The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Cristina Baglivo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
Vincent H. Resh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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long term studies of seasonal variability enable evaluation of macroinvertebrate response to an acute oil spill in an urban Mediterranean Climate stream
Hydrobiologia, 2017Co-Authors: Michael G Peterson, Lisa Hunt, Erin Donley E Marineau, Vincent H. ReshAbstract:Benthic macroinvertebrates show seasonal fluctuations with variability in hydrologic conditions. Coastal northern California (USA) is located in a Mediterranean-Climate area, which is characterized by predictable wet and dry seasons, and consequently stream flows. Monthly sampling over multiple years (2004–2005, 2010–2013) was used to examine seasonal variability in taxonomic composition and abundances of benthic macroinvertebrates at three sites in Strawberry Creek, an urban stream on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Although wet and dry seasons at all sites had similar taxa occurrences, seasonal variation in taxa abundances was evident at two sites. The effects of an accidental oil spill in winter 2011 were examined using a Before–After design. Three days post-spill, macroinvertebrate richness and abundances at the impacted site decreased dramatically compared with pre-spill levels; taxonomic composition recovered one year later. Resilience was likely from drift via an unaffected stream fork and the flushing effects of winter stream flows. The combination of monthly sampling over multiple years and the opportunistic evaluation of responses to an acute disturbance enabled us to identify five taxa that are common, abundant, and easily identified, which can be used as a framework for enhancing future volunteer-based biomonitoring research projects.
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High variability is a defining component of Mediterranean-Climate rivers and their biota
Water, 2017Co-Authors: Núria Bonada, Theodore E. Grantham, Avital Gasith, Stephanie M. Carlson, Vincent H. ReshAbstract:Variability in flow as a result of seasonal precipitation patterns is a defining element of streams and rivers in Mediterranean-Climate regions of the world and strongly influences the biota of these unique systems. Mediterranean-Climate areas include the Mediterranean Basin and parts of Australia, California, Chile, and South Africa. Mediterranean streams and rivers can experience wet winters and consequent floods to severe droughts, when intermittency in otherwise perennial systems can occur. Inter-annual variation in precipitation can include multi-year droughts or consecutive wet years. Spatial variation in patterns of precipitation (rain vs. snow) combined with topographic variability lead to spatial variability in hydrologic patterns that influence populations and communities. Mediterranean streams and rivers are global biodiversity hotspots and are particularly vulnerable to human impacts. Biomonitoring, conservation efforts, and management responses to Climate change require approaches that account for spatial and temporal variability (including both intra- and inter-annual). The importance of long-term data sets for understanding and managing these systems highlights the need for sustained and coordinated research efforts in Mediterranean-Climate streams and rivers.
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recycled water for augmenting urban streams in Mediterranean Climate regions a potential approach for riparian ecosystem enhancement
Hydrological Sciences Journal-journal Des Sciences Hydrologiques, 2014Co-Authors: Justin E Lawrence, Christopher P W Pavia, Sereyvicheth Kaing, Heather N Bischel, Richard G. Luthy, Vincent H. ReshAbstract:AbstractThe scarcity of water in Mediterranean-Climate regions makes flow management in the rehabilitation of urban streams problematic. To explore potential applications of using recycled water for stream enhancement, we examine streams in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA, to characterize: (a) historic flow regimes at the regional scale, (b) potential unintended ecological effects and (c) specific issues related to recycled water. We analysed historic flow regimes in five basins, performed a streamflow augmentation experiment and monitored benthic macroinvertebrates above and below a recycled-water discharge. Streamflow augmentation with recycled water can provide improved aesthetics and aquatic habitat, but there are caveats to consider. Implications of inputs of recycled water in streams, whether direct or indirect, require detailed analysis of trade-offs. Augmentation is unlikely to harm the ecology of urban streams that are now just barely flowing perennially with pools of stagnant, cont...
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Mediterranean-Climate streams and rivers: geographically separated but ecologically comparable freshwater systems
Hydrobiologia, 2013Co-Authors: Núria Bonada, Vincent H. ReshAbstract:Streams and rivers in Mediterranean-Climate regions (med-rivers in med-regions) are ecologically unique, with flow regimes reflecting precipitation patterns. Although timing of drying and flooding is predictable, seasonal and annual intensity of these events is not. Sequential flooding and drying, coupled with anthropogenic influences make these med-rivers among the most stressed riverine habitat worldwide. Med-rivers are hotspots for biodiversity in all med-regions. Species in med-rivers require different, often opposing adaptive mechanisms to survive drought and flood conditions or recover from them. Thus, metacommunities undergo seasonal differences, reflecting cycles of river fragmentation and connectivity, which also affect ecosystem functioning. River conservation and management is challenging, and trade-offs between environmental and human uses are complex, especially under future Climate change scenarios. This overview of a Special Issue on med-rivers synthesizes information presented in 21 articles covering the five med-regions worldwide: Mediterranean Basin, coastal California, central Chile, Cape region of South Africa, and southwest and southern Australia. Research programs to increase basic knowledge in less-developed med-regions should be prioritized to achieve increased abilities to better manage med-rivers.
