This paper describes the analysis of the possibility of use of the direct-contact air, gravel, ground heat exchanger (acronym GAHE), patented at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, as a means of improving microclimate parameters in dairy cows’ barns. Different possibilities of introducing GAHE to the standard mechanical ventilation system of cowsheds have been proposed and investigated. Based on literature data, the required air parameters in the barns of dairy cows were determined and discussed. Computer simulations were carried out and the results obtained were compared to the baseline model. Year-round changes in microclimate parameters, especially air temperature, relative humidity, and THI index were investigated. The benefits of GAHE use were indicated. The possible increase in the minimum air volume of ventilation during the winter season and the decrease in the maximum values of this parameter in the summer were presented. Indications were made of the systems where the application of GAHE could be the most beneficial. A further research path has been proposed.

This article analyzes the possibility of reducing the energy consumption from building heating as a result of lowering the indoor air temperature, which is recommended as a response to the energy crisis. Various values of the set-point temperature (16–22 °C), as well as different scenarios for their changes, were assumed for analysis. Changes in clothing that were determined to maintain the same level of thermal comfort after a temperature change were determined. The associated reduction in CO₂ emissions emitted into the atmosphere was determined. The effect of reducing CO₂ emissions was studied depending on the type of heating source. Simulation calculations were carried out for an exemplary multifamily building. The effect of different building insulations required in Poland over the years 1964–2022 was considered. Analyses were performed for the climatic conditions of cities located in different climatic zones of Poland: Koszalin, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Bialystok, Suwalki. Depending on the scenario, the insulation standard of the building, and the variant of location, the energy reduction achieved ranges from 6.6%/K to 13.2%/K. Taking into account the type of heating source, the reduction in CO₂ emissions is from 0.7 to 7.5 kgCO₂/(K·m²). The reduction in temperature by 1 or 2 K can be compensated for by wearing an additional sleeveless vest (0.12 clo) or sweater (0.28 clo).

In this manuscript, an analysis of the prospect of using a direct-contact air, gravel, ground heat exchanger (GAHE)—patented and tested at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology—as a simple and inexpensive way of improving microclimate parameters in horse stables using renewable energy was presented. Different options for introducing a GAHE into the typical HVAC system have been proposed and examined. Using the GAHE calculation model developed based on the research, computer simulations of the GAHE’s interaction with the ventilation system were conducted. The effects of GAHE interaction were compared with a typical solution that does not utilise ground renewable energy. The analyses demonstrate year-round changes in microclimate parameters, particularly in the air temperature, relative humidity, and the THI comfort index. The benefits of using a GAHE as a component that improves comfort for animals and employees, while simultaneously saving energy, were demonstrated. The use of measurement data and computer energy simulations demonstrates the engineering feasibility of including GAHEs in a mechanical ventilation system for a horse stable. The obtained results indicate the potential for improving animal husbandry and employee working conditions without the need to consume additional energy to operate complex HVAC systems.

As energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings continue to tighten, the need for detailed energy analyses of the impact of increasingly advanced energy-saving solutions is also growing. Unfortunately, calculating accurate hourly data typically requires the use of advanced software, which requires significant skill, experience, and time. This article presents an analysis of the effects of using one of the methods that allows for relatively simple generation of estimated hourly data: the degreehours method. The precision of the estimated results obtained using this method was analysed using the example of a typical single-family building located in five characteristic locations in Poland, supplied with heat by an air-to-water heat pump. The resulting estimated heating loads and electricity consumption data were compared with accurate results calculated using the EDSL TAS simulation programme. The accuracy of the method, its strengths and weaknesses were presented based on the obtained data.