Articles tagged with Building Heating
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that hydrogen atoms play a crucial role in twisting iron, enabling more efficient chemical reactions. Additionally, the lab has developed technology to reuse old electric vehicle batteries as energy storage systems for the grid, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
A multilayered fluidic system inspired by squid skin can optimize the wavelength, intensity, and dispersion of light reaching building interiors. This could lead to significant savings on heating, cooling, and lighting energy costs, with annual reductions of up to 50%.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have designed a temperature-sensing building material that changes its infrared color to absorb or emit heat based on outside temperatures. This innovation aims to reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it an essential step towards a more sustainable future.
A study found that resiliency and family support play a crucial role in helping Hispanic breast cancer survivors manage lymphedema. Adaptations such as modifying work tasks and seeking support from family members enable survivors to maintain their quality of life.
ORNL researchers have won seven 2022 R&D 100 Awards for their advancements in materials science, machine learning, and energy storage. DuAlumin-3D, a high-strength aluminum alloy, and Gremlin, an AI system to identify weaknesses in machine learning models, are among the winning technologies.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that decarbonization pathways need to incorporate more efficient electric heating technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize strain on the US electric grid. The researchers analyzed building energy data from March 2010 to February 2020 and found that winter heati...
A new 'optofluidic' system designed at the University of Toronto Engineering can enable buildings to save energy by dynamically changing the appearance of their exteriors. The system uses carefully controlled fluid injections to create a dynamic shading system, reducing the need for heating, cooling and lighting systems.
The study collected sensor data and conducted surveys to understand the conditions people experience as they move about their daily life. The dataset provided a granular picture of temperature exposure, revealing that participants were well-situated to maintain low temperatures, but still faced dangerously hot environments.
Researchers in China and the US developed a computer simulation model addressing solar power's intermittency by adding biomass to advance a reliable, affordable heating solution. The proposed solar-biomass hybrid system provides cleaner energy than fossil fuel for single-family homes.
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to create controls that balance building energy cost, comfort, and efficiency. The system can compute solutions at a fast pace, reducing the need for complex model predictive controllers.
A new generation of thin triple-pane windows has made significant strides in energy efficiency, cost, and availability. The latest research shows that these next-generation windows can improve the energy efficiency performance of windows by up to 40%, boosting the total insulating value of a home exterior.
Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.
New research introduces adaptable smart window design that can heat or cool a house. The film changes its properties to absorb sunlight in winter and reflect it in summer, reducing energy consumption by 20-34%.
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing next-generation materials and systems for thermal energy storage, which could be a viable alternative to batteries. The technology has the potential to reduce demand on the electricity grid from thermal loads and free up resources for other applications.
Scientists at NTU Singapore develop a new electrochromic window material that can block up to 70% of infrared radiation while allowing 90% of visible light to pass through. The material is designed to be energy-efficient and durable, with improved performance compared to existing technologies.
Researchers at Duke University developed electrochromic technology that can alternate between harvesting heat from sunlight and allowing an object to cool. The device, which uses a thin layer of graphene and metal nanoparticles, demonstrates a tuning range of thermal radiation never seen before.
A European project developed standard solutions for energy refurbishment, considering various climate zones. These packages include prefabricated façades, decentralized ventilation systems, and smart ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Pilot sites showed significant savings and improvements in tenant well-being.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel thermal contact system that can switch between heating and cooling modes. The device uses specially designed nanoscale materials to harness or expel specific wavelengths of light, reducing energy consumption by nearly 20% in the US.
A research team from KIST has developed a new material that can reduce heat penetration through building walls. By applying phase change materials with bubble injections, the indoor temperature can be suppressed and the cooling load of the building can be lowered.
A team from the University of Córdoba validates a solar-powered air heating system, which can cover 75% of heating demands on 75% of days. The system uses Unglazed Transpired Collectors to absorb heat generated by sunlight and preheat ventilation air.
A Rutgers University study predicts that heat stress from extreme heat and humidity will affect areas home to 1.2 billion people annually by 2100, with four times more people affected than today. The research highlights the dangers of combined extremes of heat and humidity on human health, agriculture, and the economy.
