The growth in energy consumption for cooling buildings and industrial processes drives the search for innovative and sustainable solutions. Passive cooling systems for buildings through radiation and convection panels have been an area of research in recent decades. However, they have not yet led to a significant shift in the conventional systems used in the market, primarily due to their low performance. This performance is influenced by environmental factors such as solar radiation. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown the ability to dissipate heat even under direct solar radiation, thanks to the use of spectrally selective coatings. Unlike conventional cooling methods that rely on energy-intensive refrigeration cycles, radiative cooling, in essence, operates passively, without the need for external power. This passive operation makes radiative cooling particularly attractive for applications in remote or off-grid locations, where access to reliable electricity is limited. This study presents the initial experimental advancements carried out by a multidisciplinary team in the development of spectrally selective coatings, as well as in the design of facade modules specifically intended for use in active radiation systems. The results show a significant improvement in the cooling capacity of the surfaces in comparison to the previous studies. Additionally, the temperature measurements carried out on the coated surfaces under simulated solar light, show relevant differences against uncoated aluminum, reaching 8 °C gap in temperature reduction. This outcome provides a fundamental foundation for future research, considering facade integration, performance, and manufacturing feasibility.

This study provides a comprehensive statistical analysis of heat release rate (HRR) profiles in electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, addressing fire safety challenges in performance-based design. Using experimental data, key parameters such as peak heat release rate (PHRR), time to peak heat release rate (TPHRR), total heat released (THR), and growth coefficients were analysed. Results reveal that EVs, exhibit distinct fire dynamics, often displaying higher PHRR values than ICE vehicles, which highlights the potential for greater fire intensity and growth rates in EV fires. A design fire model was constructed based on this analysis, offering fire engineers a probabilistic alternative to conventional deterministic approaches for simulating vehicle fire scenarios in various infrastructural contexts. This probabilistic approach provides a more flexible framework for decision-making in fire risk assessments. Additionally, the study observed a correlation between larger battery sizes and increased fire severity in EVs, though this should be interpreted cautiously given the limited dataset. This work highlights the importance of adapting fire safety standards to keep pace with advancements in vehicle technology, especially with the growing prevalence of EVs. Future research should aim to expand the dataset with more diverse experiments to enhance the robustness of design fire models, supporting the development of tailored fire safety strategies for different vehicle types across various environments.

This paper investigates integrating a sensory data model for managing an existing 50-year-old building. A primary challenge in retrofitting older structures is the optimal deployment of high-quality sensors, systematic data acquisition, and subsequent data management. To address this, the study implemented a network of over 50 sensors connected via 270 m of wired infrastructure, deliberately avoiding wireless transmission to ensure data reliability. This configuration generates 5568 data points daily, which are archived on a dedicated server. The data is planned for integration into the Campus Geographical Information System (GIS), enabling private and public access. A methodology was employed, involving the strategic placement of sensors based on building use patterns, continuous data monitoring, and iterative sensor performance evaluation. The findings from the study indicate that integrating sensory data through this structured approach significantly enhances building management capabilities. Specifically, the results demonstrate improved energy efficiency and environmental performance, which is particularly relevant for public and educational facilities. The research highlights that a data-driven, monitoring-based management system can optimize operational functions and inform future retrofitting strategies for aging buildings.

Students and educators spend considerable time in indoor learning spaces on university campuses, where indoor air quality (IAQ), of which particulate matter (PM) is an important component, is a critical concern that architecture students must address. However, IAQ is seldom monitored and very rarely, if at all, reported in these spaces. We used a novel living lab approach to provide third-year students of building services with a hands-on learning activity. During a two-week monitoring period, students designed, assembled, and operated low-cost PM sensors using Arduino platforms. The data analysis showed hotspots where the IAQ was consistently compromised and showed repetitive patterns in time. Workshop and laboratory areas repeatedly recorded the highest PM levels in 15 min sampling events distributed over daily two-hour segments, averaging 43.3 and 47.9 μg/m3 PM10, respectively, with maxima of 118.6 and 119.9 μg/m3 PM10. These measurements would have qualified as ‘moderate’ IAQ if sustained over a full day. A distinct weekly pattern was discovered, with Mondays being worse. The results demonstrated a new practical approach to monitoring the building’s IAQ at minimal cost while obtaining reproducible data. This tool provided educators with a valuable teaching tool that provided students with a deeper understanding of indoor air pollution.

The Thermoelectric Window Frame (TEWF) can be adjusted by regulating the operating current to achieve the desired indoor temperature. However, indoor and outdoor ambient disturbances are inevitable, causing indoor temperature fluctuations and preventing them from reaching the set point. To solve the problem, a model-based control method is proposed to maintain the indoor temperature at the set point in this work. This method relies on a computational model for determining the operating current and a transient model for tracking variations in indoor temperature. Experimental results under various working conditions validate the two models. Moreover, indoor interference (e.g., changes in set point or air leaks due to occupants’ behavior) and outdoor interference (e.g., changes in the outdoor temperature) are incorporated into stable-state experiments. When these interferences occur, new operating currents are calculated for the new working conditions and applied to the TEWF. The results show that the indoor temperature significantly deviates from the desired values if the operating currents are not adjusted when disturbances occur. However, the indoor temperature can reach the set point by regulating the new operating currents in time, even during disturbances.

