Zero Energy Research Articles

Topological phases in coupled polyyne chains

We study the electronic properties of coupled parallel polyyne chains in a couple of symmetric stacking arrangements, namely the AA stacking and the AB stacking, with the single and triple carbon bonds of one chain aligned (AA) and anti-aligned (AB) with those of the other chain. Both these arrangements described by tight-binding Hamiltonians, whose parameters are calibrated by matching low energy dispersion provided by first principle calculations, fall in the BDI class of topological classification scheme. We calculate the topological invariants for all three topological phases of the system: one for the AA stacking and 2 for the AB one. In AA stacking, both the insulating and the metallic phase belongs to the same topological phase. Whereas, the model exhibits two different values of the topological invariant in the two different insulating phases (structurally differentiated by transverse strain). In this later stacking though the transition between two distinct topological phases with the closure of the gap is practically unachievable due to the requirement of the high transverse strain. We also show the existence of four non-zero energy edge modes in the AA stacking and that of two zero energy edge modes in one of the topological phases for the AB stacking.

Transient analysis and optimization of an off-grid hydrogen and electric vehicle charging station with temporary residences

In this research study, an off-grid zero energy refueling station for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with the ability to charge battery-powered electric vehicles is designed and analyzed transiently. A temporary residence next to the charging station is designed to accommodate people who come to the charging station. The best energy supplier in terms of cost is determined. The insulation thickness of the temporary residence wall is optimized for five types of insulation and thickness between 0 to 0.7 m. Total cost over 20 years (system lifetime) is an objective function that should be minimized. Using Trnsys software, the charging station and temporary residence are simulated. The system's total costs for different insulation type and thickness is predicted using a machine-learning approach. The optimum insulation type and thickness are determined. According to the results, choosing a photovoltaic panel as a power source is up to 33,024 $ more cost-effective than wind energy for the mentioned system. The optimal insulation thickness is related to expanded polystyrene with a thickness of 0.24 m. Insulation thickness and type can affect the system's total cost intensively. The cheapest insulation is not the best in reducing total cost.

Techno-economic analysis of low voltage DC (LVDC) for Net Zero Energy (NZE) realisation in buildings with lead acid battery storage: Tropical monsoon climate

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind are either intrinsically DC or converted to DC for all general applications. As a result, before linking with a typical AC grid, a DC to AC conversion stage is necessary, which reduces the efficiency of the system. Presently, many loads are intrinsically DC loads, hence there is a further conversion from AC to DC is needed before utilization. Due to the intermittency of renewable energy, a storage system, typically a battery for building applications which is again a DC load/source, is needed for stable operation. If a DC distribution system is used between these sources, load, and storage, the repeated DC/AC and AC/DC conversions can be minimised, enhancing the system efficiency. Since these components in the present study are located inside a building, the Low Voltage DC (LVDC) guidelines specified by “IS 16711: 2017” are considered. The primary goal of this study is to develop a methodology for analysing Net Zero Energy (NZE) implementation using LVDC. This includes the location-specific and building-specific details. The procedure provided in this research provides the framework for solar-powered DC Nanogrid designers to predict the optimum battery size and solar PV size, to attain NZE with the better Net Present Value (NPV) and maximum battery life. This approach has been adopted for optimising the parameters for a typical residential and a commercial building located in a tropical monsoon climatic region. The results clearly demonstrate the benefits of connecting a solar PV source to a commercial building with a higher daytime load than a residential building with a peak load during non-sunshine hours.

Electric conductivity of hot pion matter

The determination of transport coefficients plays a central role in characterizing hot and dense nuclear matter. Currently, there are significant discrepancies between various calculations of the electric conductivity of hot hadronic matter. In the present work we calculate the electric conductivity of hot pion matter by extracting it from the electromagnetic spectral function, via its zero energy limit at vanishing 3-momentum, within the Vector Dominance Model (VDM). Since within the VDM the photon couples to the hadronic currents primarily through the ρ meson, we use hadronic many-body theory to calculate the ρ-meson's self-energy in hot pion matter, by dressing its pion cloud with thermal π-ρ and π-σ loops including vertex corrections to maintain gauge invariance. In particular, we analyze the low-energy transport peak of the spectral function, extract its behavior with temperature and compare to (the results of) existing approaches in the literature.

