Browsing by Author "Batty, W. J."
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Item Open Access The application of solar energy to the design of school buildings, and the development of a model of solar irradiance(Cranfield University, 1994-09) Grindley, Peter Columbia; Batty, W. J.ABSTRACT : THESIS PART ONE. The thermal performances of two schools with central atria, and a typical primary school class- base, were assessed using the SERI-RES computer model. ABSTRACT : THESIS PART TWO. To improve the modelling of sunlight and daylight, measured values of solar radiation, recorded at one minute intervals, were used to examine the relationship attributed to Lui A Jordan(1960), between the fraction of the solar radiation which is received on a horizontal surface, and the equivalent diffuse fraction,Item Open Access Demand-side management in office buildings in Kuwait through an ice-storage assisted HVAC system with model predictive control(Cranfield University, 2005) Al-Hadban, Yehya; Batty, W. J.Examining methods for controlling the electricity demand in Kuwait was the main objective and motivation of this researchp roject. The extensiveu se of air-conditioning for indoor cooling in office and large commercial buildings in Kuwait and the Gulf States represents a major part of the power and electricity consumption in such countries. The rising electricity generation cost and growing rates of consumption continuously demand the construction new power plants. Devising and enforcing Demand-SideM anagemen(t DSM) in the form of energye fficient operations trategies was the response of this research project to provide a means to rectify this situation using the demand-side management technique known as demand levelling or load shifting. State of the art demand-sidem anagementte chniquesh ave been examined through the developmenot f a model basedp redictive control optimisations trategyf or an integrateda ndm odulara pproachto the provisiono f ice thermals torage. To evaluate the potential of ice-storage assisted air-conditioning systems in flattening the demand curve at peak times during the summer months in Kuwait, a model of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) plant was developed in Matlab. The model engaged the use of model based predictive control (MPQ as an optimisation tool for the plant as a whole. The model with MPC was developed to chose and decide on which control strategy to operate the integrated ice-storage HVAC plant. The model succeeded in optimising the operation of the plant and introduced encouraging improvement of the performance of the system as a whole. The concept of the modular ice-storage system was introduced through a control zoning strategy based on zonal orientation. It is believed that such strategy could lead to the modularisation of ice-storage systems. Additionally, the model was examined and tested in relation to load flattening and demonstrated promising enhancement in the shape of the load curve and demonstrated flattened demand curves through the employed strategy. When compared with measured data from existing buildings, the model showed potential for the techniques utilised to improve the load factor for office buildings.Item Open Access Developing a multiple glazing system to minimize transmission of direct insolation for particular latitudes(Cranfield University, 2006-05) Askar, H. K.; Batty, W. J.Too often, in the last 50 years, the energy-thrift lessons of vernacular architecture have been forgotten or ignored. In the Middle East, many recently-designed commercial buildings, with large areas of glazing, incur excessively high electricity-demands to provide energy for the required air-conditioning plant. One way of reducing the magnitude of this demand is through better window design. A new glazing system is proposed that utilizes the insertion of a clear glazing element within the cavity of a double glazed window. The main objective of this system is to achieve acceptable levels of daylight within a building by attempting to maintain the diffuse component of insolation while reducing the penetration of direct component by using the increased reflectivity of these materials with the angle of incidence of the direct beam component of solar irradiation. By using clear glazing materials the proposed system attempts to achieve acceptable performance without the need for elaborate and expensive coatings or substrates. Because solar geometry varies with latitude a varying performance of glazing systems is expected with current glazing systems. However, the suggested system utilizes an optimal angle for overall daylighting and thermal performance that relates to the particular solar geometry of interest, New software is also developed to assess the performance of the suggested system; this involved examining all the modes of heat transfer through the entire glazing system. Results then were assessed to calculate the optimal angle of the element that corresponds to the solar geometry of particular latitude. Such proposal takes a new perspective, once it is acknowledged that though different forms of advanced glazing systems currently are being used to inhibit the penetration of direct solar radiation, still the main disadvantages of such advanced glazing systems are that they are relatively expensive and would reduce the penetration of a considerable part of the daylight entering the space.Item Open Access The development of a framework for inter-diciplinary building design working, and the application of intelligent