A study on heating and cooling requirements for green buildings and refugee settlements

In this study, geothermal-based three different systems are examined comparatively and a decision-making method is used to find the best option to use in refugee settlements. Earth air heat exchanger (EAHE), vertical ground source heat pump (VGSHP), and horizontal ground source heat pump (HGSHP) are evaluated from the viewpoint of environmental impact, performance, economy, and health. This study is the first study related to the evaluation of EAHE and GSHP systems by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). It is concluded that EAHE is the best option for refugee settlements;also EAHE is a healthier option for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Performance analysis of a hybrid ventilation system in a near zero energy building.

In this research paper, an analysis is developed on the performance of a hybrid ventilation system that combines Earth-to-Air Heat eXchangers (EAHX), free cooling and evaporative cooling Air Handling Unit Heat eXchanger (AHU-HX), all being controlled by a Building Management System (BMS) in a net Zero Energy Building (nZEB), called LUCIA. LUCIA nZEB is the first safe-building against Covid-19 in the world, certified by the international organisation WOSHIE, and located in Valladolid, Spain. The main aim is to optimize the performance of the three systems in such a way that the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) levels remain within the allowable limits, while maximizing the use of natural resources and minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The approach to satisfy the heating and cooling demand and IAQ levels through zero emissions energy systems is developed, thus anticipating the zero-energy target, set by the European Union for 2050. Results showed that the installed hybrid ventilation system uses heat exchangers for 70% of the operational time, in order to achieve the set parameters successfully. Also, the analysis made by monitoring data, have shown that the control and optimal operation of the hybrid ventilation system allows high energy recovery values with minimum additional electricity consumption. Significant reduction of carbon emissions and operational costs have been achieved.