A new study by NIST evaluates the power usage and environmental impact of gas versus electric HVAC systems in low-energy residential dwellings. The study suggests that natural gas is currently more economical overall than electric for a code-compliant Maryland home.
After severe weather events, households may use generators, leading to carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings. CO is a silent killer with no odor or taste, caused by malfunctioning appliances, and can cause coma, heart attack, and death. Regular appliance checks and generator usage precautions can prevent CO poisoning.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found energy savings of up to 20% in a block of flats with individual metering and charging of heating and hot water. The payback period on investment was about 10 years, making this system manageable.
A study of 271,217 Chinese adults found that using solid fuels for cooking and heating was associated with a higher risk of death. Switching to cleaner fuels like gas, electricity, or central heating significantly reduced mortality rates.
A new study published by Concordia University researchers confirms that cool roofs provide net energy and monetary savings in colder climates. Using modelling software, they found annual energy expenditure savings of $4-14 per 100 square meters in four cold-climate cities.
A new study by Wuhan University of Technology reveals the most efficient ways to conserve energy in homes, including opening windows during heating and using window shades in warm temperatures. The researchers recommend adjusting thermostat settings, adding solar panels, and turning off lights to reduce energy consumption.
Researchers have adapted the Trombe wall design to heat and cool buildings, reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel use. The new system uses wind and solar energy to provide a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.
A study by Adrian Bejan at Duke University reveals that the ideal fire shape is roughly as tall as it is wide, facilitating efficient air and heat flow. This design enables humans to migrate and spread across the globe, a direct prediction of the Constructal Law.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that indoor mold can lead to breathing problems and increase the likelihood of developing asthma. The research highlights the importance of adequate heating, ventilation, and home maintenance to reduce mold growth and its effects on health.
A new polymer-based solar-thermal device collects both solar energy and heat, providing a more efficient way to heat homes. The device has shown 30% efficiency in converting solar energy to power, outperforming standard solar cells with a conversion efficiency of up to 8%.
Researchers developed a testing apparatus to track air flow distribution in finned-tube heat exchangers, comparing results with CFD simulations. This could lead to improved heat pump efficiency by 5% and reduced material cost.
Researchers at NIST are studying how different factors affect fuel cell efficiency, including electrical and heating demands, temperatures, humidity, and power systems. The goal is to develop performance ratings that can help consumers understand the financial costs and benefits of fuel cells in various geographic and climate conditions.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has won six spots on the 1998 R&D 100 list, recognized for their innovative technologies that have transformed industries such as personal heating, fuel cell-powered cars and environmental conservation. The researchers' advancements include tiny personal heating systems, advanced chemical m...
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed an ion trap mass spectrometer that analyzes both positive and negative ions simultaneously, improving data quality and reducing averaging requirements. Remote sensing tools are also being used to monitor public grazing lands, while miniaturized heat pumps offer efficien...
A study of heat stroke patients during the 1995 Chicago heat wave found that nearly half died within a year and many suffered permanent loss of independent function. Most patients developed multi-system organ dysfunction, including neurologic impairment, which persisted long after discharge.
Researchers are studying the impact of Atlanta's growth on its air quality and temperatures over two decades. Trees have been found to reduce temperatures, with a difference of up to 31 degrees between paved areas and tree-lined spaces. The study aims to provide insights for cities reshaping themselves for comfort and lower heating bills.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a new wall testing and rating procedure to determine the thermal performance of entire walls, rather than just insulation. This approach accounts for increased heat leakages in corners, doors, windows, and studs, providing more accurate measurements of building energy performance.
Researchers are finding ways to repurpose old tires by using them in the construction of roads and retaining walls. Tire chips have been used successfully in three major new bridges in southern Maine and sections of three Maine roads, showing significantly less frost heave than conventionally built sections.
A University of Massachusetts study warns that Olympians may experience performance issues due to extreme heat and humidity. The study suggests that some remedies, such as blowing air over water with fans, may not be effective in cooling athletes down.
Experts suggest modifying building codes to provide air-conditioned lobbies, utilizing churches as shelters, and implementing debt-forgiveness programs to help vulnerable populations. Proactive measures like sentinel surveillance, public education, and outreach can save lives during heatwaves.