Volume 5 Issue 4

Authors: Samar Thapa; Goutam Kr. Panda

Abstract: The primary function of a building is to provide thermally comfortable environment to its occupants. A good indoor climate is important for the success of any building, not only because it will make its occupants comfortable, but also because it will decide its energy consumption, and thus influences its sustainability. A literature review of over 100 research papers, in four areas in the field of Energy Conservation in Buildings, i.e. (i) Climate Responsive Buildings, (ii) Analysis, Simulation and Modelling, (iii) Zero Energy Buildings and (iv) Thermal Comfort, were conducted in order to obtain a valid research topic. The findings of the literature survey is presented in this paper which include issue wise discussion, solution approaches used by various researchers, strengths, weaknesses and future scope of work in the four issues pertaining to energy conservation in buildings. Out of the several identified lag, it was felt that there was a dearth of field studies based thermal comfort research in India, which is essential for the correct definition of building codes. Proper building codes are required not only for providing comfort condition but also to conserve energy. Hence field studies based thermal comfort study was considered for further research study. Thus, this paper summarizes the researches about Climate Responsive Buildings, Analysis, Simulation and Modelling, Zero Energy Buildings and Thermal Comfort. It also concludes the methodology of these researches in above four fields, and gives further work suggestions.

Keywords: Climate Responsive Buildings; Thermal Modelling; Zero Energy Buildings; Predicted Mean Vote; Thermal Comfort

Doi:10.5963/IJEE0504001

Authors: Najib A. Kasti

Abstract: Solar energy is a clean source of energy that is available throughout the year in some parts of the globe. For solar energy to be significant, a large area is needed to harvest solar radiation. One type of machine that attempts to use solar energy, in addition to battery power, is the solar car. Solar cars, used in international competitions, are based on building an efficient system on all fronts (mechanical, aerodynamic, solar panels, batteries, etc.) in order to achieve high speeds and the shortest travel times, while saving consumable energy. At the other extreme of this spectrum of solar-battery cars is a specialized class that attempts to minimize the use of battery power and maximize acquired solar energy. One way to accomplish this is by increasing the size of the solar array. This paper explores the possible use of solar trailers to increase solar power input. The resulting excess power, derived from solar trailers, may be used to drive accessories that may be life necessities in some parts of the world. At least three variables determine the operating boundaries of solar cars: the net energy produced, the speed of the car and the stability requirements, such as dynamics control and sliding. This paper analyzes these three variables and how they affect the possible use of one/two solar-trailers with solar battery cars. First, we provide an example that compares the energy consumed by a standalone car and a car with one or two solar-trailers, when traveling along a specific track at different speeds. Next, we analyze the stability of the lateral dynamics using a line model of the car-trailer system at different speeds and various car configurations. Finally, we evaluate the requirements for ground adhesion when travelling along a curved path.

Keywords: Solar Energy; Solar Car; Solar Trailers

Doi:10.5963/IJEE0504002