knowledge-base system techniques(Cranfield University, 1997-02) Yamakawa, Shigeki; Batty, W. J.This work aims at establishing a framework for inter-disciplinary building design working, and developing a computer-based design aid which demonstrates the framework as well as enhancing the effective use of design information using intelligent knowledge-based system (IKBS) techniques. Design activities were initially discussed in logical terms taking account of stereotypes as starting points for design solutions. A conceptual model of design activities was then proposed, where these were characterised in terms of three different features, i.e. information, design decision and performance. Subsequently, the building design process was structured into a hierarchy of design issues and design tasks, and was then described rationally, relating to the conceptual model, in terms of three kinds of design variables, i.e. information, design decision and performance variables. The information regarding the design process was, meanwhile, elicited from publications with particular reference to daylighting and lighting design aspects, and itemised into a number of knowledge units. Based on this information, a framework for inter-disciplinary building design working was eventually developed, where design activities are considered in terms of the relationships between the design variables, and, as a result, a logical sequence of the design process was established. In order to clarify the parallel inter-disciplinary aspects of the building design process, the design knowledge was examined based upon the framework, and, eventually, developed into a checklist for inter-disciplinary building design working which has a process-checking capability. Subsequently, a prototype knowledge-based system was developed on the basis of the framework, using a commercially available expert system shell, Leonardo. Examples of stereotypes also formed a part of its knowledge. Demonstrating the checklist for inter- disciplinary design working, this prototype knowledge-based system proved the viability of the checklist approach, as well as showing its process checking capability. It also exhibited its potential ability to provide appropriate information at pertinent stages.Item Open Access Energy and cost efficient fuzzy environmental services control strategies for achieving high standards of indoor environmental quality and human comfort(Cranfield University, 1999-08) Lugg, Andrew; Batty, W. J.Building designers aim to create buildings with high quality internal environments which are energy and cost efficient in their use. Failure to attain these objectives simultaneously can lead to reduced building occupant productivities. An important aspect of the building services system which can have a major effect on the provision of occupant comfort within a building is the adopted control strategy. The research project investigated the use of fuzzy control strategies as a means of achieving good standards of comfort provision for occupants while maintaining or improving energy and cost efficiencies for the operation of the building HVAC services. This represented a multi-variant controls objective which was capable of being fulfilled by a fuzzy controller. A one zone building computer model was developed using Matlab and Simulink software as a platform for the development of fuzzy control strategies. The model incorporated building services Heating Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system models. A Proportional + Integral + Derivative (PID) control strategy was used as a benchmark control methodology against which to compare the developed fuzzy control strategies. Three types of fuzzy controller were developed during the course of the research project. These were a Proportional Derivative Fuzzy Controller (PDFC), a Fuzzy Ventilation Controller, and the Fuzzy High Level Controller. The PDFC used the inputs of error and rate of change of error from a specified zone environmental condition set point in much the same way as a PID controller would to control the HVAC plant. Simulation results indicated that the PDFC control strategy was capable of achieving performance levels equal to the conventional PID control strategy. The Fuzzy Ventilation Controller was used to control the rate of fresh outside air entering the building zone through the mechanical ventilation system in order to make use of the "free" cooling and dehumidification available by purging the indoor air when possible. Simulation results showed improvements in the indoor environmental quality provided, and the energy efficiency and cost efficiency of running the HVAC plant. Finally, the Fuzzy High Level Controller used a fuzzy supervisor to control the actions of the fuzzy ventilation controllers. Simulation results showed that the fuzzy supervisor was able to improve the comfort conditions provided and the energy and cost efficiencies of the operation of the HVAC plant when compared to the use of the fuzzy ventilation control strategies alone.Item Open Access Energy-efficient cooking systems, food preparation facilities, and human diets(Cranfield University, 1987-07) Newborough, Marcus; Probert, S. D.; Batty, W. J.This thesis aims at identifying the opportunities for saving energy, which are available to those working within the final link of the UK food system (i. e. at, or in relation to, the points of consumption). Substantial prospective savings exist, because relatively little attention has, as yet, been given to energy-thrift