitat-dwelling fauna elements as camelids and struthionids. The comparison of the development of Köppen Aridity Indices among yardangs in other territories also suggests that the Pannonian mega-yardang system may have formed around the transition of the Neogene to the Quaternary epochs.Graphical abstract

Evaluation of the fully coupled WRF and WRF-Hydro modelling system initiated with satellite-based soil moisture data

ABSTRACT This study comparatively evaluates the skill of the (un)coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) – WRF-Hydro system supported with satellite-based soil moisture initiation in long-term simulations of hydrometeorological variables under humid and semi-arid climate conditions. Prior to the coupling, the WRF-Hydro model is calibrated using streamflow data at different data scales (i.e. hourly and daily) to discuss the influences of the changing temporal resolution of the reference dataset on the optimum parameter values. According to the results, fully coupled models correct the location and magnitude of the occurrence of hourly extreme precipitation. Changing the initial soil moisture data source affects the terrestrial water cycle elements in the semi-arid region (i.e. Mediterranean (MED)) more than in the humid area (i.e. Eastern Black Sea (EBS)), especially in spring and summer. The initiation of the coupled model with satellite-based soil moisture improves the streamflow outputs after a reasonable spin-up period for the MED region.

The source and preservation of lacustrine shale organic matter: Insights from the Qingshankou Formation in the Changling Sag, Southern Songliao Basin, China

Organic-rich shale in the Cretaceous succession of the large non-marine Songliao Basin in northeastern China, especially the Qingshankou Formation of the Turonian and Coniacian stages, provides a unique record for studying the role of global climate control on organic matter accumulation. Organic enrichment in the Qingshankou Formation along the Southeastern Uplift of the basin has been widely reported and is implicated in the formation of algal blooming and a saline anoxic water environment. However, studies on the Qingshankou Formation in the Changling Sag are relatively few, which leaves a significant gap to understand the controlling factors of organic enrichment at a basin scale. In this study, the sedimentary environment of the first member of the Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation (K2qn1) is reconstructed from petrological and geochemical data to discuss the sources and preservation mechanisms of lacustrine shale organic matter in the Changling Sag (southern Songliao Basin). The K2qn1 is subdivided into three stratigraphic units: Sq1 phase, Sq2 phase, and Sq3 phase. Biomarker (abundance of tricyclic terpane and regular steranes) and petrographical (maceral composition) data indicate that the organic matter in K2qn1 was mainly from terrigenous plants, with some algal input. Inorganic minerals (major and trace elements) and petrological (framboidal pyrite size) data suggest a humid climate and saline anoxic water environment at the Changling Sag during the most organic-rich Sq1 phase. During the Sq2 and Sq3 phases, a relative low lake level and semi-arid climatic conditions likely prevailed. Moreover, these results imply that apart from a saline anoxic water environment, the persistence of continentally derived organic matter in lacustrine shale is mainly controlled by clay minerals. Accordingly, this study proposed a new enrichment model for lacustrine shale organic matter. The new model complements existing lacustrine shale sedimentary models for sources of organic matter and emphasizes the role of clay minerals in preserving organic matter.

Envelope retrofits for enhancing thermal comfort in detached houses in hot semi-arid climatic conditions: A year-long monitoring and simulation study

Retrofitting residential buildings could substantially reduce the sector's energy and carbon footprint and provide significant economic benefits in the long run. Building retrofits must be urgently developed and promoted in India, where most residences are constructed without any consideration of energy efficiency due to the lack of a mandatory residential energy code. However, building retrofits must be devised considering the local construction practices and climatic conditions since an improper retrofit can deteriorate the indoor environment and even increase the building's energy consumption. Therefore, through year-long monitoring and simulations of the comfort conditions of a room inside a detached single-story house, this investigation evaluated different envelope retrofit options for improving it in India's hot semi-arid climate.The results showed that the room's indoor environment (without the retrofit) was comfortable for only 26–43 % of the year, depending on the room's configuration, with the roof being the major contributor to the heat gain and the floor and external walls largely contributing to heat losses. The comfort duration increased by 6–21 percentage points annually by applying cool/super-cool roof paints since they significantly reduce the roof's heat gain. Similar comfort enhancements could also be obtained by insulating the roof or the entire envelope, mainly due to reduced roof heat gains. However, insulating the walls alone deteriorated the comfort conditions since it became difficult for the heat to escape the room. Overall, applying cool/super-cool roof paints was recommended over other studied options since they provide substantial comfort benefits with low cost and easy implementation.