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long term macroinvertebrate responses to Climate change implications for biological assessment in Mediterranean Climate streams
Journal of The North American Benthological Society, 2010Co-Authors: Justin E Lawrence, Leah A. Bêche, Eric P Mcelravy, Kevin B Lunde, Raphael D Mazor, Vincent H. ReshAbstract:AbstractClimate change is expected to have strong effects on Mediterranean-Climate regions worldwide. In some areas, these effects will include increases in temperature and decreases in rainfall, which could have important implications for biological assessment programs of aquatic ecosystems. We used a consistently collected, 20-y benthic macroinvertebrate data set from 4 sites along 2 small northern California streams to examine potential Climate-change effects on aquatic communities. The sites represented unique combinations of stream order and flow intermittency. The North Coast benthic macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) developed for northern California streams was not influenced by temperature extremes (cool and warm) or precipitation extremes (wet and dry). Other common indices and metrics used in biological monitoring studies, such as the ratio of observed to expected taxa (O/E), % Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) individuals, and total richness were unaffected by t...
Andrea Fazio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
Paolo Maria Congedo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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long term performance losses and efficiency analysis of a 960 kwp photovoltaic system in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy Conversion and Management, 2017Co-Authors: M Malvoni, Paolo Maria Congedo, A Leggieri, G Maggiotto, M G De GiorgiAbstract:Abstract This paper investigates the performance of a 960 kWP photovoltaic (PV) system, located in southern Italy. Monitoring data over a 43 months period are used to evaluate the monthly average of energy yields, losses and efficiency. The performance ratio and the capacity factor were 84.4% and 15.6%, respectively. The yearly average module efficiency was 15.3% and the system efficiency was 14.9%, whereas the capture and system losses were 0.6 h/day and 0.1 h/day respectively. The degradation rate of the PV system, after continuous outdoor exposure, has been estimated at about 1.48%/year by applying the Classical Seasonal Decomposition (CSD) method. A comparison in terms of degradation rate is made with other PV plants installed in different Climates to address the need of standard methods to determine this crucial parameter. The actual performance of the studied PV system is compared with the expected outcomes by using two widely used PV simulation tools, SAM and PVsyst. A detailed difference analysis is carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the SAM and PVsyst models. Results show that the yearly average energy injected into the grid was under-estimated by 3.0% by SAM and by 3.3% by PVsyst, but overall PVsyst outperforms the SAM tool. Results provide reliable data on the plant and demonstrate its good performance compared to other plants located in the same Climate. The results can be used to improve the prediction of the performance of future PV of systems in the Mediterranean Climate, and also provide a useful dataset for comparative studies.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi objective optimization analysis for high efficiency external walls of zero energy buildings zeb in the Mediterranean Climate
Energy and Buildings, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea Fazio, Domenico LaforgiaAbstract:Abstract ZEBs in Europe adopt a technology of light multi-layered walls by using structural materials with low density, thermal isolation, wide thickness, low specific weight, low mass accumulation, to achieve very low steady thermal transmittance. These techniques work toward bringing down winter heating costs. In the Mediterranean area, the thermal overload is irreversible when radiation is not controlled and the free supply of heat indoors is mismanaged. The characteristics of multi-layered walls do not yield typical passive heating system benefits because there are not large surfaces with thermal accumulation mass that are capable of storing heat when necessary, and discharge it once the effect of solar radiation is exhausted. A multi-objective analysis is key to obtaining several types of high energetic efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, through the combination of various materials. The analysis is carried out in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness. The results show that the superficial mass of the external wall has important to obtain the best performance in the warm Climate. It is possible to reach high performance in the summertime also by lighter and thinner walls.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
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multi criteria optimization analysis of external walls according to itaca protocol for zero energy buildings in the Mediterranean Climate
Building and Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Cristina Baglivo, Paolo Maria Congedo, Andrea FazioAbstract:Abstract Given the recent worldwide environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector, keeping in mind the whole life cycle assessment of construction materials. Determining the sustainability of the products is complex, and the presence of one or more “eco” features does not necessarily make it “eco” in its entirety. The ITACA Protocol for environmental sustainability promotes the use of recycled, renewable and locally sourced materials. A multi-criteria analysis has been carried out in order to identify high energy efficiency external walls for ZEBs in the Mediterranean Climate, privileging eco-friendly building materials. The modeFRONTIER optimization tool, by the use of calculation procedures developed in Matlab, was used to evaluate the dynamic performance of building components. The optimization was performed in terms of steady thermal transmittance, periodic thermal transmittance, decrement factor, time shift, areal heat capacity, thermal admittance, surface mass, thickness and ITACA score. A method for the design of new low-cost residential buildings will be defined; in particular, the final aim is to determine not a single optimal solution, but a set of possible external wall configurations among which the designer can choose the proper solution for his application, according to the Pareto front of the multi-criteria problem. The results underline that, in a warm Climate, the best sequences of layers are with high surface mass for the first layer (internal side), followed by common insulating materials for the middle layer and eco-friendly insulating materials for the outer layer.
