Applicability of flexible photovoltaic modules onto membrane structures using grasshopper integrative model

The potentials of integrating thin-film photovoltaic technology into buildings make it the recommended renewable energy source not only for traditional architectures, but also the most innovative applications that favour envelopes characterized by free morphologies such as membrane structures. The integration of Photovoltaic technology into membrane structures offers a promising significant step in the market development. However, some challenges and questions are arising relating to the applicability of such systems and how they are significantly dependant on a list of complex aspects that have to be taken into account during the design phase. These aspects include the wide variety of membrane three-dimensional geometries that in turn govern the modules distribution, orientation and shadowing as well as the distribution of stresses and deflections for each single project and how both the structure and modules react to them. The interference between the aforementioned aspects makes it hardly investigated without using a parametric tool that's able to analyze multiple parameters in an integrative real time process. Therefore, a parametric Photovoltaic model using Grasshopper was developed as a part of the PhD dissertation of the first author, Ibrahim H., With the target to analyze the aspects that impact the payback time of the PV system such as the layout orientation, the effect of shadowing and the maximum deflection allowed for the membrane surface under different loading conditions concluding with calculating the total clear surface area available for allocating PV modules. This paper presents how Grasshopper parametric tool can be efficiently used for analysing and evaluating the feasibility of applying flexible PV systems on tensile structures geometries. The outcomes of this research work will be applied to the structures designed and manufactured by Inside2Outside Ltd within the research activities founded by Innovate UK during the 30 month Knowledge Transfer Partnership KTP9912

Reversal of endotheual dysfunction after AF cardioversion

BackgroundFlow abnormalities which occur in AF patient due to irregular heart rate which resultant turbulent flow both in left atrium and systemically may lead to endothelial dysfunction.Aim of the workTo detect endothelial dysfunction in non rheumatic AF patient. And test the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction is reversible upon restoration of normal sinus rhythm and correction of the blood flow dynamics.MethodEndothelium-dependent (flow-mediated dilation) vasodilator function of brachial artery was measured using high resolution ultrasound in 30 patients with persistent non rheumatic AF who were scheduled for elective electrical cardioversion and in 10 control subjects. In patients who remained in sinus rhythm after cardioversion, these measurements were repeated after one month and two months. Compared with control subjects, patients showed lower FMD during AF (6.66±1.62% vs 14.29±2.93%, p<0.001). In patients who remained in sinus rhythm, FMD increased at both one month (6.66±1.62% vs 10.71±2.81%, p<0.001) and two months (6.66±1.62% vs 14.28±3.48%, p<0.001).ConclusionThere is endothelial dysfunction associated with non-rheumatic persistent AF patients which is reversible upon restoration of normal sinus rhythm and correction of blood flow dynamics

The impact of alternative window glazing types and a shading system on the daylighting of hospital patient rooms: simulation analysis under a desert clear sky

This paper aimed at identifying the most effective glazing type that suits different patient room layouts under desert clear skies. Year-round daylighting performance of three glazing types was compared with that of a 45 degree sun breaker for three different patient room layouts. Simulations were conducted for rooms facing south in Cairo, Egypt. The daylighting performance of the tested glazing types was less than that of a sun breaker. Electrochromic-60 and lowE glazing were successful in the outboard bathroom design only, for large window sizes. The electrochromic-30 glass did not produce acceptable results in any of the tested cases

Evaluating neutral, preferred, and comfort range temperatures and computing adaptive equation for Kano region

Provisions of international comfort standards may not be appropriate for all climates, it is therefore imperative to evaluate comfort requirements of indoor occupants in all regions, particularly where comprehensive standards are lacking. As part of an ongoing study on comfort in higher education facilities in Kano, involving lecture theatres and laboratories, an Indoor Environmental Quality field study was conducted by collecting a total of 1382 questionnaires in addition to physical measurements, covering a period of 10 months. In addition to measurements of air speed, air and radiant temperatures, relative humidity, a comfort survey was undertaken where activity levels and clothing insulations were obtained. Two neutral temperatures were arrived at based on operative and indoor running mean temperatures, 27.4 °C and 28.1 °C respectively. Similarly a comfort zone of 22 °C to 32 °C was realised. The results revealed that the adaptive equation using the weighted running mean outdoor air temperature had the highest coefficient of determination, with regression coefficient of 0.6, which is nearly twice those of ASHRAE 55 and EN 15251. The evaluated neutral and preferred temperatures show that subjects are comfortable even at 32 °C in naturally ventilated buildings in Kano regio