THE CHEMICAL ORIGIN AND GEOTHERMOMETERY OF HOT SPRINGS WATERS IN THE REGION OF KHENCHELA, ALGERIA

Our study is carried out on the trio of thermomineral waters in the region of Khenchela - Hammam Salhin, Hammam Knif, and Hammam Djaarir - Northeast of Algeria. The purpose of this study is to determine the physicochemical and geothermal origin of the thermal spring (temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity). The temperatures of the thermal water samples which were being studied varied from 38 to 72°C; therefore, this variation has a direct relation to the climatic conditions and/or the combination of the water which is derived from various sources in the formation of the thermal spring. Additionally, the pH value of the spring under study is of a neutral to slightly alkaline quality, while its electric conductivities are high, ranging from 3059 μS/Cm to 5007 μS/Cm. The Piper diagrams presented the domination of sodium chloride (Na-Cl) and sodium sulfate (Na-SO4) facies as two types of water in the hydrochemical facies. These facies indicate the mineral composition of the thermal waters, a product from the reservoir by way of geological formations in the subsurface. This is a plausible reason from the chemical changes observed in the fluids and can well be associated with the high influence of water-rock interaction, that is, the formation of sodium bicarbonate water to sodium-chlorinated water formation, where it is linked with the effects of dissolution and salinity in the formation of saliva found in regions with semi-arid climatic conditions. Evaporation would play a major role in increasing the sodium content, while the IIRG plots closer to the industry "α" standard than the other plots. These are the characteristic features of an evaporation-based system. The crucial parameter C serves as a strong indicator of circulation in carbonate reservoirs subject to evaporation.

Inorganic geochemical attributes of Jaintia Hills coals, India: Implications for paleo-depositional conditions

The Paleogene coal deposits of the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya have undergone examinations by various researchers, primarily focusing on organic petrography and geochemistry and highlighting the rank, type, and grade, with perspectives on potential utilization. However, the genesis of these coals has received limited attention from the researchers. This research article addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive examination of the geochemical and mineralogical aspects of these coals. Coal samples from two coal seams at nine locations in the Sampar coalfield in Jaintia Hills were collected and studied. The samples are subjected to X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proximate, and ultimate analysis to study geochemical and mineralogical composition and ash yield. The study utilizes various geochemical proxies based on the inorganic constituents, providing insights into the paleo-depositional conditions and contributing to a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of Meghalayan coals. The research indicates that these coals were formed in coastal swamps and lagoons on stable platforms, experiencing minimal tectonic activity, influenced by seawater incursions. These coals were deposited in reducing to significantly reducing conditions and warm and humid to semi-arid climatic conditions. No signature of a geothermally active fluid has been recorded.

A temporal analysis of the consequences of the drought regime on the water footprint of agriculture in the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico

Changes in water availability have a substantial impact on the sustainability and maintenance of agriculture, with water footprint (WF) being a robust methodology to assess these transformations. The Guadalupe Valley is one of the places with the highest agricultural production in Mexico. Despite its semi-arid climatic conditions, it provides high-quality crops that are well-positioned in the world. The historical trend of rainfall and temperatures between 1987 and 2017 was analyzed to identify climatic patterns in the territory. Through the calculations of the water footprint of Grapevine and Olive crops, the sensitivity of the crops to recurrent water deficit and their adaptation in their yields to drought episodes was identified. The reduction in precipitation and occurrence of extreme temperatures have contributed significantly towards augmenting crop evapotranspiration and, consequently, intensifying crop irrigation demands. As a result, there has been an apparent increase in the consumption of WFagricultural since 2007. Thus, the period of highest WFagricultural consumption was 2014 (Extremely dry), as opposed to 2011 (Very wet). In particular, the lowest WFgreen consumptions were observed in extremely dry years, that is, > 20% of the WFagricultural intensifying drought events. Therefore, these periods were compensated with higher uses of WFblue and WFgray, which are inversely correlated with precipitation, where vine crops consume 73% more WFagricultural compared to olive plantations, showing greater interannual variability. These results contribute to analyzing the temporal evolution of water consumption for agriculture, providing a basis for rational water use strategies.

