Technical Performances Research Articles

Advanced Biofuel Value Chains through System Dynamics Modelling and Competitive Priorities

The greatest challenge in accelerating the realisation of a sustainable and competitive bioeconomy is to demonstrate that enshrining sustainability principles at the very heart of a production line can generate value and improve its overall system. Strategies for reducing emissions, pollutants, indirect land use change or soil depreciation are all perceived as costs or necessary inconveniences to comply with stringent, climate change-focused policy frameworks. System dynamics modelling and competitive priorities are tools that can accurately and intelligently expand on the cross-value chain approach, which integrates both technical and environmental performances, to address the issue of harmonising sustainability and technical operations as one overall dimension of performance. A stock-and-flow model is developed to map a full biofuel value chain and quantitatively and coherently integrate factors of emissions, carbon, land, production, and technology. As such, environmental and operational impacts of innovative practices are measured, and subsequently linked to a qualitative framework of competitive priorities, as defined by transparency, quality, innovation and flexibility. Sustainability and productivity functions are found to reinforce each other when all competitive priorities are optimised. Equally, the framework provides a clear understanding of trade-offs engendered by value chain interventions. Advantages and limitations in the accessibility, scope and transferability of the multi-pronged analytical approach are discussed.

Multi-objective optimization of a CSP-based dish Stirling field layout using Genetic Algorithm and TOPSIS method: Case studies in Ouarzazate and Madrid

CSP systems have experienced significant growth with great ability to supply clean and eco-friendly electrical power. In this paper, multi-objective optimization is carried out to design the most energy and cost-effective Solar Dish Stirling (SDS) power plant. Meteorological data from two different sites have been considered to simulate the technical and economical performances of 10 MW SDS power plant. Two main energy and economic conflicting objective functions were considered with the ultimate goal to maximize of the annual Capacity Factor and minimize the Total Cost of Site Improvements simultaneously. Several parameters such as the separation distance between collectors, ground slope, slot gap height and width have been parametrically assessed to find out effects on the Capacity Factor and the Total Cost of Site Improvements. First, a third-order multiple non-linear surrogate model was constructed. The model validity was demonstrated by the R-square values which were found to be 0.995 and 0.9964 for Ouarzazate and Madrid, respectively. Then, multi-objective optimization using Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) has been applied to address the trade-off between the two objective functions. The obtained Pareto Front was identified accordingly and final optimal solution was determined using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision-making method. Final optimal solution corresponded to Capacity Factor (CF) values of 22.99% and 12.91% and a Total Cost of Site Improvements (TCSI) of 2.69 M$ and 2.60 M$, for Ouarzazate and Madrid, respectively.

A decision support system for sustainability prioritization of air pollution control technologies in energy and carbon management: Oil & gas industry of Iran

The environmental, economic, social, and technical challenges associated with implementing the air pollution control technologies (APCTs) in oil, gas, and petrochemical industries (OGPIs) necessitate a sustainability prioritization analysis. Environmental issues, economic parameters, social concerns, and technical performances all must assessed and weighted. Accomplishing such a crucial decision with rigorous potential environmental, economic, social, and technical effects needs a robust decision support system (DSS) for guiding the sustainability prioritization process of the technologies. This study purposes in developing a hybrid DSS by integrating the analytical network process (ANP), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ration analysis (MULTIMOORA) methods based on the fuzzy set theory for sustainability prioritization of implementing APCTs. Three cases of the petrochemical plant, gas refinery, and oil refinery in Iran are selected to assess and prioritize the most commonly used of APCTs including four alternatives of Electrostatic precipitators, Fabric filters, and Wet scrubbers, and Cyclones by the proposed DSS. The sustainability ranking of implementing the four technologies sequentially for three cases is obtained. The suggested DSS is feasible for group decision-making based on experts’ opinions and uncertain data. It can assist the stakeholders/decision-makers to attain the energy and carbon management (ECM) policies in three cases and apply to advance the oil & gas supply chains towards the targets of sustainability, green growth, and low-carbon economy. Finally, sensitivity analysis indicates the robustness of the proposed approach for the prioritization order.