in food-preparation facilities. Within the food-service industry, cooking systems are characterised by high thermal capacities, excessive external surface temperatures and poorly-designed control systems. Catering staff, who use such appliances, are rarely trained to use energy wisely when preparing foods, and kitchens (and their associated dining facilities) tend to be designed without sufficient regard to energy-thrift. Similar problems prevail in domestic kitchens, but to a lesser extent because the cooks there usually pay (or contribute towards) the fuel bills. However, manufacturers still provide household appliances, which are unnecessarily energy-profligate. Furthermore most people have insufficient knowledge of the nutritional suitabilities and the primary-energy costs of their diets. Thus a major educational need exists, which must be satisfied if industrialised food systems are to become more energy efficient. This thesis attempts to make a contribution to this requirement, by analysing cooking systems, food-preparation facilities, kitchen operatives, and human diets from an energy-thrift perspective. Long-term savings (i. e. those achieved as a result of implementing the recommendations within a 15-year period) of approximately £1O p. a. (at 1987 prices) are predicted, although this could be increased substantially if Britons adopt more energy-efficient, yet nutritionally-balanced, diets.Item Open Access Establishing design criteria for the incorporation of highly glazed spaces into the domestic building envelope(Cranfield University, 1996-04) Swann, Barbara; Batty, W. J.This thesis investigates the design of domestic glazed spaces in the United Kingdom, by studying the effect of a range of variables on the thermal properties of glazed spaces, in order to achieve a thermally comfortable environment while minimising the use of energy for heating and cooling. Earlier research work on domestic glazed spaces has concentrated on optimising the design of the space as a mechanism for reducing the space heating load of the parent house. Computer based dynamic thermal simulation is used in this study as the method of assessment and the variables tested are; glazing type, orientation and the degree of integration of the glazed space with the parent building. Unshaded, unventilated, and unheated, glazed spaces were found to be thermally comfortable for only a quarter to a third of the hours of possible use whatever the form, orientation or glazing type. Generally the higher the insulating value of the glazing the fewer the number of comfortable hours for all orientations and arrangements, due to discomfort being caused by high temperatures, even though the weather data used for the simulations only rose above 27'C for 25 hours during the course of the year. Further studies showed that significant reductions in the number of hours experiencing high temperatures could be achieved by the use of buoyancy driven ventilation. The studies indicated that glazed spaces integrated into the house plan tended to experience high temperatures for long periods but that the peak temperatures were much lower than those experienced for shorter periods in the exposed spaces. The effect of ventilation on overheating was therefore more marked in the integral than in the exposed glazed spaces. A study of the effects of roof shading blinds indicated that internal blinds had minimal effect in reducing high temperatures. External blinds had a greater effect than ventilation and a combination of external roof blinds and ventilation appears to provide the best strategy for the control of high temperatures. Studies on space heating loads for the houses and glazed spaces indicated wide variations in the heating loads of the glazed spaces depending predominantly on the insulating properties of the glazing. In terms of the reduction in the space heating load for the parent house, the thermal simulation results predict very little change due to the presence of the glazed space. A study on the effect of increasing the thermal storage properties of the floor construction of the glazed spaces, by substituting a clay tile finish for the original thin carpet layer, in order to reduce high temperatures proved inconclusive with minimal changes in the number of comfortable hours experienced. An investigation of thermal comfort during the Winter indicated that low surface temperatures did not reduce resultant temperatures below the lower limit of the comfortable range in the glazed spaces, during the heated period.Item Open Access Evaluation of the potential of solar chimneys to drive natural ventilation in non domestic buildings(Cranfield University, 1997-12) Swainson, M. J.; Batty, W. J.The solar chimney allows natural ventilation to be achieved during periods when the wind velocities are low and the difference between internal and external air temperatures is minimal. The correct design of such building components requires that designers have appropriate design tools available to them that are both effective and easy to use. The aim of this project was to evaluate design tools currently available and if appropriate to provide a tool that would allow the effects of variations in key physical parameters to be evaluated. Two design tools are currently available to designers; zonal models and CFD programmes. Both of these were however found to be unsuitable for the evaluation of the performance of a solar chimney. Zonal models assume that the air within a zone is fully mixed which results in the effects of