Land-surface quantitative analysis for mapping and deciphering the construction processes of piedmont alluvial fans in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Land-surface quantitative analysis based on digital elevation model (DEM) has been applied for improving the geomorphological mapping of piedmont alluvial fans. Indeed, these fans are frequently along a mountain front, where a series of coalescing fans may eventually occur. The margins of adjacent fans are rather difficult to map, thus preventing accurate and meaningful quantification of fan morphometric properties such as fan area, length, and slope. These morphometric properties are essential for informing on the influence of climatic conditions and tectonic factors on the fan-building processes. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a quantitative digital mapping approach along a stretch of about 50 km in the southern front of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Here, the Geomorphological Map of Syria at 1:1,000,000 scale (1963) reported at least nine piedmont alluvial fans, but these were poorly characterized in terms of geomorphometric characteristics and construction processes. Adopting the 1-arcsec SRTMv3 DEM, we propose a four-step workflow to analyse the feeding catchments morphology and fan morphometry. In this manner, the identification and geomorphological mapping of coalescent piedmont fans as well as the recognition of the main construction process have been improved. The proposed approach can support geomorphological investigations of wide and inaccessible areas—especially where arid and semi-arid climate conditions prevail—as well as where socio-political issues may prevent effective field work.

Long-term spatiotemporal variation in groundwater recharge in the highly irrigated semi-arid region of India: The intertwined relationship between climate variability and anthropogenic activities

Quantifying groundwater recharge in semi-arid regions is crucial for water resource management and ensuring food security. This study estimates groundwater recharge from the water table fluctuation (WTF) and tritium tracer methods and examines the impact of irrigated agriculture in Telangana, which experiences semi-arid climatic conditions. The mean recharge over the study period was 176 mm using the Water Table Fluctuation (WTF) method and 118 mm using the tritium tracer method. However, it experiences a significant decrease during drought years. Our analysis reveals that approximately 15% of the average annual precipitation (960 mm), subject to interannual variations, contributes to natural recharge. The contribution exhibits significant spatiotemporal variations influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analyses show a significantly high correlation (0.80) between precipitation and groundwater storage. Since the hard rock crystalline aquifers comprises about 85% of the study area, the storage capacity of saprolite layers and developed fracture systems primarily limit recharge. Despite ample rainfall in two consecutive years, the recharge is significantly low in the second year. However, a drought in the previous year, followed by favorable rainfall in the current year, tends to increase recharge. Over the past three decades, the area irrigated with groundwater has increased 2.5 times, which has affected groundwater recharge rates. This study provides insights into groundwater dynamics and its association with climate variability and human activities, especially in the crystalline hard rock aquifer systems under semi-arid conditions. Understanding the interplay between hydrogeological, climate, and anthropogenic factors is crucial for implementing effective water conservation measures in water stress areas and formulating regional groundwater management policies.

The effects of high temperature and low humidity on crop water stress index of seed pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in semi-arid climate conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation.

Multi-criteria decision analysis applied to Brazilian grapevine genotype selection

Developing new table grape cultivars that exhibit high yield and superior fruit quality is imperative to meet the escalating demands of the consumer market in the Lower-Middle São Francisco River Valley. The primary objective of Embrapa Semiárido's Active Germplasm Banks (AGB) for grapes is the conservation of Vitis sp. germplasm under semi-arid climatic conditions to make it available for research, particularly for the breeding and development of novel grape cultivars. This study aims to use Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), specifically the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (Promethee) II, to rank the grape genotypes of the Embrapa Semiárido's AGB, considering multiple criteria to define the primary grape varieties for the breeding program. The decision maker (DM) participated in all process stages, from validating qualitative and quantitative criteria to evaluating the criteria weights, and the decision matrix had 106 seeded and 50 seedless grape genotypes with 14 criteria. For visual analysis, we generated the GAIA Plane using the Visual Promethee Software. In the group of seeded grape cultivars, the three top-ranked genotypes were 'Italia Clone I′, 'Dona Maria', and 'Italia Muscat', while in the seedless group, the best-rated were 'BRS Ísis', 'BRS Linda', and 'BRS Morena'. Our research demonstrated, for the first time, the evaluation of grape genotypes using MCDA method with qualitative and quantitative criteria.