Design Feature for Net Zero Energy Efficient Building: A Case of Office Building

Design Feature for Net Zero Energy Efficient Building: A Case of Office Building

The energy refurbishment of typical school buildings in Cyprus following an integrated methodology

School buildings account for a significant percentage of public buildings in Cyprus. Most of them have been constructed before the establishment of any energy efficiency regulations, constituting thus, aged and high-consuming premises. Therefore, energy refurbishment of school buildings can have a significant impact on the overall energy consumption of the public building sector contributing thus, to the European Union targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Energy refurbishment of school buildings should focus not only on minimizing energy consumption and increasing renewable energy production but also on improving thermal comfort and indoor conditions, to create a healthier and more productive environment for the pupils. In addition to that, actions regarding the enhancement of sustainable mobility are also considered to fulfil the requirements of the 2018/844/EU directive. This article presents the retrofit solutions proposed for the energy refurbishment of a high school building in Nicosia, Cyprus in the framework of a European-funded project aiming to create Nearly Zero Energy school buildings and to promote sustainable mobility. Normative requirements, operational conditions, and indoor environmental issues based on in-situ observations were considered for the selection of the most appropriate interventions. The proposed measures are expected to reduce the primary energy consumption of the building by 33.908 kWh/a, equal to 55%, whilst significantly improving the Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ).

Electric Vehicles from an Economic Point of View

Abstract Research purpose. In recent years, the importance of moving from a linear economy to a circular economy in every area and sector of the economy has been discussed more than ever before. This includes discussions on a net zero energy system as the basis for a fully decarbonised electricity sector. The increase in demand for electricity and the push for net zero emissions are leading to a focus on using electric vehicles to meet the EU's sustainability targets. The European transport sector is responsible for a significant part of the European Union's total greenhouse gas emissions. The main aim is to evaluate the impacts of the automotive industry from an economic point of view because the increase in sales of electric cars can lead, among other things, to the mitigation of environmental problems. Design / Methodology / Approach. Electric cars and biofuel cars are the two most discussed solutions in the transport sector. As EVs are sustainable to the extent that their energy sources are sustainable, the main aim of this research paper is to investigate the impacts of the chosen electric vehicle types from an economic point of view, especially the sales of electric vehicles in the time period of 2010-2021. Battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles' sales situation will be analysed in Europe and globally. The assumptions and hypotheses were set and verified through regression and correlation analysis. Findings. The research results have confirmed our assumptions that the number of vehicles sold in Europe and worldwide is increasing with time. During the time period under consideration, electric car sales increased worldwide. 6,600,000 battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles were supplied in total in 2021, representing a 45% increase from the previous year. The most significant growth in car sales in Slovakia was in 2021, but only one-tenth of one per cent were electric vehicles. Originality / Value / Practical implications. A gradual shift of the main interest from automakers to electric vehicles is seen. At the same time, there are other questions connected to electric vehicles that need to be addressed and analysed, such as their high price, charging options and infrastructure and, nowadays, the electricity price.

Solar cadastre for assessment of near-zero energy districts

The building sector is responsible for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption in Europe, with most of it allocated to space heating. Additionally, a continuous increase has been observed in conventional energy prices, as well as a dependency of energy supply on geopolitical stability. Building energy independence and net zero energy buildings and districts are presented as a way to overcome these issues, with the addition of on-site renewable energy, and specifically solar energy, exploitation. The intention to utilise solar energy on-site creates the need for solar mapping in urban areas. A dynamic solar potential estimation is essential for the proper dimensioning of solar systems, and it is conducted in this study via the Energy3D software. A typical urban neighbourhood in Thessaloniki Greece is selected and a simplified version of a Solar Cadastre for the area is produced. The annual solar potential of the selected buildings is calculated and analysed, and the parameters affecting it are presented. Additionally, an estimation regarding the electricity production of typical photovoltaic panels installed on the building surfaces is conducted. The calculations highlight the importance of vertical facades as building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems carriers.

