Abstract: Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a potential approach for air cleaning, especially when utilising titanium dioxide (TiO2). A MopFan is similar to a roller brush but is made of flexible fibres coated with TiO2. Unlike conventional filter/mesh UV systems, a MopFan provides a wide UV-TiO2 interaction surface area and airflow passage. This revolutionary technique can be low cost, efficient, and potentially effective against viruses, making it suitable for cleaning indoor air. It is easy to use but technically advanced. The system may be mounted on walls, floors, or placed on desktops.A photocatalytic air purification based on MopFan prototype was designed, constructed and tested. This study utilised copper wires (0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm), plastic fibres (0.5 mm and 1.1 mm), brass wire (0.4 mm), steel wire (0.38 mm), and organic “coco” fibres (0.4 mm). Copper wire (0.5 mm) and organic fibre (0.4 mm) were found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, but brass (0.4 mm) and plastic (0.5 mm) fibres were found only partially effective. The purification performance was compared using MopFan with plastic (0.5 mm), brass (0.4 mm) and organic “coco” (0.4 mm) fibres but the other materials were rejected due to their poor qualities or difficulties in manufacturing. It was found that the system has a better effectiveness with organic fibres, around 21% of reduction consistently throughout the test. It was also found that by using the photocatalytic MopFan air cleaning system, the final concentration of pollutants in a room is determined by the rate and concentration of pollutant generation. Highlights Organic fibres do not require sanding prior to being coated with TiO2 solution. Copper and organic fibres are effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Organic fibres are the most efficient for air purification. The performance of purification is related to the concentration of pollutants. Published on 2022-05-12 09:54:07
Abstract: In this work, the application of a PCM cooling system for hot climate applications is investigated. A novel design proposes the utilization of PCM panels to reduce the energy demand on an air-cooling system by absorbing a proportion of the thermal load. The system not only contemplates the application of the S27 PCM panels for indoor cooling but also considers a PCM-TES box to enhance the cooling performance. The experimental evaluation focused on two operating schedules, during daytime the environmental temperature was considered at 30°C, and at night-time, the temperature was reduced to 25°C. The results found an indoor average temperature difference of 1.8°C with the addition of the PCM panels. In terms of energy savings, the chiller energy consumption was positively impacted as the PCM reduced the operational time. Published on 2022-04-13 10:55:13
Abstract: Throughout history, pandemics affect cities and their shapes, many health problems have been reflected in urban planning. Today, the world faces a general health crisis of COVID-19. The number of people infected by the virus and the increasing number of deaths may result in the city-design strategies. The effect of this pandemic shows the importance of urban design and its effect on viral infections and its role in the health of populations, but this relationship is unclear and ignored; that is why we face this pandemic today. In this study, we are looking to protect the environment and human health by enhancing air quality by designing a new urban space in crowded cities called ‘City Lung’ and green roofs to reduce the effect of air pollutions. Moreover, cleaning the air inside high-density districts by controlling pollution sources was a vital link observed between the lockdown and the reduction of CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper will start by searching for a crowded study area with high traffic density, study the impact of urban form and air quality effects on human health, and suggest solutions to this study area. In the beginning, ENVI-MET 4.4.5 software was used to simulate the carbon emission values and validate these values by CI-340 lightweight hand-held photosynthesis system device to get readings to evaluate the urban air quality and its effect. The present study reveals that algae stations improved the oxygen ratio 1.65 times in the study area than the existing values. Also, green roofing as a solution effectively affects air quality near the ground, as an alternative for the green areas in crowded cities and pedestrians areas. This study enables urban planners to determine more greening principles for better urban living environments in high-density cities. Finally, the results give guidelines on improving air quality in the surrounding environment to enhance the quality of life. Published on 2022-03-11 11:23:30