Climate Change’s Impacts on Drought in Upper Zab Basin, Iraq: A Case Study

Iraq has a semiarid and desert climate. Also, it is predicted to be more susceptible to global warming effects. In the present study, daily climatic data from the past and projected future of the Upper Zab Basin, located in northern Iraq and considered an example of arid and semiarid climate conditions, were simulated using LARS-WG 6.0, i.e., a stochastic weather generator. The model also estimated daily rainfall and temperature. Using the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 main emission scenarios, the future climate throughout the current century was estimated utilizing the MIROC5, CanESM2, HadGEM2-ES, ESM1-M, and CSIRO-Mk3.6.0 general circulation models (GCMs). This estimation was performed considering the significant uncertainty of future climate estimates. The model, constructed using thirty years' worth of historical data, was validated using climate data from the Upper Zab Basin in northern Iraq (1990–2021). According to the data, the average monthly maximum temperature will decline by 2.15–6.20 °C under RCP4.5 and 1.81–6.10 °C under RCP8.5 by the end of the twenty-first era for the corresponding upstream and downstream sub-basins. Precipitation projections from all GCMs showed varying patterns. Given that some models, like CanESM2, expected a rise in precipitation, while others, like MIROC5, forecasted a future with no change in precipitation or a falling trend, which illustrates the significant level of uncertainty in precipitation forecast when only one model was utilized. Also, the downstream sub-basin suffered the most during the 1999–2000 and 2007–2008 droughts, with average RDIst values of -1.97 and -1.64, respectively. However, the upstream sub-basin had moderate to severe droughts in 1999–2000 and 2007–2008, with average RDIst values of -0.81 and -1.84, respectively. The water available in the research location will be significantly impacted by variations in rainfall and temperature.

Species diversity, behavior and visit rates to melon flowers (Cucumis melo l.) as a function of time and seasonality in a semi-arid climate region in Brazil

In this research we evaluated the phenology of melon flowering (Cucumis melo L.) and the diversity of floral visitors in geographical conditions of semi-arid climate in Northeast Brazil, during the wet and dry seasons. The floral phenology of the melon was evaluated by recording the number of flowers produced/plant/day from 30 plants, the insects that visited the flowers were recorded following three methods: visual counts, sweep collection and counting and identification, we observe and count the number of visits to flowers from 30 plants (n = 30) during the first 45 minutes of each hour. This study reports the diversity of melon pollinators in geographical conditions located in a semi-arid climate region, with specific seasonal fluctuations, which explains the behavior pattern found at work. The order Hymenoptera predominated among floral visitors, especially Apis melífera and Trigona spinipes. The flowering cycle was influenced by seasonality, with a longer duration in the dry season, the flowering and visiting peaks were higher during the hottest hours of the day, regardless of the season. There was a preference for visitation in the morning hours, with a peak at 10 a.m. and a gradual decrease in the presence of insects in the late afternoon.

Empirical and numerical-based predictive analysis of a single-axis PV system under semi-arid climate conditions of Pakistan

Power generation from fossil fuels is the biggest challenge in the next half of the century. Alternative power generation techniques such as solar photovoltaic (PV) show potential to act as a future fuel with a challenge to efficiently convert the harvested solar energy into electrical power. This investigation conclusively focused on setting a 2.160-kW solar PV system capable of working at a higher efficiency by developing a mechanical structure that optimizes power production and minimizes energy losses. In addition to that, solar PV system efficiencies at various tracking positions, performance coefficients during rainy and sunny days, and system degradation rates have also been investigated. The PVsyst v6.8 simulation tool was used to obtain the simulated results, which were compared with the actual experimental results. The parameters considered for the investigations include ambient temperature, irradiance, solar PV module surface temperature, solar PV voltage and current, wind velocity, and atmospheric turbidity. The solar PV system was evaluated based on two modes, namely, M1 (no tracking/fixed type) and M2 (manual tracking by changing the position of the solar PV system every hour). The predictive results obtained using PVsyst v6.8 concluded that total energy production from the installed system was 3,242 kWh/yr and 3,984 kWh/yr for M1 and M2, respectively. The performance ratio (PR), obtained from simulation, was 72% and 78% for M1 and M2, respectively, which was consistent with the experimental results, i.e., 70% and 72% for M1 and M2, respectively. Similarly, the power conversion efficiencies under standard temperature and conditions for both modes, simulated and experimental, were found to be 16.50% and 12.75%, respectively. The estimated degradation rate was observed in the range of −0.6% to −5.0%.

