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Implementation of energy efficiency interventions in the residential sector is pivotal to drive the energy transition and achieve energy policy targets. For such a reason, public programs supporting the renovation of residential buildings are available globally, but public incentives are not enough to address all the potential and it is necessary to attract private investments. An innovative approach to consider is represented by on-bill schemes, which foresee investments by energy utilities with possible cooperation of financial institutions. The present contribution proposes an in-depth description of on-bill mechanisms, their possible frameworks, the barriers to their implementation as well as the impact they may have on the core business of utilities. The study is based on a review of the existing literature integrated with the results of on-field interviews and discussions with the aim to obtain a full picture of on-bill schemes in a European replication perspective. Methodologically, the paper is based on structured desk research and on-field feedback obtained from selected stakeholders. Additionally, a SWOT analysis is developed highlighting that on-bill schemes may result very convenient for power utilities and energy retailers. Furthermore, on-bill schemes can help to address the issue of the split incentives. In conclusion, on-bill schemes can be considered a valid tool to support energy renovation in the residential sector, but they do not represent a global solution since their application is not tailored for all the contexts. The analysis highlights that power utilities are in a strong position since they can use on-bill schemes to switch part of the demand from fossil fuels , e.g., natural gas, to electrical power. Similarly, energy retailers are in a good position since they can enlarge their business by selling energy efficiency as a service through on-bill schemes.
Vincenzo Bianco; Paolo Michele Sonvilla. Supporting energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. The case of on-bill schemes. Energy Reports 2021, 7, 4298 -4307.
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Paolo Michele Sonvilla. Supporting energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. The case of on-bill schemes. Energy Reports. 2021; 7 ():4298-4307.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Paolo Michele Sonvilla. 2021. "Supporting energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. The case of on-bill schemes." Energy Reports 7, no. : 4298-4307.
The present paper presents a methodology to effectively address the evaluation of building energy retrofitting projects in a highly uncertain context. Buildings are modelled in terms of archetypes which are characterized by specific features, e.g., U-values, heating plant typology, surface to volume ratio, etc. By using the Monte Carlo approach, the proposed method can address the influence of more than thirty important parameters on the final result in terms of energy savings, Net Present Value and other indices aimed to quantify the level of risk associated to complex energy efficiency interventions, e.g., energy saving at risk. The methodology is tested on a case study related to a building built in the ‘60s and located in Rome, Italy. However, the method is applicable irrespectively of the location, climatic conditions, and typology of the building. Results highlight that a retrofitting intervention consisting in wall insulation has a risk to be unprofitable equal to 47%. This can be ascribed to the mild climatic conditions of the location.
Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico; Vincenzo Bianco. Financial and energy performance analysis of efficiency measures in residential buildings. A probabilistic approach. Energy 2021, 236, 121491 .
AMA StyleFederico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico, Vincenzo Bianco. Financial and energy performance analysis of efficiency measures in residential buildings. A probabilistic approach. Energy. 2021; 236 ():121491.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico; Vincenzo Bianco. 2021. "Financial and energy performance analysis of efficiency measures in residential buildings. A probabilistic approach." Energy 236, no. : 121491.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Sofia Simoes. The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way - Case Study of Greater Cairo. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Sofia Simoes. The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way - Case Study of Greater Cairo. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Sofia Simoes. 2021. "The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way - Case Study of Greater Cairo." , no. : 1.
The scope of the work is to depict a solid framework to interpret the capacity development of solar PV in Italy. To this aim the pivotal roles of public incentives is addressed and a vis a vis analysis of the regulatory framework and corresponding quantitative data is provided. The Italian regulatory framework did not provide an adequate focus on operational requirements for developing solar PV and allowed the speculative behavior of many investors. This is demonstrated by the correlation index between installed capacity and level of incentive equal to 0.988. Additionally, LCOE is calculated and from 2009 onward it is half of the average incentive level. Furthermore, the role of “followers” assumed by large power generators in the first phase of the PV development determined the absence of an industrial leadership. Oppositely, in a second phase, large utilities became more active on the PV market since they realized the impact on power market price. The linear correlation index between market price and PV capacity is found to be equal to −0.68, therefore price decreases at the increase of PV installed capacity and this is detrimental for large power utilities, thus they were pushed to be active in the PV sector.
Vincenzo Bianco; Furio Cascetta; Sergio Nardini. Analysis of technology diffusion policies for renewable energy. The case of the Italian solar photovoltaic sector. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2021, 46, 101250 .