Effects of mental fatigue on the psychophysiological responses, kinematic profiles, and technical performance in different small-sided soccer games.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of mental fatigue (MF) on the psychophysiological responses, kinematic profiles, and technical performance of young soccer players in small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four young soccer players (age: 15.9 ± 1.0 years) played 2vs2, 3vs3, and 4vs4 SSGs consisting of four bouts (with two-minute passive rest periods between bouts) under two different playing conditions: MF+SSGs and SSGs. The heart rate, total distance covered, and technical performance of each player were monitored during all SSGs, and the rating of perceived exertion, visual analogue scale, and Rating Scale Mental Effort values were determined after each bout. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) were also determined at the end of each SSG. The results demonstrated that all MF+SSGs induced higher psychophysiological responses (p ≤ 0.05) than SSGs, except regarding the PACES responses. By contrast, the SSGs group covered a greater total distance (p ≤ 0.05) than the MF+SSGs group. During SSGs, the players’ technical performances (in terms of lost balls and unsuccessful passes) were negatively affected after MF (p ≤ 0.05). The results of this study indicate that both PACES scores and mood responses were negatively affected after the MF intervention. Coaches could use the MF intervention before SSGs to improve soccer-specific technical and decision-making performances in young soccer players.

Deep Reinforcement Learning in a Racket Sport for Player Evaluation With Technical and Tactical Contexts

Evaluating the performance of players in a dynamic competition is vital for achieving effective sports coaching. However, a quantitative evaluation of players in racket sports is difficult because it is derived from the integration of complex tactical and technical (i.e., whole-body movement) performances. In this study, we propose a new evaluation method for racket sports based on deep reinforcement learning, which can analyze the motion of a player in more detail, rather than only considering the results (i.e., scores). Our method uses historical data including information related to the tactical and technical performance of players to learn the next-score probability as a Q-function, which is used to value the actions of the players. We leverages long short-term memory model for the learning of Q-function with the poses of the players and the position of the shuttlecock as the input, which are identified by the AlphaPose and TrackNet algorithms, respectively. We verified our approach by comparing various baselines and demonstrated the effectiveness of our method through use cases that analyze the performance of the top badminton players in world-class events.

Performance of commercial banks in India: a non-parametric Malmquist index-based DEA approach

The present study evaluates productivity and efficiency of Indian commercial banks in terms of TFP growth, technological change and technical efficiency performances. Efficiency have been computed using data envelopment analysis-based Malmquist productivity index for the balanced panel data set of 70 commercial banks operating in India from 2005-2017. The analysis has been carried out in two stages, all banks as a single group and three bank categories individually. The results of all banks analysis revealed that, 44% banks have recorded positive change in TFPG and category wise analysis revealed that, technological change is found to be the primary reason for positive change in TFPG of 68% private banks. Also, 15% public sector banks and 32% foreign banks recorded positive TFPG. The study concludes that there is enough scope for improvement in the performance of Indian public sector banks in comparison of its counterparts in terms of productivity and efficiency.

Scope of paddy harvesting technologies through cropland mapping using GIS tools and remote sensing

Nowadays, modern agriculture has benefited from Precision Agriculture (PA) through incorporation of technological advances like the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), RS (Remote Sensing), GPS (Global Positioning System) and advanced information processing. Based on the GIS, RS and GPS, a study was conducted to develop a cropland map using GIS and remotely sensed unsupervised algorithm for suitability analysis of paddy harvester. The research was carried out at four selected locations such as Kulbaria-Baratia, Mundopasha, Charwapda, and Holdibaria villages of Dumuria, Wazirpur, Subarnachar and Kalapara upazilas of Khulna, Barishal, Noakhali Patuakhali districts, respectively in the southern Bangladesh. The satellite images for GIS mapping were captured at vegetation stage of Boro-2018 and Aman-2018 during March-April and October-November. Technical performances of reaper and combine harvester were used to determine the required number harvester based on the estimated cultivated area found through GIS maps. The calculated required number of a) reaper, b) mini combine and c) medium combine to cover the estimated paddy area are a) 17 and 16, 1 and 5, 38 and 127, 6 and 21, b) 35 and 32, 3 and 10, 76 and 254, 13 and, 42 and c) 10 and 9, 1 and 3, 21 and 72, 4, and 12 during Boro and Aman seasons at Kulbaria-Baratia, Mundopasha, Charwabda and Holdibaria of Dumuria, Wazirpur, Subarnachar and Kalapara upazilas, respectively. The estimated results revealed that GIS tools and remote sensing are helping in simplification and visualization by incorporating data sets which can supports decision making for the implementation of paddy harvesting technologies in order to ensure the proper agricultural mechanization. Based on the accuracy assessment, GIS tool is found very useful to assess area to be harvested mechanically with specific type and number of harvester. It can be considered for formulating mechanized harvesting policy through further research in other areas.

