1,721,065 research outputs found
Non-invasive method for investigating energy and environmental performances in existing buildings
No full textThe paper presents an operative tool for evaluating energetic and environmental performances in existing buildings, by the use of non-invasive techniques. The tool defines an integrated procedure based on normative, visual and instrumental techniques, in order to individuate energy performances and technological inefficiencies of buildings. Particularly, instrumental analyses compares visual testing, thermographic inspection, heat flowmeter measurements, sonic trial, microclimate and energy monitoring, statistic analyses of users' comfort and Post Occupancy Evaluation methodologies. The interrelation among these analyses permits to achieve an accurate result, without the use of invasive instrument, such as coring or endoscope techniques
2D-hygrothermal simulation of historical solid walls.
No full textThe analysis and the knowledge of the historical building masonries is a key element for preserving and enhancing their heritage value in a conscious way. The paper aims to simulate the hygrothermal behavior of several traditional masonry structures, using a 2D software (Delphin 5.8.3). It is a dynamic simulation program for the coupled heat, moisture, and matter transport in porous building materials. There are many kinds of historical masonries, with different geometries and characteristics. The most important difficulties in the simulation concern: (i) the graphic simplification of complex structures, and (ii) the choice of the materials from the existing databases. In addition, the influence of wall orientation, climate data, and boundary conditions is relevant to the final results. The focus of this paper is the comparison between the hygrothermal simulations and the in situ heat flow meter measurements of some traditional Italian solid walls. In this way, we can understand the influence of different assumptions, parameters, and simplifications on the virtual models
Challenges and Opportunities for the Integration of Photovoltaic Modules in Heritage Buildings Through Dynamic Building Energy Simulations
No full textPhotovoltaic (PV) systems are usually not recommended in heritage buildings for preserving their values and aesthetic features. However, these buildings are widespread in Europe and their energy requirements, due to heating, cooling, and electrical energy, can be significantly reduced with PV modules and hybrid systems. Also, recent aesthetical and technological innovations focus on more compatible systems, thanks to low-rate reflection, mimetic appearance, compact shape, and geometric flexibility. The paper aims at checking the opportunities for PV integration in heritage buildings. The study is applied to the “Rustico Macchi”, an Italian heritage building that need a complete retrofit for hosting exhibitions and didactic activities. To do so, a dynamic building energy model (BES) is created considering the data from on-site tests. This model is tested adding various types of PV modules on roof, façade, or windows, and integration levels, checking, for each case, the reduction of non-renewable input primary energy and self-consumed electrical energy produced by PV. The results highlight that a balance between conservation and energy production is possible integrating advanced PV systems and considering the traditional principles of architectural restoration: heritage significance of the building and its settings, minimum intervention, reversibility, and technical compatibility.
Efficienza energetica e patrimonio culturale: analisi e simulazioni temo-igrometriche per la gestione del progetto
No full textExperimental measurements on thermal transmittance of the opaque vertical walls in the historical buildings
No full textThis paper presents the results of an experimental research focused on the development of a method for evaluating energy performance of historical building. Regarding the thermal performance of the opaque envelope, the difficulties arise because of not having appropriate information about the most important parameters those affect the thermal transmittance (U-value) of the envelope components. The national laws propose standard data of U-value suitable for Italian context and particularly for new constructions. The laws consider only few historical constructive technologies and inappropriate wall thickness and also does not include the effect of the presence of humidity inside the component. In the present work, a series of experimental measurements have been carried out on the thermal transmittance, confronting different non-invasive techniques, historical analyses, geometric surveys, infrared technologies, heat flow-meter measurements and sonic trial. The method has been applied on several ancient walls made of stone, bricks and mixed materials. It has been observed that in case of masonries, the difference among the standard and measured U-values varies considerably (6 to 56%). Moreover, there are substantial differences (2 to 56%.) between calculated and measured U-values due to the presence of different thermal conductivity of bricks. Therefore, for the brick walls, it is not convenient to utilize the standard and calculated U-values because they overestimate excessively the thermal loses of opaque envelope. In case of stone walls, the difference varies considerably from 16 to 52%. However, as in the case of bricks, the measured values are better than the standard data. The differences among calculated and measured U-values vary from 22 to 58% (with 90% stone e 10% mortar) and from 13 to 54% (with 80% stone e 20% mortar). It has been also noted that the presence of internal air greatly affects the final U-value of the walls. This kind of measurements permit to calibrate better the effective thermal performance of ancient walls and to consider the influences of recurring elements. The data constitute a strong base for a correct energy diagnosis and performance in historical buildings, particularly for the evaluation of thermal transmission through the opaque envelope
Building integrated photovoltaic in heritage contexts award: an overview of best practices in Italy and Switzerland
No full textThe widespread of photovoltaic (PV) technology has led to high-performance products and systems during recent years. This allowed an expansion of PV application scope enormously, especially in listed buildings and natural landscapes subject to different forms of protection. Despite that, there are still many doubts and supposed limitations regarding their applicability by stakeholders involved in the construction process. Best practices and applications help to spread the applicability of the PV technology in historic buildings, conservation areas and cultural landscapes. For this purpose, the "Special Award for Solar Architecture in Heritage Contexts" developed within the framework of the Interreg project "BIPV meets history" aims at awarding the more significant Italian-Swiss BIPV case studies in historical buildings and heritage landscapes. This research work offers an overview of the 85 projects nominated for the award. The best projects are described and analysed to define the state of the art and criteria and technologies used for PV integration in architecturally sensitive areas to raise awareness to all stakeholders involved. The trade-off between cutting-edge technology and design expertise can lead to the perfect balance between historic buildings or high-value
contexts preservation and contemporary needs and lifestyles
Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review
Full text linkEssential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile molecules endowed with health-promoting biological activities that go beyond their role as aromas and natural preservatives and can be exploited to develop functional foods and diet supplements. Their composition is briefly addressed along with regulatory aspects. The potential health benefit of human diet supplementation with EOs is outlined through a review of the recent literature on available clinical trials and preclinical research concerning EOs activity towards: (1) irritable bowel syndrome; (2) inflammatory bowel disease; (3) regulation of microbiota; (4) gastroprotection; (5) hepatoprotection; (6) protection of the urinary tract and diuresis; (7) management of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia; (8) anti-inflammatory and pain control; (9) immunomodulation and protection from influenza; and (10) neuroprotection and modulation of mood and cognitive performance. The emerging potential in such activities of selected EOs is given focus, particularly green and black cumin, bergamot, orange, myrtle, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, ginger, and garlic
Urban Green Rating Systems: Insights for Balancing Sustainable Principles and Heritage Conservation for Neighbourhood and Cities Renovation Planning
No full textThe paper presents an overview of existing urban sustainability rating tools for their possible application in
historic urban environments, facing the debate between environmental sustainability and urban heritage conservation.
This critical study focuses on Urban Green Rating Systems (UGRS) that make a transparent and systematic
decision-making support tool for evaluating the sustainability in urban planning, combining
environmental, economic, and social aspects. The research aims at comparing different UGRS approaches for
cities and neighbourhood renovation, highlighting main themes, criteria, indicators, pros, and cons to balance
heritage preservation and sustainable development. All the UGRS give high importance to environmental aspects
while lower or no consideration is dedicated to heritage conservation. Thus, gaps in the methodological approaches
to be addressed in the future have been identified, to serve as a guideline and reference for developing a
comprehensive, international assessment system to bridge this knowledge and applicability gap
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