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Furio Cascetta, Sergio Nardini. Analysis of technology diffusion policies for renewable energy. The case of the Italian solar photovoltaic sector. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments. 2021; 46 ():101250.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Furio Cascetta; Sergio Nardini. 2021. "Analysis of technology diffusion policies for renewable energy. The case of the Italian solar photovoltaic sector." Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 46, no. : 101250.
Envelope insulation is a well-known strategy to improve buildings’ energy efficiency. This paper considers two archetypes of an apartment block typology largely diffused in the Italian building stock and evaluates the energy savings resulting from the application of three insulation materials: polyurethane foam, rock wool, and resin bonded fibre-board. The energy requirements for winter heating and summer cooling are assessed with EnergyPlus and then compared to the embodied energy of the insulation materials. Hence, the energy and carbon paybacks are calculated, and a cost analysis is proposed to provide an insight into the market impact for the retrofit materials’ choice. The apartment block model is analyzed in three main cities (Rome, Milan, and Palermo) allowing to assess the impact of the climatic condition in terms of minimization of primary energy consumption and environmental emissions. Simulations showed that thermal insulation has a higher impact on winter heating and slightly affects the summer cooling requirement. In Milan, the refurbishment gains relevance as the energy and carbon payback periods are shorter than those of the city of Palermo characterized by warmer weather. Considering the embodied energy impact, this method allows us to estimate the maximum potential for energy savings in existing buildings and provides an estimation of achievable results in a short-medium period.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation. ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities 2021, 2, 1 -15.
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Federico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico. Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation. ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities. 2021; 2 (2):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. 2021. "Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation." ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities 2, no. 2: 1-15.
The present investigation addresses the issue of thermal insulation of building walls. In particular, the case of a wall subjected to Mediterranean climatic conditions, typical for the city of Genoa (Italy), is taken into account. A comparison between a polyurethane and a PCM layer with a thickness of 4 cm is proposed. The analysis is developed numerically by implementing a finite elements model of the wall in Comsol Multiphysics. The wall is subjected to real climatic conditions extracted from historical meteorological data and the thermal demand for heating and cooling is estimated. Both the polyurethane and the PCM have positive performances. In particular, polyurethane is more effective in reducing the heating demand, whereas PCM has better performances in reducing the cooling demand. A brief introduction to the life cycle analysis is also provided with the estimation of the energy pay-back for the two insulators and the results highlight better performance for the PCM, even though the pay-back periods of the two are quite similar.
Vincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. Application of PCMs to Improve Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering 2021, 1 -12.
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Annalisa Marchitto, Federico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico. Application of PCMs to Improve Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. 2021; ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. 2021. "Application of PCMs to Improve Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings." Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering , no. : 1-12.
Urban energy system modelling allows megacities to assess their future development and to draw sustainable pathways to meet the rapidly increasing energy needs. This paper elaborates three different scenarios for energy transition in Greater Cairo with particular emphasis on the impact of lowering the share of inhabitants living in informal settlements. A city-specific TIMES energy system model is used to investigate how energy supply and demand will evolve between 2015 and 2050. Besides, the impacts in final energy consumption and CO2 emissions are investigated considering different socio-economic pathways. The scenarios show that the long-term cost-efficiency optimization leads to the decarbonization of the power sector even in the absence of climate constraints. Climate policies are modeled to achieve by 2050 a carbon emissions reduction of 50% below the 2015 baseline. The results indicate that the implementation of current urban plans will double the carbon emissions per capita if no mitigation policies are adopted. The urban expansion programs need to take into consideration the energy-environment-economic nexus and to be coupled with climate mitigation policies to contain the rising carbon emissions.
Sara Abd Alla; Sofia G. Simoes; Vincenzo Bianco. Addressing rising energy needs of megacities – Case study of Greater Cairo. Energy and Buildings 2021, 236, 110789 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Sofia G. Simoes, Vincenzo Bianco. Addressing rising energy needs of megacities – Case study of Greater Cairo. Energy and Buildings. 2021; 236 ():110789.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Sofia G. Simoes; Vincenzo Bianco. 2021. "Addressing rising energy needs of megacities – Case study of Greater Cairo." Energy and Buildings 236, no. : 110789.