Study and Design of a DC/AC Energy Converter for PV System Connected to the Grid Using Harmonic Selected Eliminated (HSE) Approach

Nowadays, distributing network-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are expanded by merging a PV system and a Direct Current (DC)/Alternating Current (AC) energy converter. DC/AC conversion of PV energy is in great demand for AC applications. The supply of electrical machines and transfer energy to the distribution network is a typical case. In this work, we study and design a DC/AC energy converter using harmonic selective eliminated (HSE) method. To this end, we have combined two power stages connected in derivation. Each power stage is constituted of transistors and transformers. The connection by switching of the two rectangular waves, delivered by each of the stages, makes it possible to create a quasi-sinusoidal output voltage of the inverter. Mathematical equations based on the current-voltage characteristics of the inverter have been developed. The simulation model was validated using experimental data from a 25.2 kWp grid-coupled (PV) system, connected to Gridfit type inverters. The data were exported and implemented in programming software. A good agreement was observed and this shows all the robustness and the technical performances of the energy converter device. It emerges from this analysis that the inverter output voltage and the phase angle thus simulated are very important to control in order to orientate the transfer of the power flow from the continuous cell to cell to the alternating part. Simulated and field-testing results also show that increases in the value of the modulation factor (m) for low power output are highly significant. This study is an important tool for DC/AC inverter designers during initial planning stages. A short presentation of the design model of the inverter has been proposed in this article.

Driving Stability Evaluation of the Ethiopian Inter-City Train Locomotive under Crosswind Conditions by Modifications of Body Shape

The effect of the aerodynamic force acting on the vehicle by crosswind is one of the most critical problem for safety. Further development of the Ethiopian railway transport calls for the solution of existing problems among which aerodynamic effect is regarded most important. The modification design proved that the Ethiopian train needs aerodynamic effect improvement on the technical and economical performances of train leading vehicles. This study numerically evaluated the robustness of aerodynamic and dynamic driving stability effects on the Ethiopian inter-city train locomotive. The numerical tests have conducted under 12 m/s speed crosswind conditions at straight, and curved rail tracks independently. This case study has estimated and evaluated the comparison of driving stability in between the baseline and modified models at the maximum operational speed. This evaluation study proved that all the rotational moment values, which occur due to aerodynamic loads, are less than all resistance moment values, which do due to train payload reaction, on both models. Therefore, the existing and the modified models have been guaranteed to operate with in 160km/h at straight and 72km/h (20m/s) limit speed at curved rail track.

Feasibility Study of the Technical and Economic Performance of Grid-Connected PV System for Selected Rooftops in UTHM