variations in physical parameters on the mass flow rate being incorrectly predicted. CFD programmes require validation of any models developed before confidence in the predictions can be established, it was found however that data for such validation was not available for realistic flow configurations. An experimental rig was designed and tested to ensure that the uncertainty in the data produced was both minimised and accurately quantified. A detailed review of the sensitivity of a CFD programme to model and input variables was undertaken allowing development of an appropriate model. Comparison of the results of the experimental investigation and CFD predictions showed that the CFD programme, utilising the ke turbulence model accurately predicted air flow rates through a solar chimney across a range of key physical parameter variations. Within the limits of the validity determined for the CFD model, a detailed parametric investigation was then undertaken. The result of the parametric investigation was the development of a design tool appropriate for the determination of the effects of variations of the key physical variables on the mass flow rate through a solar chimney.Item Open Access An examination of the thermophysical nature of solar-control films using an illuminated hot box and computer based simulation modelling techniques(Cranfield University, 1994-11) Griffiths, P. W.; Batty, W. J.Solar-control films are increasingly being retrofitted to the windows of buildings as a means of reducing solar gain. At present, there is a dearth of information concerning how these films effect the thermal comfort of occupants within buildings where these films have been applied. An illuminated hot box, utilising a xenon lamp to simulate sunlight, has been designed as a testing facility. The illuminated hot box has been used to obtain information on how much thermal radiation enters the internal space from a window fitted with a solar-control film. The data from the experimental apparatus was verified using a finite-difference model written on a personal computer, with the aim of the computer program being used to compare different films, and thereby avoiding expensive experiments. The experimental rig produced usable data for the tested films only when the lamp was orthogonal to the plane of the glass, with errors occurring, and increasing, as the angle of incidence between the lamp and the glass increased. This conclusion was verified by the computer based model. It was seen that the illuminated hot box was too small to give accurate measurements for angles of incidence other than 0°. It is suggested that a larger illuminated hot box which is able to eliminate the problems encountered when measuring for angles of incidence above 10° would be desirable. Furthermore, a more complex transient finite-difference computer based simulation model is needed, taking into account the conclusions that were made during this study.Item Open Access Heat and mass transfer behaviours of building materials and structures(Cranfield University, 2005-03) Parra Saldivar, Maria Luisa; Batty, W. J.; Greenhalgh, Douglas A.Heat storage as a means to respond to the requirements for improved energy efficiency motivated this study. The objective was to evaluate the impact of thermal energy storage systems in dwellings under Mexican climatic conditions. In the first part of this work thermal behaviors of adobe traditional architecture is discussed; in the second part a latent heat storage system using phase change materials (PCMs) is proposed and assessed. The high thermal mass structural elements of adobe traditional architecture have been charactefted as heat wave modulators. Nevertheless, the moisture content in these structures also plays a significant role as a means for heat storage and potentially enhancing thermal lag. The objective of this part of the study was to assess the scope of existing coupled heat and mass transport models regarding water contained latent heat storage on porous structures. The significant contribution of latent heat storage recognized in adobe structures, led to the study of a solar-thermal storage system using (PCMs). The objective of this part of the study was twofold: 1) Enhance the existing computational models on the Stephan problem by considering the effect of regional variations (weather conditions imposed) on the boundary conditions. 2) Evaluate the impact of the solar-thermal system proposed when applied in dwellings in view of regional variations under Mexican weather conditions. Solar-thermal storage systems independent of the structure offer the possibility to be applied to existing buildings as well as new constructions. The proposal is a storage element that constitutes internal blinds in windows. The computational model of the Stephan problem was solved with the enthalpy method. Simulations were run under different sets of climatic conditions. For the first time the main factors for promoting system's optimisation, when gathered in a single comparison study, provided a more general insight on system's performance. Experimental work was also carried out regarding the charging of the heat storage unit by heat gains other than direct radiation, and the storage unit's performance as insulator. A large-scale solar simulator was constructed. Statistical analysis of experimental results showed interesting findings including: The important role that internal heat gains play on the charging of the latent heat storage unit proposed. A larger effect on the discharging