Sedimentary Characteristics and Depositional Model of the Paleogene Dawenkou Formation in Eastern China: Insights from the Huanggang Depression

The Huanggang depression in eastern China is a significant Cenozoic salt-bearing basin that formed during the alternating dry and wet climate periods from the Eocene to the Oligocene. Despite the economic importance of the Huanggang depression, its saliferous model remains controversial. To address this issue, we conducted comprehensive analyses of the sedimentology and elemental geochemistry on the YZR1 borehole core, which hosts a relatively complete sedimentary record of the Huanggang depression, consisting of five lithofacies’ assemblages. The combined lithofacies and geochemical ratios, including B/Ga, Sr/Ba, and V/(V + Ni), provide insights into the paleolake’s evolution in the Huanggang depression. Our analyses indicated that the paleolake underwent a transition from a freshwater lake to a brackish water/saline lake, subsequently transforming into a salt lake, reverting back to a brackish water/saline lake, and ultimately returning to its original state as a freshwater lake. These changes are reflected in the sedimentary record and inform the six stages of evolution of the paleolake of the Dawenkou Formation. We propose two metallogenic models to explain the accumulation of the thick halite (LA1) and thin halite layers (LA2), respectively. LA1 is primarily dominated by halite deposition, forming in an extremely shallow water environment under arid climate conditions. In contrast, LA2 records the alternating deposition of halite, anhydrite, and mudstone, and formed in a shallow water environment under arid to semi-arid climatic conditions. LA1 has a much drier climate and higher salinity than LA2. Our results suggest that the salt-forming period in the Huanggang depression occurred from the late Eocene to the early Oligocene. The halite in the Huanggang depression formed in a shallow water environment, providing the basis for the halite deposition model of the depression. This study sheds light on the formation mechanism of halite in the Paleogene in eastern China.

Experiment and modeling of an improvised atmospheric water harvester for arid and semi-arid conditions

Freshwater scarcity is a severe challenge in arid and semi-arid climatic conditions wherein the water harvesting from the atmosphere using active cooling condensation technique (ACC) is the only option. In this regard, we performed extensive experiments on a classical atmospheric water harvester (AWH) that relies on moisture condensation via a typical 1TR refrigeration cycle. We developed a MATLAB-SIMULINK based AWH model to note that the classical system has reasonable water harvesting rates in humid climates, but is inadequate for arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. We add an ultrasonic humidifier (160 W power input) before the evaporator section of the classical AWH system to address this issue. The modified system only needs a small amount of water (≈250 ml) for start-up, and further operates without perpetual water supply. We measure the water overflow from the humidifier tank (subtract the water added via the humidifier from the total water harvest) to show a net water harvesting in extremely hot and dry conditions (49 °C DBT and 12 % RH) resembling the weather conditions of Jaisalmer, India. A significant improvement of up to 70 % in water harvesting was also observed under warm and dry climates (35 °C DBT and 21 % RH) mimicking Jaipur, India. We believe that our system shows path for developing active AWH systems with substantial water harvesting in arid climates where active moisture condensation using the conventional strategy is otherwise not possible.

On the Performance of Solar Thermophotovoltaics (STPVs) and Wavelength-Selective Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs): Case Study of a High-Rise Residential Building in a Hot and Semi-Arid Climate