Modelling, Designing and Optimization of Net Zero Energy Building

Abstract: With a value of around 40% of overall energy consumption, buildings are a significant main energy user in the global energy sector. Currently, the absence of conventional energy sources encourages the construction of net zero energy buildings (NZEBs). Net or nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) are exceptionally energy-efficient structures with very little demand for energy, all of which are supplied by renewable resources. Such structures annually balance their energy use and production. It's crucial to understand the broad notion of net zero energy construction. The paper's objective is to present and discuss various strategies and ideas to achieve Net Zero Building through actual Modeling. Designing and Optimization of Building

Net Zero Transition: Possible Implications for Catalysis

This Viewpoint discusses the implications of the net zero energy transition on traditional chemical feedstocks and catalytic elements. While the full impact of the upcoming changes is difficult to assess, some trends from scenarios already underway can be mapped. For example, a steady growth in electric passenger vehicles will diminish transportation-related petroleum refining output, which could then create chemical feedstock gaps and changes in the supply/demand dynamics of certain critical metals. These impacts could present unexpected opportunities for emerging feedstocks such as biomass, sequestered CO2, and recycled carbon to bridge the supply gaps, even within the next decade. Further, catalytic metals such as Pd, Rh, and Pt will be displaced from petroleum refining and automotive exhaust catalytic converter applications and potentially become more available for producing chemicals and aviation fuels from emerging feedstocks. At the same time, metals such as Co and Ni, which are currently considered to be earth abundant, will face increasing demand in energy storage applications and thus could become less attractive for catalytic applications. The availability of carbon-free hydrogen and oxygen will facilitate the march toward decarbonization of the chemical industry. Finally, the enormity of displaced petroleum refining assets offers the possibility of repurposing some of them to process emerging feedstocks. These disruptions will have profound implications in future catalysis research and must be considered for a well-guided transition toward industrial sustainability.

Innovative passive aeration process for synthetic deoxygenated water

ABSTRACT Aeration is a process of diffusing oxygen into water in order to stimulate the aerobic bacteria for starting wastewater aerobic treatment process. Zero energy aeration systems that do not require electric or mechanical power are known as passive aerators. A new technology for passive aerators using inverted bell siphon principle is innovated, which requires a lot less volume for its installation compared to other passive aeration systems as cascade, spray and perforated tray aerators. A laboratory experimental program investigated the inverted bell siphon system using deoxygenated water with almost zero dissolved oxygen concentration like anaerobic treatment effluent. The system is used to build water pressure through a distribution system used for scattering water in air to diffuse oxygen into it. Holed arm pipe with different hole diameters and numbers, showerhead, fire sprinkler and modified fire sprinkler were tested as distributors to reach the optimum type which verify good oxygen diffusion in water and ensure least possibility of clogging of distributors. Dissolved oxygen concentration was measured for each distributor water effluent. The experiments showed that the modified fire sprinkler achieved higher oxygen diffusion in water and best distribution, in addition to its geometry that prevents the distribution system from clogging.

Techno-economic study and the optimal hybrid renewable energy system design for a hotel building with net zero energy and net zero carbon emissions