ratio was found with lower air temperatures than with faster air flow rates. The faster discharging rate tests also released slightly more energy. PCM volume was found to be the most critical factor on system performance. The importance of providing the means to discharge the total quantity of heat stored was pointed out. For the cooling mode, elements to enhance discharging might be required. For system control, thermal insulation was found to be an effective measure when the discharging is required to occur over a longer period. The multiple PCM unit was found to be more efficient during the charging process (storing more energy) than units containing a single PCM. Nevertheless the single PCM unit performed better for cooling than the multiple PCM unit. The question was raised as to what extent PCM thermal conductivity actually influences system's performance. The thermal storage system proposed in this study reduced the heating system energy consumption requirements for an experimental room by 28.6%.Item Open Access Heat and mass transfer regimes for room cooling and dehumidification using chilled water radiators(Cranfield University, 1998-02) Hirayama, Y.; Batty, W. J.The application of room radiators for the purposes of cooling and dehumidification in buildings for hot and humid climates is investigated. The radiator is purposely brought below the dew point temperature of the room air thereby creating condensation on the radiator surface. The condensate is then collected at the base of the radiator and removed. Mathematical models describing the heat transfer regime within a room when this system is used have been verified using climate chamber tests. The models show good agreement with the experimental results for radiator (a) with a height of 1 m, but not as accurate for radiator (b) with a height of 2 m. The underestimation of the real values by the convective heat transfer model used for the geometric construction of the radiator tested is attributed to the effect of air entrainment along the height of the radiator. Results indicate the importance of the radiant transfer component of the radiator, as well as its effectiveness to remove latent heat. In view of improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency, the implication of the results from this investigation of the heat transfer characteristics of the radiator used for cooling and dehumidification is such that the chilled radiator may offer a definite alternative to conventional air conditioning systems. Partial or full matching of the sensible and latent component of the radiator output to the load requirements of a building should prove particularly effective in hot and humid regions where the latent heat factor of the total cooling load is high.Item Open Access Improvement of the thermal performance of louvered fin heat exchangers(Cranfield University, 2003-12) Ribeiro Proenca Brojo, F. M.; Batty, W. J.Louvered-fin heat exchangers are used in the refrigeration systems of internal combustion engines (radiators) to dissipate the waste energy produced. Nevertheless, several authors state that this type of geometry can be applied with success to HVAC systems, since they are lightweight, compact, and capable of high heat fluxes without disproportional increase of the flow resistance. In this study, it is intended to extend the range of flow velocities and fluid temperatures generally studied in order to achieve results that could be applied in the design of louvered-fin heat exchangers applicable to HVAC systems. Louver-fin heat exchangers can exhibit several geometrical configurations. They can have round or flat tubes, splitter plates, triangular channels, rectangular channels, etc... Some of them can be considered as approximately two-dimensional as the louver plate fin and the corrugated louver-fin with rectangular channels (with or without splitter plate). The present study was directed towards the two-dimensional situation and heat transfer and pressure drop were quantified. In the first step performed, the parameters with possible influence were identified and ranges of use were chosen. Influence of the mesh size on the values of numerical results was quantified using the Richardson extrapolation methodology and the viability of its application to extrapolation in the case of unstructured grids was verified. Results of the mesh size study were applied to all subsequent numerical models in order to have grid independent results. A Parametric study using the Plackett-Burman design to identify the parameters of influence in the heat transfer and pressure drop was performed and correlations were determined having for base a Box- Behnken design. Finally a comparison with experimental results to validate numerical models was conducted. An attempt to construct a three-dimensional model was made and the results were presented and discussed.Item Open Access An investigation into the categorisation of organisations to understand the potential barriers and motivations to certification of an environmental management system: BS EN ISO14001:2004(Cranfield University, 2012-11) Stevens, P. A.; Batty, W. J.; Drew, Gill H.An investigation has been undertaken to ascertain the extent of the existing knowledge base regarding publically voluntary instruments capable of supporting organisations in developing improvements in environmental management. The multifaceted nature of the organisations seeking certification mean a generic approach to implementation is unlikely to deliver the desired after results