Buildings are major energy consumers, accounting for a significant portion of global energy consumption. Integrating hydrogen systems, electrolyzers, accumulation, and fuel cells is proposed as a clean and efficient energy alternative to mitigate this impact and move toward a more sustainable future. This paper presents a systematic procedure for incorporating these technologies into buildings, considering building engineers, and stakeholders. First, an in-depth analysis of buildings’ main energy consumption parameters is conducted, identifying areas of energy need with the most significant optimization potential. Next, a detailed review of the various opportunities for hydrogen applications in buildings is conducted, evaluating their advantages and limitations. Performing a scientific review to find and understand the requirements of building engineers and the stakeholders has given notions of integration that emphasize the needs. As a result of the review process and identifying the needs to integrate hydrogen into buildings, a flowchart is proposed to facilitate decision-making regarding integrating hydrogen systems into buildings. This flowchart is accompanied by a matrix of variables that considers the defined requirements, allowing for combining the most suitable solution for each case. The results of this research contribute to advancing the adoption of hydrogen technologies in buildings, thus promoting the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy model.

Beyond the design of the system components, the potential application of thermoelectric (TE) systems is influenced by various factors in the control process. To understand the effects of these control factors on TE system performance in buildings, computational models for a TE window frame are established. In this work, two different numerical methodologies are applied to calculate the desired operating current and temperature distributions within the airflows and on the surfaces of the Peltier cells. The simulation results obtained from these methodologies are cross-validated and compared with relevant experimental results from existing studies. The mathematical model iterates the outgoing airflow temperature at non-object sides after determining the object-side temperature under a certain heat load. Additionally, alongside the number of activated Peltier cells and airflow rate, a new factor, termed the distribution of power strength, is considered in the analysis. The results indicate that homogeneous power strength across each Peltier cell yields favorable outcomes in both heating and cooling modes. The coefficient of performance (COP) increases with the activation of more Peltier cells under a constant heat load, while begins to decline beyond a certain threshold. Moreover, the COP is enhanced with a relatively higher airflow rate by strengthening the heat transfer to relieve the temperature difference between both sides. Consequently, based on the result analysis, we propose an optimization strategy for TE systems. This strategy aims to optimize operating currents, the number of working Peltier cells, and operating airflow rates, particularly when working conditions fluctuate.

As cities continue to grow, developing mitigation strategies is crucial to minimize the corresponding increase in air pollutants. One source of potentially controllable air pollution is the emissions from residential buildings. We conducted a literature review to systematically examine air pollution emissions from residential buildings in urban areas, identifying pollutants and their sources; investigated mitigation-aimed intervention types by field of application or study, and finally listed and discussed strategies to reduce the concentration of air pollutants in residential buildings. Our compilation shows that among the nature-based solutions, green walls offered the highest relative reduction of air pollution (-15 % NO2 and -23 % PM10). Of the construction-based solutions, already-available photocatalytic paint can achieve reductions of 25 % NO, 23 % NOx and 19 % NO2 as is. Industrial-based solutions promise high levels of reduction, but these must be adapted to residential buildings. The integration of various existing and potentially adapted mitigation solutions may achieve even higher pollution reduction rates in urban areas.

Building heating and cooling systems using thermoelectricity appear to be a feasible alternative, as it presents several features including versatility and high reliance. While most applications of thermoelectricity in buildings are found in wall systems, window integration shows excellent potential for enhancing the thermal performance of buildings at the façade level, compensating heat losses that take place in windows. Combining energy efficient ventilation with heat recovery leads to a significant reduction of the required energy, keeping desired comfort conditions inside buildings. Thus, the following study presents the design of an active window frame with an integrated thermoelectric system, attaining two functions: pre-heating the supply air, while simultaneously recovering the waste heat energy from exhaust air. Two full-scale prototypes were built, each featuring a different airflow pattern, and preliminary tests for heating mode were carried out under laboratory conditions. The results revealed a similar performance comparing both prototypes, achieving a COP ranging 1.56 to 2.71 for prototype A, while prototype B ranged from 1.62 to 2.65. The results showcase superior heating efficiency compared to a previous experiments conducted by the research group, where a maximum COP of 1.91 was achieved. From a building perspective, wider adoption of thermoelectricity applied to thermal conditioning is hindered by lack of suitable products for architectural integration. Therefore, the system's innovation stems from optimized design, integrated construction, and industrialized production, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings via a compact façade integrated system without space compromise.