The electrification of the road transport sector is seen as a necessary component to the urban decarbonization. A scenario analysis of electric cars deployment is developed by employing the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning platform to build a bottom-up model to evaluate the contribution to the energy transition in the long term. The difference with similar models available in the literature is represented by a detailed description of the car stock, which comprises twenty-eight categories of cars. The car stock is segmented according to the fuel, i.e., petrol and gasoline, engine displacement, i.e., small and medium, and fuel efficiency according to the Euro standard, i.e., from Euro 0 to Euro 6d. Such features can be applied to any EU country; therefore, the model has a European Union-wise applicability. To show the model effectiveness, an application to the Italian automotive sector focused on the estimation of energy consumption and polluting emissions is proposed in the period 2018–2030. The evolution of the Italian car stock and the corresponding energy consumption, emissions and externalities are estimated. The simulations show that a significant reduction in energy consumption up to 23% and a decrease of emissions is realistically achievable through the deployment of electric cars.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. Pathways to electric mobility integration in the Italian automotive sector. Energy 2021, 221, 119882 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Luca A. Tagliafico, Federico Scarpa. Pathways to electric mobility integration in the Italian automotive sector. Energy. 2021; 221 ():119882.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. 2021. "Pathways to electric mobility integration in the Italian automotive sector." Energy 221, no. : 119882.
The creation of efficient and compact heat exchangers is one of the priority tasks arising during the design of heat and gas supply to industrial and residential buildings. As a rule, finned surfaces and turbulization of heat carrier flows are used to increase the efficiency of heat exchange in heat exchangers. The present paper proposes to use novel materials, namely porous material, in the design of highly efficient heat exchangers. The investigation was carried out experimentally and theoretically. To study the possibility of creating such heat exchangers, a multi-purpose test bench is created. The aim of the study was to assess the intensity of heat transfer in heat exchangers using porous metal. Laboratory tests are carried out as part of the experimental study. In the theoretical study, the classical equation for the change in the heat flux density when the coolant passes through the porous insert was used. As a result, a mathematical model was obtained in the form of a second-order differential equation. Boundary conditions were set and a particular solution was obtained. The results of theoretical calculations were compared with experimental data. The performed study experimentally confirmed the efficiency of using porous metal inserts in the design of shell-and-tube heat exchangers. The compiled mathematical model allows one to perform engineering calculations of the considered heat exchangers with porous inserts.
Natalia Rydalina; Elena Antonova; Irina Akhmetova; Svetlana Ilyashenko; Olga Afanaseva; Vincenzo Bianco; Alexander Fedyukhin. Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Heat Exchangers with Porous Inserts in Heat and Gas Supply Systems. Energies 2020, 13, 5854 .
AMA StyleNatalia Rydalina, Elena Antonova, Irina Akhmetova, Svetlana Ilyashenko, Olga Afanaseva, Vincenzo Bianco, Alexander Fedyukhin. Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Heat Exchangers with Porous Inserts in Heat and Gas Supply Systems. Energies. 2020; 13 (22):5854.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatalia Rydalina; Elena Antonova; Irina Akhmetova; Svetlana Ilyashenko; Olga Afanaseva; Vincenzo Bianco; Alexander Fedyukhin. 2020. "Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Heat Exchangers with Porous Inserts in Heat and Gas Supply Systems." Energies 13, no. 22: 5854.
The present paper reports the results of the design optimization of an air manifold utilized for delivering the air necessary for the combustion process in a biomass-fired batch boiler. A CFD model is built and validated by using experimental data. The numerical model is used to improve the device performances by reducing the entropy generation, considered as a measure of the effectiveness of the design. Other parameters, namely outlet velocities, are also monitored in order to guarantee an efficient combustion process. Four different designs of the manifold, characterized by a progressive reduction in entropy generation, are proposed and then compared with the base case. In each design step possible sources of irreversibility, such as corners, sharp variation of the flow direction, etc. are smoothed, for example by rounding the corners or by accompanying the flow in its directional changes. For all the cases, entropy generation is monitored and a reduction in its value of ∼10 times is observed if the first and last designs are compared. Values of velocities and pressure drops are monitored to confirm the acceptability of the improved designs. Finally, entropy generation and pressure drops are analysed for varied air flow controlled by the fan power.
Vincenzo Bianco; Mateusz Szubel; Beata Matras; Mariusz Filipowicz; Karolina Papis; Szymon Podlasek. CFD analysis and design optimization of an air manifold for a biomass boiler. Renewable Energy 2020, 163, 2018 -2028.