The tourism sector is a key source of national income, and the use of renewable energy resources promotes green and sustainable tourism. In addition, ensuring a reliable supply and efficient use of clean energy is a primary objective of Egypt's Vision 2030, as it has a significant impact on the sustainable development and growth of the tourism sector in Egypt. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are a promising decarbonization effort as they reduce energy consumption while increasing the share of renewable energy. Therefore, it is worth investigatingthe opportunities for NZEBs applications in tourism sector. This paper presents an optimization analysis of a hotel’s grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) based on its technical, economical, and environmental prospects. Seven scenarios are considered for on-site generation to match the energy requirements of the specific hotel building. The proposed hybrid systems incorporate photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), and biogas generators into a grid-connected system for supplying power to a tourist hotel. The size of the microgrid system is optimized to decrease the net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results reveal that the PV/wind grid-connected system, with renewable energy generators consisting of 143 kW of photovoltaic modules and one 20 kW wind turbine with a hub height of 18 m, has the lowest NPC and LCOE. This hybrid energy system has a net present cost of 388 k$, which is significantly lower compared to the electricity grid's cost of 873 k$. The electricity price of the proposed HRES, at 2.1 ¢/kWh, is highly competitive with Egypt's retail electricity prices of 6.9 ¢/kWh. Moreover, grid-connected HRES can lower the pressure on the electricity grid arising from the feed-in of electricity from HRES. Furthermore, the proposed HRES will help slow climate change by reducing GHG emissions and fossil fuel usage. Finally, this study will provide valuable guidance for the practical application of NZEBs in Egypt as well as similar global zones.

Ti3C2Tx MXene and cellulose-based aerogel phase change composite decorated laminated fabric with excellent electro/solar-thermal conversion and high latent heat

Wearable heaters have attracted growing attention for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of the human body in cold environments with near zero energy consumption. Herein, we developed a multifunctional laminated fabric with fascinating electro/solar-thermal conversion, thermal energy storage and thermal insulation properties. With cotton fabric as the substrate, MXene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive network was decorated on the upper layer, and carbon nanotube (CNT)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/paraffin (PA) aerogel phase change composites were assembled on the bottom layer. Attributed to the strong conductivity and light absorption of MXene and the light/thermal response of CNT and PA components, this wearable laminated fabric broke the limitation of intermittent solar photothermal heating, and integrated multiple heating modes to precisely heat the human body. Meanwhile, the low thermal conductivity of aerogel retarded heat loss. The laminated fabric can help people better adapt to a variety of complex and changeable environments such as cold winter, rainy days and nights. This study provides a promising and energy-efficient avenue for the development of all-day personal thermal management fabrics.

(123) Novel Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy Sham Delivery Method (Zero Energy) Assessed Objectively by Grayscale and Doppler Ultrasound Results

Abstract Introduction Most ED LiSWT studies use the IIEF as a primary outcome. While clinically relevant, the IIEF does not directly assess erectile tissue structure. To establish a more objective parameter, we investigated the estimation of hypoechoic area in grayscale ultrasound images of erectile tissue as an objective primary outcome for clinical trials assessing the efficacy of LiSWT. During erection, grayscale imaging of the penis demonstrates corpora cavernosa (CC) that is homogenous in healthy men and heterogeneous to varying degrees in men with ED. A critical aspect of using grayscale ultrasound is to determine that sham treatment reliably results in no significant improvement in erectile tissue structure. Other studies have used sham probes with cotton wadding or non-penetrable gel pads to dampen delivery of shockwave energy flux density, however a small amount of energy may still be delivered. We report a novel sham-controlled methodology in LiSWT RCT for ED. Objective To evaluate erectile tissue heterogeneity as an endpoint in LiSWT sham-controlled trials using grayscale analysis of percent hypoechoic regions in CC after sham delivery of zero energy flux density. Methods A single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized prospective study was performed in men with ED naïve to any kind of acoustic wave therapy. Those meeting inclusion/exclusion completed baseline assessments and were randomized to active or sham within each treatment arm. This interim sub-analysis only examined the sham group (n = 7). For each treatment, the shockwave device was already on in the exam room. When the subject was ready a curtain was suspended above his mid-section blocking the device, and noise cancelling headphones provided. When the probe was placed on the penis, a high-quality recording of shockwave sounds was activated for sham treatment. Twenty weeks after zero energy sham treatment, grayscale and DUS imaging using a 15.4 MHz probe under pharmacologic erection 3-4/4 hardness was performed before unblinding. Grayscale percent hypoechoic regions within the CC were assessed by computer-assisted histometry using Image J. (Fig 1) The IIEF was also administered to all patients at baseline and week 20. Grayscale data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. IIEF-EF scores and bloodflow values (PSV and EDV) were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Results Compared to baseline, there were no significant changes (p>0.7; see figure) at week 20 in hypoechoic area in the proximal, middle, and distal erect penile shaft. (Fig 2) Furthermore, there were no significant changes in PSV (p>0.15), EDV (p>0.2), or IIEF-EF (p>0.6) from baseline to week 20. Conclusions Using computer-assisted histometry to determine hypoechoic area in grayscale ultrasound images to assess penile erectile tissue heterogeneity, we demonstrated that a novel sham treatment protocol that ensures zero energy delivery does not change erectile tissue integrity. The lack of improvement in PSV, EDV, and IIEF-EF further support our findings with grayscale ultrasound. Future studies will assess the appropriateness of grayscale ultrasound image analysis as a primary endpoint in LiSWT clinical trials. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: TRT, Cynosure.