This paper presents the feasibility study of the technical and economic performances of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system for selected rooftops in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The analysis of the electricity consumption and electricity bill data of UTHM campus show that the monthly electricity usage in UTHM campus is very high and expensive. The main purpose of this project is to reduce the annual electricity consumption and electricity bill of UTHM with Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme. Therefore, the grid-connected PV system has been proposed at Dewan Sultan Ibrahim (DSI), Tunku Tun Aminah Library (TTAL), Fakulti Kejuruteraan Awam dan Alam Bina (FKAAS) and F2 buildings UTHM by using three types of PV modules which are mono-crystalline silicon (Mono-Si), poly-crystalline silicon (Poly-Si) and Thin-film. These three PV modules were modeled, simulated and calculated using Helioscope software with the capacity of 2,166.40kWp, 2,046.20kWp and 1,845kWp respectively for the total rooftop area of 190,302.9 ft². The economic analysis was conducted on the chosen three installed PV modules using RETScreen software. As a result, the Mono-Si showed the best PV module that can produce 2,332,327.40 kWh of PV energy, 4.4% of CO₂ reduction, 9.3 years of payback period considering 21 years of the contractual period and profit of RM4,932,274.58 for 11.7 years after payback period. Moreover, the proposed installation of 2,166.40kWp (Mono-SI PV module) can reduce the annual electricity bill and CO2 emission of 3.6% (RM421,561.93) and 4.4% (1,851.40 tCO₂) compared to the system without PV system.

Realisation of a coastal zero-emission office building with the support of hybrid ocean thermal, floating photovoltaics, and tidal stream generators

Buildings currently account for a large proportion of the world's energy consumption and produce large amounts of carbon emissions. Meanwhile, multiple scientific gaps remain in academia on the use of ocean energy technologies to realise coastal zero-energy buildings. Based on these circumstances, this paper proposes a hybrid system comprising a sea-sourced cooling system, floating solar photovoltaic panels, and tidal stream generators to support a coastal zero-energy building located in Hong Kong. In this study, multiple cases were created in the dynamic energy simulation software TRNSYS to fully investigate the impact of different mix ratios of renewable energy systems and number of batteries on a zero-energy building. The techno-economic and environmental performance was demonstrated by analysing the energy matching performance of the system, a 20-year return on investment, and annual operational equivalent CO2 emissions. The results of the study indicated that in the absence of batteries, most cases are technically and economically feasible. In all cases, significant reductions in annual equivalent CO2 emissions were achieved. With the addition of batteries to enhance the energy matching capability, the technical performances of all cases were enhanced. Furthermore, the presence of batteries would compromise the economic and environmental performance of the system because of the high costs and energy losses. However, even with a battery count of 10, the performance of most cases improved compared with the reference case, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed system.

Insights into the Influence of Key Preparation Parameters on the Performance of MoS2/Graphene Oxide Composites as Active Materials in Supercapacitors

Advances in energy storage and energy conversion play an essential role nowadays because the energy demands are becoming greater than ever. To overcome the actual performances of the materials used to build supercapacitors, a combination of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as graphene-based structures are often studied for their excellent properties, such as high specific area and good electrical conductivity. Nevertheless, synthesis pathways and parameters play key roles in obtaining better materials as components for supercapacitors with higher technical performances. Driven by the desire to understand the influence of the structural and morphological particularities on the performances of supercapacitors based on MoS2/graphene oxide (GO) composites, a survey of the literature was performed by pointing out the alterations induced by different synthesis pathways and key parameters to the above-mentioned particularities.

DTC with fuzzy logic for multi-machine systems: traction applications

In this work, a direct torque control (DTC) method for multi-machine systems is applied to electric vehicles (EVs). Initially, the DTC control method associated with the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) is used for speed control, and management of the magnetic quantities is ensured by the variable master-slave control (VMSC). In order to increase the technical performance of the studied system, a DTC method has been associated with a fuzzy logic approach. These two control methods are applied to the traction chain of an electric vehicle to highlight its speed, precision, stability, and robustness metric during particular stress tests imposed on the wheel motor. The results obtained in MATLAB/Simulink software made feasible a comparison of two proposed methods based on their technical performances. It should be noted that the direct fuzzy logic torque control (DFTC) has better performance than the DTC associated with the MRAS system as a rise time reduction of 1.4%, an oscillation of torque, and flux amplitude of less than 9%, static steady-state error near zero. The DTFC control method responds favorably to electric vehicle traction chain systems by the nature of the comfort and safety provided.