or a resource efficient approach. Furthermore, the diversity of opinions recorded in the literature is often based on anecdotal evidence and small scale research projects. There is a lack of verifiable knowledge and understanding of the difficulties and barriers experienced by organisations attempting to secure certification for existing voluntary instruments for environmental management such as ISO 14001. The aim of the Research: ISO 14001 is the fastest growing of the ISO Standards related to Environmental Management Systems; however existing research has been small scale and anecdotal. This research aims to confirm or dispute the present discussions and assumptions surrounding the motivations and barriers to certification to ISO 14001. Through deductive reasoning this research will provide a comprehensive investigation into the barriers and motivations experienced in its implementation. It is proposed that more comprehensive opportunities for organisational categorisation may also be defined. The focus of the research has been to consider: The potential for integration of these voluntary instruments. The effects of the detailed requirements of the standard ISO 14001 on its certification and implementation processes. The perceived and actual barriers to implementation The opportunities to categorise participating organisations accordingly. An analysis of instruments available to support organisations in improving their environmental management has been undertaken. A complex and diverse array of instruments have been reviewed beyond the most regularly discussed ISO 14001. Considerable overlaps were identified in the requirements of the various instruments, suggesting opportunities for integration and resource efficiencies in implementation which have not previously been investigated. A detailed review of the certification processes of over 850 organisations certified to ISO 14001 was undertaken. This highlighted patterns in the barriers to implementation that have not previously been observed and which, in some cases, contradict existing literature. It has been shown that existing categorisation of originations was often only on the basis of whether an organisation was an SME or NON SME. However, it was proposed that this method lacked discrimination, with SME encompassing 99.8% of private sector businesses in the UK. This research has elicited significant motivations and barriers to EMS implementation and used these to provide an objective basis to categorise organisations. The outcome of this research has been: A novel assessment of integration opportunities for 13 instruments. An objective review of the certification and implementation processes for ISO 14001. The development of taxonomies that encompasses multiple criteria that exhibit significant variability that could provide a method of classification for organisations.Item Open Access Natural Cooling Techniques For Buildings(Cranfield University, 1992-09) Al-Hinai, Hilal Ali Zaher; Batty, W. J.Modern development in many Third World countries in the hot regions of the world,, have been accompanied by the construction of highly energy-wasteful buildings. The interiors of these buildings have to be mechanically airconditioned in order to achieve thermal-comfort conditions. The consequence of this, has been the rapid increase in electricity-generating plant capacity to match demand (of which, for example at present in Oman, more than 70% nationally is used for air-conditioning modern, energyinefficient buildings). The aim of this work was to find the most suitable way of stabilising or even reducing the electricity demand in a country like Oman. The first step taken to achieve this aim, was to study and draw out lessons from the vernacular architecture of the different climatic regions in Oman. This has been followed by a literature survey that looks at passive and active natural cooling techniques for buildings in hot climates. Mathematical models were then developed to analyze and compare those passive techniques that are most suitable for an environment like that of Oman. Different ways of reducing the heat gain through the roof were investigated and compared. These include the addition of insulation, shading, air-cooling of the roof when the ambient air temperature is lower than that of the roof, and roof ponds. Roof ponds were found to be the most effective of those techniques analyzed. An improved design of the roof pond (the Water Diode roof pond) that eliminates the need for covering the roof pond during the day and uncovering it at night, was suggested and analyzed. The analysis showed promising results. Mathematical models were also developed to analyze and compare dif f erent ways of reducing the heat gain through the walls. These included the use of closed cavities, naturally ventilated cavities, the addition of insulation, and the effect of using brick as compared to concrete block. The analysis suggested that the combination of a Water Diode roof pond and insulated brick wall construction will reduce the heat gain through the envelope of a single room by more than 90%, when compared to a room with un-insulated roof and single-leaf concrete block walls. An empirical validation of the mathematical models was conducted. The results showed a good agreement between the actual and predicted values. An economical analysis of the commonly used roof and wall constructions in Oman, was also conducted. This compared the life-cycle cost of nine different construction techniques, with eight different