Abstract: The spread of COVID-19 has led to the enforcement of physical distancing measures. The purpose of the paper is to understand the effect of these measures and lifestyle changes on the role and importance of balconies in Egypt. A literature review was conducted to understand the effect of pandemics on the built environment and the role of balconies throughout history and during the current pandemic. An online survey was then used to provide a deep understanding on the Egyptians’ perception of home balconies after the pandemic. The pandemic has led to spending more time at home and in balconies. In Egypt, privacy, noise, pollution, and lack of furniture were the main limitations in using balconies. The most frequent activities carried out in balconies were socializing and solitary activities. These activities require quiet and private balconies that away from pollution and large enough to accommodate a seating area. The survey is not limited to a specific area, as it aims to provide an understanding of the different perception of balconies in different areas in Egypt. Research that studies the impact of COVID-19 on home design, architecture and even daily lifestyle in Egypt is very limited. Findings of research concerning post-pandemic architecture and home design over the world can not to be applied in the context of Egypt. This research provides a foundation to further studies that focus on post-COVID-19 home design that meets specific local needs and conditions. Published on 2022-02-16 11:13:24
Abstract: Nowadays, cities and districts are becoming more and more interconnected in terms of energy supply systems, and the transition towards smart connected thermal and electrical grids is inevitable. While single building-level modelling has demonstrated numerous technical and economic benefits, it is vital to scale up the approach and consider the larger picture of cluster of buildings, districts, and cities. The island of Ærø in Denmark has an ambitious goal to become the first CO2 neutral and renewable energy self-sufficient Danish Island by 2025, as well as becoming a fossil-fuel free island by 2030. With the ambitious energy and environmental aims of Ærø island, this work aims to investigate the capability of establishing part of the island as the first Danish positive energy district (PED) and assess various design scenarios and possibilities of upgrading/modifying the current scheme and composition of energy supply and distribution. An open-source urban scale modelling tool is used, City Energy Analyst (CEA), where the district is modelled considering all specifications and characteristics of buildings and the corresponding energy supply systems. The base case scenario is simulated, and the performance is calibrated using actual data. Then, multiple energy improvement measures targeting the buildings envelope as well as the energy generation and supply systems are developed and simulated to assess the impact on the overall energy consumption for heating and electricity. The results show that a PED can be established employing an improvement package of envelope-targeting measures, energy systems upgrades and renewable energy systems expansion. Published on 2022-02-03 10:30:08
Abstract: The increased interest in energy efficient construction because of environmental issues and rising energy costs has resulted in the adoption of initiatives aimed at rising energy efficiency in the building industry as an energy intensive industry with significant potential to decrease energy needs and ozone pollution. Prefabricated double-skin façade (DSF) has been proposed as a sustainable building technology that can be used to boost energy efficiency and the indoor thermal comfort of buildings in hot climates. The study aims to test double-skin façade as a means to enhance indoor thermal comfort of office buildings in Abuja Nigeria. Three types of DSFs will be thermally tested using an environmental analysis software which is used to simulate building performance by designers known as Autodesk Ecotect analysis 2011. The analysis will be carried out on two office buildings in Abuja. In each DSF type single and double glazing of the outer skin will be tested to find out which is more suitable. The result showed that DSF has potentials of improving indoor thermal comfort of office buildings and reduction of energy usage. Published on 2021-12-27 11:28:10
Abstract: Dubai was developed from Khor Dubai and the city always focuses on the development of waterfront as a public space. The urban waterfront in Dubai is a highly visible public space for recreational activities but also as an urban landscape for placemaking, environmental pollution reduction, and transportation. The objective of this study is to explore the direction of future development of the Dubai Water Canal. By analyzing the characteristics and behavioural patterns of canal users using a post-occupancy evaluation survey, the study presents the management plan necessary to improve the facility. As a methodology, Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) with two-step cluster analysis was used with SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Dubai Water Canal users were classified into friend-based, family-based, and individual-based clusters to investigate the differences in satisfaction levels and perception between clusters. The survey included questions on accessibility, convenience of use, facility management status, safety, and landscape management. The result had shown that family-only parking, convenient pedestrian walkway, signage/distance marker, and pocket parks as green buffer zones are needed to increase the level of satisfaction. Factors to enhance users’ satisfaction comprised 1) efficient road system for light exercise, 2) efficient information signage, 3) convenient pedestrian roads with nighttime lighting system, 4) strict separation of pedestrians and cyclists, and 5) nature-friendly landscape and landscape improvement. This study intended to extract elements for future design and management of urban open space projects, similar to the Dubai Water Canal. Published on 2021-09-29 10:39:24