Stéphane Molliex - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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controls on holocene denudation rates in mountainous environments under Mediterranean Climate
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2017Co-Authors: Nicolas Freslon, Julien Moreau, Stéphane Molliex, Gwenael Jouet, Christine Authemayou, Didier Bourles, Marina RabineauAbstract:The Mediterranean domain is characterized by a specific Climate resulting from the close interplay between atmospheric and marine processes and strongly differentiated regional topographies. Corsica Island, a mountainous area located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea is particularly suitable to quantify regional denudation rates in the framework of a source-to-sink approach. Indeed, fluvial sedimentation in East-Corsica margin is almost exclusively limited to its alluvial plain and offshore domain and its basement is mainly constituted of quartz-rich crystalline rocks allowing cosmogenic nuclide Be-10 measurements. In this paper, Holocene denudation rates of catchments from the eastern part of the island of Corsica are quantified relying on in situ produced Be-10 concentrations in stream sediments and interpreted in an approach including quantitative geomorphology, rock strength measurement (with a Schmidt Hammer) and vegetation cover distribution. Calculated denudation rates range from 15 to 95 mm ka(-1). When compared with rates from similar geomorphic domains experiencing a different Climate setting, such as the foreland of the northern European Alps, they appear quite low and temporally stable. At the first order, they better correlate with rock strength and vegetation cover than with morphometric indexes. Spatial distribution of the vegetation is controlled by morpho-climatic parameters including sun exposure and the direction of the main wet wind, so-called Libecciu'. This distribution, as well as the basement rock strength seems to play a significant role in the denudation distribution. We thus suggest that the landscape reached a geomorphic steady-state due to the specific Mediterranean Climate and that Holocene denudation rates are mainly sustained by weathering processes, through the amount of regolith formation, rather than being transport-limited...
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controls on holocene denudation rates in mountainous environments under Mediterranean Climate
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2017Co-Authors: Nicolas Freslon, Julien Moreau, Stéphane Molliex, Gwenael Jouet, Christine Authemayou, Didier Bourles, Marina RabineauAbstract:The Mediterranean domain is characterized by a specific Climate resulting from the close interplay between atmospheric and marine processes and strongly differentiated regional topographies. Corsica Island, a mountainous area located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea is particularly suitable to quantify regional denudation rates in the framework of a source-to-sink approach. Indeed, fluvial sedimentation in East-Corsica margin is almost exclusively limited to its alluvial plain and offshore domain and its basement is mainly constituted of quartz-rich crystalline rocks allowing cosmogenic nuclide Be-10 measurements. In this paper, Holocene denudation rates of catchments from the eastern part of the island of Corsica are quantified relying on in situ produced Be-10 concentrations in stream sediments and interpreted in an approach including quantitative geomorphology, rock strength measurement (with a Schmidt Hammer) and vegetation cover distribution. Calculated denudation rates range from 15 to 95 mm ka(-1). When compared with rates from similar geomorphic domains experiencing a different Climate setting, such as the foreland of the northern European Alps, they appear quite low and temporally stable. At the first order, they better correlate with rock strength and vegetation cover than with morphometric indexes. Spatial distribution of the vegetation is controlled by morpho-climatic parameters including sun exposure and the direction of the main wet wind, so-called Libecciu'. This distribution, as well as the basement rock strength seems to play a significant role in the denudation distribution. We thus suggest that the landscape reached a geomorphic steady-state due to the specific Mediterranean Climate and that Holocene denudation rates are mainly sustained by weathering processes, through the amount of regolith formation, rather than being transport-limited...