Design and Evaluation of High-Speed FESS Converter for 1500 VDC Urban Rail Transit System

The urban rail transit system has the characteristics of wide voltage fluctuation, intermittent and strong impact load, limited heat dissipation capacity. The high-speed flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is used to provide network voltage stability and regenerative braking energy recovery due to its high power density, unlimited number of charge-discharge cycles, fast response and environmental friendliness. When considering the design of high-speed FESS converter with 3.6 kHz fundamental frequency and 330 kW rated power used in 1500 VDC urban rail transit system, the two-stage topological converter reduces the efficiency and increase the cost and size, meanwhile, the series-connected converters and the multilevel converter increase the difficulties of control and insulation, so the two-level and I-type three-level converters of high-speed FESS are designed and evaluated. Several comparisons are made by detailed experimental data from the perspective of the traction load characteristics of the 1500 VDC urban rail transit system and the technical and economical requirements of the high-speed FESS. It is found that the three-level converter has significant advantages in matching the traction load characteristics for its higher duty cycle capability, as well as improving the technical and economical performances such as efficiency, <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">du/dt</i> value, THD, voltage stability, and reducing the cost by 40% when compared to the two-level converter. While in the future MW class high-speed FESS development, the maximum output power capacity of the three-level FESS is relatively lower than that of the two-level FESS. The theoretical analyses were verified by experiments.

Thermoplastics and Photopolymer Desktop 3D Printing System Selection Criteria Based on Technical Specifications and Performances for Instructional Applications

With the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies in their material processing methodologies and variety of material selection, 3D printers are widely used in both academics and industries for various applications. It is no longer rare to have a portable and small desktop 3D printer and manufacture your own designs in a few hours. Desktop 3D printers vary in their functions, prices, materials used, and applications. Among many desktop 3D printers with various features, it is often challenging to select the best one for target applications and usages. In this paper, commercially available and carefully selected thermoplastic and photopolymer desktop 3D printers are introduced, and some representative models’ specifications and performances are compared with each other for user selection with respect to instructional applications. This paper aims to provide beginner-level or advanced-level end-users of desktop 3D printers with basic knowledge, selection criteria, a comprehensive overview of 3D printing technologies, and their technical features, helping them to evaluate and select the right 3D printers for a wide range of applications.

Using multiple machine learning algorithms to classify elite and sub-elite goalkeepers in professional men\u2019s football

This study applied multiple machine learning algorithms to classify the performance levels of professional goalkeepers (GK). Technical performances of GK’s competing in the elite divisions of England, Spain, Germany, and France were analysed in order to determine which factors distinguish elite GK’s from sub-elite GK’s. A total of (n = 14,671) player-match observations were analysed via multiple machine learning algorithms (MLA); Logistic Regressions (LR), Gradient Boosting Classifiers (GBC) and Random Forest Classifiers (RFC). The results revealed 15 common features across the three MLA’s pertaining to the actions of passing and distribution, distinguished goalkeepers performing at the elite level from those that do not. Specifically, short distribution, passing the ball successfully, receiving passes successfully, and keeping clean sheets were all revealed to be common traits of GK’s performing at the elite level. Moderate to high accuracy was reported across all the MLA’s for the training data, LR (0.7), RFC (0.82) and GBC (0.71) and testing data, LR (0.67), RFC (0.66) and GBC (0.66). Ultimately, the results discovered in this study suggest that a GK’s ability with their feet and not necessarily their hands are what distinguishes the elite GK’s from the sub-elite.

Basketball-Specific Small-Sided Games Training during Ramadan Intermitting Fasting: Do Changes in Body Composition, Sleep Habits, and Perceived Exertion Affect Technical Performance?

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on technical performance depending on changes in body composition, sleep habits, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty-four professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 12) or an active control group (CON; n = 12). Both groups completed a four-week SSG training program (three sessions per week). During the first and fourth weeks of the SSGs training, the two groups were evaluated to detect changes in technical performance, dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality index (PSQI) survey outcomes, RPE, heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration [La]. During the fourth week of the RIF period, body composition, dietary intake, sleep latency, sleep duration, and HR significantly decreased only for INT (p < 0.001). However, RPE significantly increased (p < 0.001), and technical performances were negatively affected (p < 0.01). MANCOVA (adjusted for the percentage of change in sleep duration, body mass, and RPE) showed no significant differences in either group. In conclusion, our results showed that the technical performance of professional basketball male players was significantly affected at the end of RIF independently of changes in RPE, sleep habits, and body composition.