Abstract: Soils are the primary carriers of heavy metals released into the environment by many different anthropogenic activities. Unlike organic pollutants, which are oxidized, most metals do not undergo microbial or chemical degradation, and their concentration in the soil continues for a long time. Increasing social awareness of the need to adequately address mineral waste to protect the environment has led to increased research in this area. Contemporary trends and the development of technology have revealed numerous methods of cleaning these degraded lands and what would best serve such an area. Based on centuries of historical development, botanic gardens have developed globally leading conservation, research, education, and recreation institutions. Botanic gardens increasingly provide a scientific basis for sustainable use and protection of plant diversity. This research aims to analyze the methods of treatment of these areas, then give a proposal which, in addition to solving a severe problem of this municipality, will become a research and study area for students of various fields related to botany. The investigation line is constructed on: analysis, field research, literature review, data provided by the municipality of Graçanica, interviews, and online surveys. Through this research, we will understand user expectations, spatial preferences, and the intended purpose of the Kosovo Botanical Garden and will convey them through the proposal into a functional concept and present new solutions, modern and practical, in this facility. Published on 2021-09-27 11:13:15
Abstract: Biomass-based aerogel is a new promising environmentally friendly filter material to remove fine particle matter and minimize air pollution. This study aims to investigate the air filtration properties of biomass-based aerogels via tests in a transparent chamber and verification in a real room with a burning smudge stick as a the particle source. The biomass-based aerogel used in this study is made of polysaccharides, protein and waste agricultural by-product (wheat straw). The addition of wheat straw contributes to the increase of surface area and complexity of the biomass-based aerogel pore structure. Compared with other commonly used commercial filtration materials including high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, surgical mask, regular cloth and silica aerogel, biomass-based aerogel K0.9G1.8S3.6WS1.8 shows excellent performance to remove PM 2.5 (99.50%) and PM 10 (99.40%) from the environment. When using the biomass-based aerogel, the filter core sample has a smaller volume and simpler structure than HEPA to achieve the similar filtration performance. The filtration performance of the biomass-based aerogels has been verified with a real room test. The current work demonstrates the high potential of biomass-based aerogels for infiltration application in different fields and provides an avenue to reuse agricultural by-products. Published on 2021-08-24 12:02:07
Abstract: The rapid increase in the size of the population in Bangkok is one of the reasons for the swiftly increasing rate of furniture waste generated in the city which creates a significant negative impact on the socioeconomic environment. While most sharing platforms in Thailand are about sharing a ride, habitat, or hand tools; used furniture which often takes up large amounts of space in landfills is normally seldom considered as a potential value stream from the sustainability perspective. To help address this shortfall, a sustainable furniture-sharing platform that is open for all to use was designed to support sustainability practices by encouraging the use of second-hand furniture by individuals rather than them buying new. Consequently, this research investigates possible significant factors that affect the decision of likelihood of usage of the platform to widen the adoption and promotion of the sustainable sharing platform and other sustainability practices. Accordingly, the data collected via an online survey from research into developing a sustainable-sharing platform was analysed by correlation analysis to find out the relationship between possible factors. The findings provided insights which lead to four suggestions: 1) Have those in the younger generation as knowledge spreaders; 2) Have personalised channels and content for better engagement of each target group; 3) Have a reward program as an attraction for target groups who have less interest in the topic; and 4) Promoting activities that let users experience the platform is suggested to increase the likelihood of their usage of it in the future. Published on 2021-06-28 11:24:45
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