The enhancement of energy performance of buildings has become a pillar of energy policies. The main target is the cut of energy consumption to reduce buildings footprint. This aim is pursued by introducing constrains on building requirements in terms of properties of basic materials and components and exploitation of renewable energy sources . That results in the definition of the zero-energy building (ZEB) concept. The new paradigm introduced new challenges and, at the same time, involved all the different stakeholders in facing the barriers to the diffusion of the novel solutions proposed by the research development. This paper summarizes the actual state-of-art of whole performance of ZEBs and the related technical solutions, analysing their increasing potential in energy consumption. A collection of the different case studies reported in literature involving ZEBs is presented, compiling an analysis of the performance of the common solutions actually applied. The technologies involved are described discussing their impact in meeting the ZEB requirements. A debate is proposed, pointing out the main aspects deserving further investigations and outlining the critical elements in making the zero-energy target the new standard for the buildings.

A review of performance of zero energy buildings and energy efficiency solutions

The energy consumption in buildings accounts for a significant proportion of total energy and carbon emissions over the world. To reduce the building energy consumption and achieve sustainable development of buildings, nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have attracted widespread attention as a future building energy target. This paper reviews energy-efficient measures (EEMs) and renewable energy technologies (RETs) in NZEBs and discusses the application and suitability of the key technologies, i.e. minimizing the energy demand in NZEBs by EEMs and adopting RETs to meet the remaining energy needs. EEMs contain efficient thermal insulation system, high-performance window system, good airtightness and fresh air heat recovery system. RETs are composed of solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system, air source heat pump system (ASHP), ground source heat pump system (GSHP), and wind power. In addition, this paper emphasizes further research works, which involve life cycle energy analysis (LCEA), meteorological parameters change, intelligent building operation management (IBOM) system, energy storage system and social policy issues. This paper will provide some references for the further development of NZEBs in different climatic regions in China.

Application and suitability analysis of the key technologies in nearly zero energy buildings in China

Multi-criteria optimization of an integrated energy system with thermoelectric generator, parabolic trough solar collector and electrolysis for hydrogen production

This paper presents a comprehensive review on research and developments on solar assisted compression heat pump systems, mostly reported during the last two decades. The first part of this paper provides a detailed description of the past efforts on various system configurations, system modeling, enhancement of system performance, modifications in compression heat pump cycles and environment friendly refrigerant options for solar assisted compression heat pump systems. The economical and environmental impacts of solar assisted compression heat pump systems are also described. Further research needs in this important field of solar assisted compression heat pump are listed. The outcomes of this review confirm that, there is a lot of research scope for improving the performance of the system and reducing its initial cost to make it competitive in the global market. The information presented in this paper is shall be highly beneficial for the active researchers working presently on solar assisted compression heat pumps.

Research and developments on solar assisted compression heat pump systems – A comprehensive review (Part A: Modeling and modifications)

https://pure.tue.nl/ws/files/88920821/rezatowa2017.pdf

Towards accurate CFD simulations of vertical axis wind turbines at different tip speed ratios and solidities: Guidelines for azimuthal increment, domain size and convergence

Solar heating and cooling: Present and future development

Experimental and analytical study on an air-cooled single effect LiBr-H2O absorption chiller driven by evacuated glass tube solar collector for cooling application in residential buildings

Jinge Chen

Papers

Solar heating and cooling: Present and future development

Experimental and analytical study on an air-cooled single effect LiBr-H2O absorption chiller driven by evacuated glass tube solar collector for cooling application in residential buildings

Performance analysis and multi-objective optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collector for domestic hot water application

Aerodynamic shape optimization of non-straight small wind turbine blades

Multi-objective optimization of wind turbine blades using lifting surface method