airconditioning schedules. The result of this analysis showed a clear advantage of using roof insulation, reflective double glazing, and insulated walls with brick outer-leaf and concrete block inner-leaf.Item Open Access Some practical applications of neural networks in the electricity industry(1998-09) Brierley, Philip David; Batty, W. J.; Myddelton, D.The developm ent of an optimising model predictive controller for dom estic storage radiators w as the ultimate goal of this research project. Neural networks are used to create empirical m odels that are used to predict the likely temperature response of a room to the charging of a storage radiator. The charging strategy can then be optimised based on the real-time price of electricity. Neural network modelling is investigated by looking at the load forecasting problem. It is shown how accurate neural m odels can be created and demonstrated exactly how they process the data. Very specific rules are extracted from the neural network that can model the load to a reasonable accuracy. An efficient optimisation technique is sought by optimising the charging of a dom estic hot water tank based on actual consumption data and the pool price of electricity. Initially genetic algorithms were tried but their w ea k n esses are demonstrated. A stochastic hill climbing method w as found to be more suitable. Monetary saving of 40% over the existing E7 tariff w as common. The modelling and optimisation are brought together in a storage radiator simulation. There are improvements in cost and electricity consumption over E7 primarily due to the ability to look ahead and avoid overheating. A prototype neural controller is developed and tested in a real house. The results are very encouraging.Item Open Access A study on the performance of passively heated solar houses(Cranfield University, 1990-03) Neba-Fabs, N. E.; Batty, W. J.In this paper , analytical techniques are developed for evaluating the performance of passively heated buildings. As most buildings use conservatories to enhance their performance , the direct gain types having attached conservatories are considered in detail. The complexity of the problem is minimized by ensuring all equations are developed from first principles. Auxilliary energy predictions for space heating by the method is in close agreement with monitored data for three occupied houses in Milton Keynes in England.Item Open Access Understanding aesthetic appreciation as an aid to the development of sustainable urban environment(Cranfield University, 2009-08) Tsai, Yiyin; Batty, W. J.Sustainable management of the existing built environment is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. Consequently, more emphasis has emerged to consider issues of refurbishment and renovation. The aesthetic values of buildings are recognised as critical guiding attributes both in terms of the potential long-term aspects of sustainability and as basic reasoning for the continued maintenance and management of existing buildings. A process is required that will allow different aspects of a potential refurbishment project to be assessed objectively and weighted equally when deciding whether an existing building should be preserved, adapted or demolished. The thesis attempts to provide a useful understanding in terms of the aesthetic appreciation when considering future sustainable management of the existing built environment. Two parallel research activities were initiated to examine important aspects of human aesthetic perception regarding buildings in the built environment. The first addressed the potentially universal and culturally derived aspects of human responses in perceiving the aesthetic qualities of houses from 3 counties through the agency of colour photographs. A three language semantic differential scale was developed to be linguistically equivalent so that an inter-cultural research tool could be derived to ascertain an understanding of people’s aesthetic appreciation through the use of descriptive adjectives. The second activity was initiated to develop and test the concept of building endurance regarding the general public’s aesthetic appreciation of existing buildings. A methodological framework was developed to facilitate investigation of changes of human aesthetic response related to changes in the built environment. Cross-cultural variables and respondent’s age parameter were found to be influential in conditioning people’s aesthetic responses to photographs of houses and urban streetscapes. Few differences were observed between male and female aesthetic responses both in their descriptions of visual quality and their ideal house profile. A cross-cultural, universal profile of ideal house qualities was obtained by utilizing responses from the cross-language semantic differential scale. However differences in people’s aesthetic preference selections were observed. Additionally, respondents’ preference rankings demonstrated that the general public supports the desire of preserving the existing urban condition. Appropriate refurbishment strategies were suggested to guide decision making when assessing changes to be made to an existing building and its surrounding environment while at the same time maintaining people’s aesthetic appreciation. The research activities presented in this thesis provide a contribution to current knowledge of the general public’s aesthetic appreciation of the existing buildings and built environments which may be used to aid future sustainable development of the built environment.