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Although widely used for energy production, fossil fuels pose a challenge in the fight against climate change. They are used in various sectors, with construction accounting for 40% of total energy demand.. To address this issue, the article looks at alternative technologies and fuels that can effectively reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy, reduce our carbon footprint, and make existing buildings more self-sufficient. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells have the potential to completely transform energy production in buildings, generating energy on-site and reducing the carbon footprint of existing constructions. This article compares four commercial fuel cell options (SOFC and PEMFC) based on their technical, regulatory, and economic viability. Moreover, the selected equipments, suitable for domestic use and scalable, will be evaluated for their integration into an existing building to provide a proportion and knowledge of space. In conclusion, Equipment B (PEMFC) was chosen for installation after carefully considering the spatial and technical requirements that had to be met. The low maintenance costs of Equipment B played a crucial role, and the use of disruptive technology was in line with the case study strategy. Some parameters, such as space, ventilation, and temperature, are future fuel cell policy benchmarks. The comparison of PEMFC shows a developing competitive sector applicable to our building.

This paper explores the approach of architects and stakeholders to integrating hydrogen technology systems within buildings, motivated by the imperative to reduce fossil fuel dependence and the impact of buildings' CO2. An initial literature review research, with a scale aggrupation study, demonstrates the need for more interface relations between architectonical terms and hydrogen systems. Afterward, a secondary study is carried out to assess the stakeholders' considerations and determinant agents for investments. Consequently, based on literature and knowledge, a recommended set of inquiries and assessments are formulated for architects and stakeholders. Lastly, a matrix of variables is constructed by juxtaposing architectural factors with stakeholders' requirements, culminating with a guideline for implementing hydrogen technology in buildings alongside key considerations for successful implementation.

Compared to conventional air-conditioning systems, Thermoelectric (TE) window systems exhibit a lower coefficient of performance (COP). To improve their COPs for practical use, it is essential to establish and validate a numerical model for optimizing the system in the pre-design phase. This work develops a thermoelectric window frame (TEWF) and validates its current-dependent temperature change model based on experimental results. The TEWF is integrated as an auxiliary window frame to address the limitations observed in existing TE window systems and its model enables simulations of the operation of the TEWF under various operating currents without the assumptions of the object-side temperature, the temperature difference between the two sides, or the desired supply air temperature. The results indicate that as the operating current increases, the hot-side temperature exhibits a more significant rise than the cold-side temperature, resulting in an increasing temperature difference between the hot and cold sides. Simultaneously, both thermal capacities at the hot and cold sides demonstrate a growing trend. However, the COP on both sides drops with the increasing current. Most variables in the simulation exhibit errors of less than 5% compared to the experimental results under identical conditions. Furthermore, their CV (RMSE) values all comply with the acceptable tolerances of 15% according to the ASHRAE 14 and FEMP standards. Therefore, the proposed current-dependent temperature change model of the TEWF demonstrates good accuracy and proves helpful in optimizing TE systems by simulating their thermal behavior under different operating conditions.

The Spanish pavilion for the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair is a milestone in the professional career of Javier Carvajal Ferrer (1926-2013). Drawing on original archival sources and interviews with several of the technicians who participated in its design and construction, this article explains and contextualizes the development of its conception and construction. Sufficient data and first-hand sources are provided to testify the complex conditions that had to be faced during the process. These difficulties, which must be assessed with the high investment and propaganda effort of the Spanish regime, make it a true miracle of gestation while confirming its paradigmatic status for its technical and methodological contributions, particularly in the building processes and the facilities. The supervision and coordination between all the technicians, the large number of prefabricated elements and the assembly processes, allowed its erection in record time and later its total dismantling and reconstruction in another location.

Background In the near future, the rapid adoption of electric vehicles is inevitable, driven by environmental concerns and climate change awareness. However, this progressive trend also brings forth safety concerns and hazards, notably regarding the risk of EV fires, which have garnered significant media attention. This necessitates the need to study for comprehensive fire risk assessment strategies aimed at preventing and mitigating such incidents. Methods This study presents a framework for assessing fire risks in EVs using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). By integrating disparate data sources into a unified dataset, the proposed methodology offers a holistic approach to understanding potential hazards. The study embarked on a comprehensive exploration of EV fire causes through qualitative FTA. Results Through this approach, the work discerned five major causes: human factors, vehicle factors, management factors, external factors, and unknown factors. Using a meticulous weighted average approach, the annual EV fire frequency for each country was deduced, revealing an average annual EV fire rate of 2.44 × 10-4 fires per registered EV. This metric provides a significant benchmark, reflecting both the probability and inherent risk of such incidents. However, uncertainties in data quality and reporting discrepancies highlight the imperative of continued research. Conclusions As EV adoption surges, this study underscores the importance of comprehensive, data-driven insights for proactive risk management, emphasizing the necessity for vigilant and adaptive strategies. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of this assessment in shaping response strategies, particularly for first responders dealing with EV fires. In essence, this research not only elevates the understanding of EV fire risks but also offer a foundation for future safety measures and policies in the domain.