Solar-Radiation-Dependent Anisotropic Thermal Management Device with Net Zero Energy from 4D Printing Shape Memory Polymer-Based Composites.

Reports have pointed out that nearly 50% of the global total energy demand for buildings is used for daily heating and cooling. Therefore, it is very important to develop various high-performance thermal management techniques with low energy consumption. In this work, we present an intelligent shape memory polymers (SMPs)-based device with programmable anisotropic thermal conductivity fabricated by a 4D printing technique to assist in thermal management with net zero energy. Highly thermal conductive BN nanosheets were textured in a poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by 3D printing, and the printed composites lamina exhibited significant anisotropic thermal conductivity. The direction of heat flow in devices could be switched programmably, accompanying the light-activated deformation controlled by grayscale of composite, which was demonstrated by the "windows" arrays composed of in-plate thermal conductivity facets and SMPs-based hinge joints, achieving the programmable movement of opening and closing under different light conditions. Based on solar radiation-dependent SMPs coupled with the adjustment of heat flow along anisotropic thermal conductivity, the 4D printed device has been proved in concept for potential applications in thermal management in a building envelop for dynamic climate adaptation, taking place automatically based on the environment.

A Community Building Energy Modelling – Life Cycle Cost Analysis framework to design and operate net zero energy communities

Despite building codes and standards helping build energy-efficient structures, most focus only on typical individual buildings. Second, they do not discuss community-based renewable energy adoption strategies as part of the standards. However, to facilitate the transition to net zero emissions in the upcoming decades, policies and recommendations from standards must enhance their scope from the buildings to communities and exploit the maximum energy retrofit opportunities available within the community premises. This study proposes a Community Building Energy Modelling – Life Cycle Cost Analysis (CBEM - LCCA) decision-making framework to analyze the techno-economical feasibility of the residential community-wide implementation of any building retrofit scheme. The framework developed is applied in a 14-building residential community in Mumbai, India, to compare the techno-economic benefit of implementing community-wide renewable installations against the existing national Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). The results reveal that all the communities together have the potential to generate 333 MWh of electricity per year from solar rooftops alone against the consumption of 369 MWh. The communities are observed to be capable of achieving nearly net-zero energy after adopting a community-wide rooftop solar photovoltaic installation with fewer than eight years of simple payback period (SPP). A thorough sensitivity analysis also reveals that the community rooftop solar strategy proves economically far superior to ECBC compliance of individual building envelopes. Among the retrofits, the roof-wall combination gave the minimum SPP of 8.38 years at a 100 % cooling space fraction. The findings provide evidence for why only a small number of states support ECBC code compliance, and it is recommended that policymakers use the proposed CBEM-LCCA framework to create appropriate energy policies for developing community-wide rather than individual building-level retrofit strategies.