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Mateusz Szubel, Beata Matras, Mariusz Filipowicz, Karolina Papis, Szymon Podlasek. CFD analysis and design optimization of an air manifold for a biomass boiler. Renewable Energy. 2020; 163 ():2018-2028.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Mateusz Szubel; Beata Matras; Mariusz Filipowicz; Karolina Papis; Szymon Podlasek. 2020. "CFD analysis and design optimization of an air manifold for a biomass boiler." Renewable Energy 163, no. : 2018-2028.
This paper investigates possible scenarios of electric cars introduction and their impact on the Italian electricity system. Given the foreseen increased number of cars until the year 2030, three different scenarios in terms of penetration of electric vehicles have been considered, namely 10%, 20% and 40%. A detailed bottom up energy model of the Italian car fleet has been developed. The car fleet is analyzed in terms of energy consumption, carbon emissions and externalities costs. The scenarios analysis suggests that the introduction of electric cars would always lead to primary energy savings. In particular, the increase of the penetration corresponds to a decrease of primary energy consumption, carbon emissions and externalities costs.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. The impact of e-mobility on the Italian electricity system. Transportation Research Procedia 2020, 48, 2031 -2037.
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Federico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico. The impact of e-mobility on the Italian electricity system. Transportation Research Procedia. 2020; 48 ():2031-2037.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. 2020. "The impact of e-mobility on the Italian electricity system." Transportation Research Procedia 48, no. : 2031-2037.
Cross-subsidy in electric power industry distorts normal pricing without achieving the goals of fair and equitable access to electricity for all and leads to wasteful electricity consumption. The paper focuses on the analysis of cross-subsidy between the residential and non-residential (industry) electricity consumers in Russia and the establishment of economically and socially optimal prices. First, benefits and deficiencies of various research approaches to tariff setting in the industry are outlined. Second, the review of ultimate electricity prices in over 50 countries allowed identifying cases for tariff policy analysis and comparison. Third, recommended electricity tariffs for the industrial and household consumers (well-off and lower income) were calculated for 10 Russia’s regions. The results for the first time suggest no price increase if the consumption is within the block tariff, challenging the dominant premises that the household tariff has to grow for the entire population. These findings allow unblocking further policy and public discussion of the issue, as they offer solutions for cross-subsidy elimination, while guaranteeing the affordable electricity for all. Lowering inefficient expenditures of retail energy companies may allow further electricity price reduction. Importantly, tariffs and the social consumption norm should be tailored for each of Russia’s 85 regions.
Liliana Proskuryakova; Alena Starodubtseva; Vincenzo Bianco. Modelling a household tariff for reducing sectoral cross-subsidies in the Russian power market. Energy 2020, 213, 118725 .
AMA StyleLiliana Proskuryakova, Alena Starodubtseva, Vincenzo Bianco. Modelling a household tariff for reducing sectoral cross-subsidies in the Russian power market. Energy. 2020; 213 ():118725.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiliana Proskuryakova; Alena Starodubtseva; Vincenzo Bianco. 2020. "Modelling a household tariff for reducing sectoral cross-subsidies in the Russian power market." Energy 213, no. : 118725.
Megacities are mainly located in developing countries and face challenges in building infrastructures to ensure modern and clean energy access to citizens while coping with lifestyle changes. This paper assesses the renewables impact on energy transition for megacities (supply and all demand sectors) using the Greater Cairo megacity as case study. The MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) model is applied to the Greater Cairo region to investigate how energy supply and demand will evolve till 2050, and what are the impacts in terms of final energy consumption, GHG emissions, as well as share of renewable energy sources consumption in total final energy consumption considering two different emissions mitigation caps, namely 50% and 80%. Compared to the business as usual scenario, the final energy consumption decreases of 46 PJ and 57 PJ respectively in the scenarios with the CO2 cap of 50% and 80%. Besides, the TIMES-Greater Cairo shows that the fossil free energy options are limited and thus, in order to meet the emission cap, it is necessary to deploy more energy efficient technologies than in the scenarios without the cap. Transport is the sector with the higher CO2 emissions contribution and the optimization results show that it may lower the environmental impact of 28% by 2050 with the sole deployment of more efficient technologies.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Sofia G. Simoes. The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way: Case Study of Greater Cairo. ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Sofia G. Simoes. The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way: Case Study of Greater Cairo. ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Sofia G. Simoes. 2020. "The Importance of Renewable Energy Systems in Meeting Rising Energy Needs of Megacities in a Sustainable Way: Case Study of Greater Cairo." ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability , no. : 1.