Utilizing integrated solar systems and renewable energy sources has the potential to not only decrease the CO2 emissions of buildings but also provide access to more affordable energy alternatives compared to fossil fuels, especially considering the recent rise in prices. Nevertheless, many designers and project decision makers are hesitant to embrace solar technologies due to the uncertainty surrounding the cost–benefit balance. This paper presents a case study of the design process, highlighting the energy-saving and cost–benefit aspects of a solar façade featuring solar thermophotovoltaics (STPVs) and wavelength-selective thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) in a high-rise residential building situated in the semi-arid climate of Tehran, Iran. The simulation methodology consists of EnergyPlus Engines in Rhino, along with the Ladybug and Honeybee plugins throughout the solar façade design process. The solar façade incorporating STPV yielded energy savings of 25 kWh per square meter, marking a 34% reduction compared to a standard façade. In contrast, the TPV demonstrated energy savings of 35 kWh per square meter, indicating a 48% decrease in energy consumption compared to a regular façade. This research indicates that, particularly in semi-arid climatic conditions, TPV systems exhibit a superior performance when integrated into the façades of high-rise structures; yet, due to the low electricity prices in the region, neither STPVs nor TPVs are financially viable. The study contributes to raising awareness, fostering technological innovations, influencing policy discussions, and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in the field of energy and architecture.

Comparative analysis of soil quality indexing techniques for various tree based land use systems in semi-arid India

Inappropriate management of land use systems is one of the main factors that leads to soil quality degradation and its quantification is crucial to their sustainable utilization planning. The objective of the research is to evaluate how various land-use systems, viz., natural forest, tree plantations of Tectona grandis, Terminalia bellirica, Swietenia macrophylla, Artocarpus hirsutus, Melia dubia based agroforestry system, horticulture (Mangifera indica) and agriculture systems impact the soil physicochemical and biological characteristics in semi-arid climatic conditions of India. Principal component analysis followed by linear and non-linear scoring methods was employed to compute the soil quality index (SQI). The soil attributes viz., dehydrogenase activity, acid phosphatase activity, soil available nitrogen, potassium, calcium, porosity, and soil available iron emerged as significant indicators for assessing the soil quality. Among different SQIs, non-linear weighted SQI can efficiently assess soil quality. Based on the non-linear weighted SQI, the order of the systems studied was natural forest (0.973) > Swietenia macrophylla (0.756) > agroforestry (0.737) > agriculture (0.556) > Tectona grandis (0.416) > Terminalia bellirica (0.373) > Artocarpus hirsutus (0.343) > Mangifera indica (0.208). The study concludes that converting natural forests into different land-use systems deteriorated the soil quality. Identifying soil indicators will help rapidly diagnose soil degradation, assess soil-based ecosystem services, and design appropriate land management practices in the future.

Design parameters influencing the energy performance and indoor comfort of net zero energy building “NZEB” designed for semi-arid urban areas: Digital workflow methodology, sensitivity analysis and comparative assessment

In order to reach carbon neutrality targets in the built environment, worldwide designers should look toward more sustainable buildings, especially with solar integrated configurations to reduce the reliance on conventional sources of energy in urban environments.In this paper, a parametric digital workflow developed in the Grasshopper environment allowed the evaluation of the energy performance and indoor thermal and visual comforts of variable nearly Zero Energy office building configurations. More specifically, as a first step, this paper focused on the use of the global sensitivity analysis tool to evaluate the varying influence of different selected design variables on energy self-sufficiency and indoor thermal comfort of the office building. Then, based on the results of this investigation, we compared the energy performance of nearly/Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) considering two opposing extreme design options, that are the worst and best configurations, using different timescales, i.e., annual, monthly, weekly, daily and hourly performances. Interestingly, the annual Solar Contribution Ratio (SCR), defined as the ratio between yearly solar production and the energy demand of the building, varies between 39 % and 146 %, while also maintaining an acceptable degree of visual indoor comfort (sDA > 0.5). Besides, the findings underscore the significant contribution of the BIPV system in shifting towards the net zero energy goal, accounting for as much as 57.14 % of the total solar energy output. Moreover, the energy self-sufficiency on an hourly basis reveals that the BIPV shading area enhances the daily load cover factor by a range of 4.39 % to 23.87 %, depending on the building’s design strategies and the season of the year.Overall, the research outcomes aim at evaluating the influence of a set of design inputs on quantitative indicators related to indoor visual, thermal comforts and energy performance that can provide practical information for building designers, urban planners as well as grid designers and operators. Also, this research provides understandable visual and graphical representations capturing the variation of the indexes in variable time-steps. Lastly, the result of this study proves that Net Zero Energy Building, even positive energy building, could be achievable within semi-arid climate conditions.