Investigating the implementation and performance of architecture in zero energy buildings in order to producing passive energy

Challenges in recent decades for humans and the rapidly changing planet. The increase in pollution and difficult access to energy despite the problems of war and political and economic disputes between countries and the rapid decrease in the amount of energy in the world, which with this growth rate, is a tangible danger for the whole world. It prompted scientists to look for new methods of energy production and consumption. In this article, we are looking for a topic of such projects, which are called zero energy buildings. As it is understood from the name of this project, the result of all energy consumption and production in these buildings must be zero or the energy production of the building should be more than its consumption, which is the concept of energy related to all the energy in the building such as thermal, electrical and ... which should be considered in the initial calculations and construction. For this purpose, this research, which is a descriptive analytical research, was conducted using library resources and electronic books and articles. We will review the execution and performance of architecture in zero energy building and concepts related to passive energy and building orientation for energy production, architectural components and materials of zero energy building, review the economic approach and leading challenges, construction and operation in connection with zero energy building. The results obtained from this research, zero energy buildings are faced with upcoming challenges such as technical knowledge, efficient and trained staff, and existing laws and regulations. Accordingly, the need to reduce energy consumption and optimize it is felt more and more. Zero energy buildings are the best solution to moderate energy consumption in housing. But reaching this goal has basic and fundamental needs that must be met.

GIS for the Potential Application of Renewable Energy in Buildings towards Net Zero: A Perspective

Environmental, economic, and social activities involve inherent spatial dimensions. The geospatial information system (GIS), a platform containing principles, methods, and tools to link, create, visualize, analyze, and model artificial activities and environment, provides the possibility to develop sustainability in the building sector. With globally political collaborations across governments, the demands to manage and visualize sustainable data (e.g., building energy and environment with geospatial reference) and implement more rigorous building modelling are increasing. A systematic mapping at multiple scales will help urban engineers, architectural engineers, policymakers, and energy planners identify emission hotspots, locate spatial resources, restructure district energy mix, and achieve net zero energy targets. To achieve net zero energy goals, it is crucial to minimize energy consumption, improve energy efficiency, and most importantly, apply renewable energy in buildings. However, these processes imply many aspects and challenges, regarding e.g., data availability, scalability, integrability, and a lack of clear and applicable frameworks. In this conceptional perspective paper, we aim to explore the potential of applying and installing renewable energy in net zero energy buildings using the GIS. More specifically, the described virtual framework will effectively support policy- and decision-makers in optimizing the energy structure, reducing building emissions, and applying renewable energy technologies. We also present challenges, limitations, and future directions for real practice.

Particles of Negative and Zero Energy in Black Holes and Cosmological Models

Particles with negative energies are considered for three different cases: inside the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole, Milne’s coordinates in flat Minkowski space–time (Milne’s universe using nonsynchronous coordinates) and in the cosmological Gödel model of the rotating universe. It is shown that, differently from the Gödel model with a nondiagonal term, where it occurs that negative energies are impossible, they are present in all other cases considered in the paper. Particles with zero energy are also possible in the first two cases.

Enhancing Market Readiness for nZEB Implementation

Despite transposing the 2010/31/EU Directive’s requirements creates legal responsibilities at the national level, the nearly Zero energy building (nZEB) principle does not appear to be widely adopted just yet in many nations. Previous studies have shown that the most significant barriers include determining the cost-effective ideal integration of the technologies appropriate for nZEB and the skills constraints faced by the construction industry. In order to meet the challenge of an efficient nZEB implementation, existing certification courses and training programs are still insufficient and inadequate, and hiring experienced specialists for building retrofit and new construction is not common practice. The traditionally conservative real estate industry is nevertheless hesitant to adopt the new building standards and practices, notably in the residential sector, despite a significant movement towards nZEB and extensive energy renovation. In this specific situation, this paper provides a preliminary analysis of the European project nZEB Ready Enhancing Market Readiness for nZEB Implementation, which aims to address the issue of the effective implementation of the nZEB and make use of new possibilities to act at the market level in order to boost the market’s readiness for a successful implementation of the nZEB and to encourage demand for energy-related skills among construction workers and specialists in the countries involved and beyond.