Thermal insulation is a well-known strategy to increase energy efficiency of buildings. This paper considers two archetypes of an apartment block typology largely diffused in the Italian building stock and evaluates the energy savings resulting from the application of three insulation materials: polyurethane foam, rock wool and resin bonded fibre-board. The energy requirements for winter heating and summer cooling are assessed with EnergyPlus and then compared to the embodied energy of the insulation materials. Hence, the energy and carbon paybacks are calculated, and a cost analysis is proposed to provide an insight on the market impact for the retrofit materials’ choice. The apartment block model is analyzed in three main cities (Rome, Milan, Palermo) allowing to assess the climatic conditions impact in terms of minimization of primary energy consumption and environmental emissions. Simulations showed that the thermal insulation has a higher impact on winter heating and slightly affects the summer cooling requirement. In Milan, the refurbishment gains relevance as the energy and carbon payback periods are shorter than those of the city of Palermo characterized by a warmer weather. Considering the embodied energy impact, this method allows to estimate the maximum potential for energy savings in existing buildings and provides an estimation of achievable results in short-medium period.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation. ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Federico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico. Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation. ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. 2020. "Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency: The Embodied Energy Relevance for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation." ASME 2020 14th International Conference on Energy Sustainability , no. : 1.
The present paper aims to introduce a top down methodology for the forecasting of residential energy demand in four European countries, namely Germany, Italy, Spain, and Lithuania. The methodology employed to develop the estimation is based on econometric techniques. In particular, a logarithmic dynamic linear constant relationship of the consumption is proposed. Demand is estimated as a function of a set of explaining variables, namely heating degree days and gross domestic product per capita. The results confirm that the methodology can be applied to the case of Germany, Italy, and Spain, whereas it is not suitable for Lithuania. The analysis of elasticities of the demand with respect to the gross domestic product per capita shows a negative value for Germany, −0.629, and positive values for Italy, 0.837, and Spain, 0.249. The forecasting of consumption shows that Germany and Italy are more sensitive to weather conditions with respect to Spain and an increase in the demand of 8% and 9% is expected in case of cold climatic conditions.
Vincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. Forecasting Energy Consumption in the EU Residential Sector. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2259 .
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Annalisa Marchitto, Federico Scarpa, Luca A. Tagliafico. Forecasting Energy Consumption in the EU Residential Sector. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (7):2259.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca A. Tagliafico. 2020. "Forecasting Energy Consumption in the EU Residential Sector." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 7: 2259.
The implementation of energy efficiency measures is an effective way to gain energy savings in the Italian residential sector. This paper assesses the embodied energy impact related to the envelope insulation and evaluates the energy and carbon payback of the efficiency measures. The proposed method consists of (1) an estimation of the baseline operational energy consumption, (2) simulations of realistic retrofit solutions and, (3) the assessment of the ‘retrofitting’ embodied energy and the energy and carbon payback time calculation. The payback is based on the comparison between the saved operational energy and the embodied energy of the materials selected for insulation. Ten Italian cities are analysed, and the results show a deep dependence on the climate zone. In Northern Italian cities, envelope insulation gains relevance as the energy and carbon payback periods are shorter, about 3 years against the 84 years for the Southern city of Palermo. The optimal thickness is estimated for the city of Milan considering the building’s typology, the insulation materials, and the energy payback. This study shows how the total energy savings can be used as a criterion to obtain design indications.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. Life-cycle approach to the estimation of energy efficiency measures in the buildings sector. Applied Energy 2020, 264, 114745 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Luca A. Tagliafico, Federico Scarpa. Life-cycle approach to the estimation of energy efficiency measures in the buildings sector. Applied Energy. 2020; 264 ():114745.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. 2020. "Life-cycle approach to the estimation of energy efficiency measures in the buildings sector." Applied Energy 264, no. : 114745.
Index decomposition analysis (IDA) has become a common tool for studying the evolution of energy consumption. In its initial form it comprises three contributions, namely activity, structure and intensity effects. Various sectors of activities were studied in the literature by employing IDA approach and the present work proposes its application to the electricity consumption in the tourism sector. The proposed decomposition analysis is developed on the basis of seven indexes grouped in three macro contributions, namely energy intensity, economic structure and industrial structure. The decomposition is performed in the period 1995–2017 and Italy was used as test case for the methodology. The analysis highlights that, overall, the changes in electricity intensity and in the industrial structure were responsible for an increase of the electricity consumption of 5.581 GWh, whereas the economic structure was responsible for a decrease of 1.337 GWh. Their contemporary effect determined a total variation of electricity consumption between 1995 and 2017 of 4.244 GWh. Results demonstrated that the proposed IDA equation specifically tailored for the tourism sector allows to provide a detailed analytical explanation of the factors affecting electricity consumption in the Italian tourism sector. The same framework can be applied to any other country and source of energy.