Multivariable Optimization for Zero Over-lit Shading Devices in Hot Climate

peer reviewedThe climate in Egypt is gifted with a clear sunny sky most of the year, providing the excellent opportunity to benefit from natural lighting yet, there is high risk to exceed the amount of daylighting required for doing a specific task based on the latest standards. Thus, the design for highly efficient and optimized shading device is essential at the first stage. This research aims to study a South oriented facade and to present optimized solutions for an oval-shaped shading device for a typical office space. The optimization process triggers two main targets, zero over lit floor area with maximum daylit area. Final results also fulfilled the highest daylighting quality based on the values recommended by both IES and LEED V4 standards

New parametric workflow based on validated day-lighting simulation

Daylight can reduce the need of artificial lighting only if the architecture design allows it to happen with right quantity, but the problem is that architects use the simulation software at the end of design process. In order to get the real benefits of simulation process, the simulation results should be used as the main driven tool for the design process. This process could not be done just using one type of software, it is a complex workflow which starts from creating a 3D dynamic model that can be modified without regenerating the 3D model each time, followed by connecting it with validated daylight simulation tool to ensure the correct analysis results. These results are evaluated to give us a numerical and visual feedback after being processed by optimization algorithm which automatically adjusts different variables in order to get better simulation results which eventually will prove that we are going towards more optimized solution.The author proposes a new tool which will help the architects to find the best day-lighting solution for any kind of buildings. Because this tool finds the optimal dimensions for each opening in automatic way to ensure the daylight quality inside the space, as well as it becomes much more efficient than if they would try other different random solutions manually. This paper shows a new parametric workflow which runs in automatic mode without the need to export or import the 3D modeling information between each type of software to have totally automatic optimization process

Predicting glare in open-plan offices using simplified data acquisitions and machine learning algorithms

Glare in open-plan offices can negatively affect the productivity and well-being of office workers. Accurate glare prediction is challenging, as occupants' sensitivity to glare may differ under the same conditions. Developed as part of an ARC Linkage Project, this thesis challenges the limitations prevalent in current glare metrics by delivering a new model of predicting glare for open-plan offices. By utilising machine learning (ML) techniques, more accurate tools and methods are unlocked to assist architects and lighting engineers in the early stages of the design process. They ultimately enable more efficient daylit office designs with reduced glare discomfort in Australia

Glare safety problem in tunnels and underpasses in Australia

High Luminance variations experienced when entering and exiting underpasses may cause severe crashes due to the occurrence of glare and the black-out effect. In this study, we propose a methodology using dynamic solar reflectors to minimise the high light variations that arise over a short distance at the underpass endpoints. First, a field investigation was conducted in one underpass in Brisbane, Australia to capture High Dynamic Range Images from the Field Of View of drivers to analyse their visual experience. Then, Radiance simulation engine was used for advanced conducting advanced glare analysis on the underpass 3D model, and Grasshopper was used for parametric modelling of the dynamic solar reflectors which aimed to reduce the luminance contrast. These reflectors were optimised to smooth the sharp transition between the maximum and minimum luminance experienced at these locations. Results showed the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing the contrast level

Simulation driven design for kinetic system; optimize kaleidocycle façade configuration for daylighting adequacy in hot arid climates

Dynamic solar screens can perform more efficiently according to the environmental changes. This paper presents a current development of an in-progress research that explores an origami-based facade design to control daylight uniformity. The simulation was carried out for a south oriented façade of an office room in Aswan, Egypt, through two phases. The previous optimized results represent the static base case, which were be compared to the proposed dynamic model. The first phase simulated kaleidocycle screen at 21-March, 21-June, 21- September and 21-December taken of working day hours [8AM - 6PM]. The Second phase used comparative analysis of parametric simulation results for the same dates. Results demonstrate that dynamic solar screens achieved a better daylighting performance in comparison to optimized static base case in the winter season.</p