The Effects of Exercise Order on the Psychophysiological Responses, Physical and Technical Performances of Young Soccer Players: Combined Small-Sided Games and High-Intensity Interval Training.

Simple SummarySmall-sided games are very popular training methods, among other commonly used strategies, for enhancing the functional and sport-specific skills of young soccer players. In addition, high-intensity interval training has the potential to increase the aerobic capacity of youths. No study has compared the order effects of combined small-sided games and high-intensity interval training on the physical performances, psychophysiological responses, and technical skills of young soccer players. The results of this research show practical information that can help to design training programmes for youth soccer players.This study aimed to compare the order effects of combined small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the psychophysiological responses and physical and technical performances of young soccer players. Twenty-four soccer players (aged 14.63 ± 0.71 years) were randomly divided into SSGs + HIIT (n = 12) and HIIT + SSGs (n = 12) for 6 weeks. The SSGs consisted of two 4–16 min rounds of 2, 3, and four-a-side games with 2 min of passive resting, whereas the HIIT consisted of 6–10 min of high-intensity runs at varying intensities (from 90 to 100%). Pre-test and post-test elements included a 5–30 m sprint test, countermovement jump test, zigzag agility test with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability test, speed dribbling ability test, three-corner run test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1. Both combined training interventions produced similar improvements in physical performance and technical responses (p ≥ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.40 to 1.10). However, the combined HIIT + SSGs training produced meaningfully lower perceived exertion (p = 0.00, d = 2.98) and greater physical enjoyment (p = 0.00, d = 4.28) compared with the SSGs + HIIT intervention. Furthermore, the SSGs + HIIT group showed a higher training load than those from the HIIT + SSGs group for all weeks (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 1.36 to 2.05). The present study’s results might be used by coaches and practitioners to design training programmes for youth soccer players.

Techno-economic strategy for reactive power planning using Series-shunt compensation in power transmission network

This research article proposes an optimization oriented planning strategy of reactive power (VAR) in power transmission system. Basically it is a qualitative effort to understand the mathematical principles, technical facets and economic aspects with their utility in reactive power planning (RPP) prior to execute the proposed strategy through a unique solution model. Initially, the objective is formulated by measuring different cost components such as VAR generation cost, line charging cost, FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission System) device operation cost and cost due to real power loss. The vulnerable positions in the system are defined for the placement of FACTS devices after computing a set of mathematical methods. The installation bottlenecks of these devices are wiped out depending upon some technical considerations and performances. Thereafter, differential evolutionary algorithm is hybridized with crow search algorithm to determine an optimal set of controlling variables. The code profiling of the proposed approach has been rendered on two inter-regional practical power networks (India’s 62 and 191 bus power network). Finally, the responses of the bench-mark functions and statistical outcomes are analyzed extensively to justify the efficiency and efficacy of the proposed solution model.

Sustainability Perspective to Support Decision Making in Structural Retrofitting of Buildings: A Case Study

The reuse of existing materials in buildings can give a contribution to sustainable practices such as a balance in embodied energy, water, and emission reduction. However, it is not always possible to maintain the existing structural materials because some different technical variables could hamper their usability, namely seismic reinforcement needs, fire safety protection, conservation state, and new legal requirements. The paper follows a case study approach for assessing the technical and environmental performances of structural options for old building retrofitting works. All structural options were analyzed through the results of several categories of environmental impact. Some parameters of a retrofitting management system were also used to frame in a comprehensive way the technical constraints pertaining to building retrofitting works. The structural option choice was taken by the owner with the contribution of the design team and the construction manager of the construction project as well as the results of interviews with other construction professionals, considering the variables related to technical suitability and environmental impact. The results of the study show that the steel structure is the solution that best addresses the technical constraints of the building retrofit works and minimizes environmental impact. The results of the study also suggest that the consideration of other variables other than the technical ones can contribute to the effective functioning of the renovation subsegment of the building market. Some suggestions for further studies to enhance the results of this work are put forward.