Vincenzo Bianco. Analysis of electricity consumption in the tourism sector. A decomposition approach. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 248, 119286 .
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco. Analysis of electricity consumption in the tourism sector. A decomposition approach. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 248 ():119286.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco. 2019. "Analysis of electricity consumption in the tourism sector. A decomposition approach." Journal of Cleaner Production 248, no. : 119286.
This paper aims at introducing an approach for improving the renewable sources technologies inclusion in the municipality planning process and calls to revisit the current governance to strengthen the implementation effectiveness. The solar energy potential and the local energy requirements of the city of Riva Trigoso are analyzed and two types of solar technologies are tested. An analytical methodology based on the exposition of the buildings present in the considered location is developed. The method allows to identify the areas where it is more convenient to invest and the specific technology to be used. The effectiveness of the optimization method is validated via comparison with random allocation of the same total surface of panels. The results have been translated into GIS maps where the municipality can identify the areas at best solar energy potential and the more suitable technology. The proposed approach can be used for any location and it allows to define detailed scenarios for local energy planning processes.
Sara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. An innovative approach to local solar energy planning in Riva Trigoso, Italy. Journal of Building Engineering 2019, 27, 100968 .
AMA StyleSara Abd Alla, Vincenzo Bianco, Luca A. Tagliafico, Federico Scarpa. An innovative approach to local solar energy planning in Riva Trigoso, Italy. Journal of Building Engineering. 2019; 27 ():100968.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Abd Alla; Vincenzo Bianco; Luca A. Tagliafico; Federico Scarpa. 2019. "An innovative approach to local solar energy planning in Riva Trigoso, Italy." Journal of Building Engineering 27, no. : 100968.
Mattia De Rosa; Paolo Conti; Yasser Mahmoudi; Vincenzo Bianco. Advanced Solar Technologies in Buildings. International Journal of Photoenergy 2019, 2019, 1 -2.
AMA StyleMattia De Rosa, Paolo Conti, Yasser Mahmoudi, Vincenzo Bianco. Advanced Solar Technologies in Buildings. International Journal of Photoenergy. 2019; 2019 ():1-2.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMattia De Rosa; Paolo Conti; Yasser Mahmoudi; Vincenzo Bianco. 2019. "Advanced Solar Technologies in Buildings." International Journal of Photoenergy 2019, no. : 1-2.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a numerical investigation to study laminar convection flow of Al2O3-water nanofluids within a three-dimensional rectangular section channel asymmetrically heated.Design/methodology/approachA three-dimensional model of the channel is designed and simulated by using Comsol Multiphysics. The finite elements method is used to perform the numerical simulation. A variety of cases are taken into account by considering Reynolds numbers ranging from 250 up to 1,000, concentration between 0 and 6 per cent, particle dimension of 20, 40 and 60 nm and inlet temperature equal to 293.15 and 320 K. A constant heat flux of 1,000 W/m2is imposed on the top surface of the channel.FindingsThe results demonstrate that nanofluids guarantee improved thermal performances with respect to the base fluid, as shown by the augmented Nusselt number. On the other hand, pressure drop shows a noticeable increase; therefore, an entropy generation analysis is developed to establish optimal conditions for the system under investigation.Originality/valueThe originality of this work consists in the analysis of a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel with nanofluids in laminar convection. The present work would be beneficial to improve the design of devices with particular focus on solar thermal panel.
Vincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca Antonio Tagliafico. Numerical investigation on the forced laminar convection heat transfer of Al2O3-water nanofluid within a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel. International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow 2019, 29, 1132 -1152.
AMA StyleVincenzo Bianco, Annalisa Marchitto, Federico Scarpa, Luca Antonio Tagliafico. Numerical investigation on the forced laminar convection heat transfer of Al2O3-water nanofluid within a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel. International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow. 2019; 29 (3):1132-1152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Bianco; Annalisa Marchitto; Federico Scarpa; Luca Antonio Tagliafico. 2019. "Numerical investigation on the forced laminar convection heat transfer of Al2O3-water nanofluid within a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel." International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow 29, no. 3: 1132-1152.