Study of the Inflationary Spectrum in the Presence of Quantum Gravity Corrections

After a brief review of the different approaches to predict the possible quantum gravity corrections to quantum field theory, we discuss in some detail the formulation based on a Gaussian reference frame fixing. Then, we implement this scenario to the determination of the inflationary spectrum of primordial perturbations. We consider the quantization of an inhomogeneous free massless scalar field on a quasi-classical isotropic Universe, developing a WKB expansion of the dynamics at the next order in the Planckian parameter, with respect to the one at which standard QFT emerges. The quantum gravity corrections to the scale invariant spectrum are discussed in a specific primordial cosmological setting and then in a general minisuperspace formalism, showing that there is no mode-dependent effect and thus the scale invariant inflationary spectrum is preserved. Such result is discussed in connection to the absence of a matter backreaction on the gravitational background in the considered paradigm.Comment: 24 pages. Discussion expanded and references added; matches the published versio

A review of the water and energy sectors and the use of a nexus approach in Abu Dhabi

Rapid population increase coupled with urbanization and industrialization has resulted in shortages of water in the Middle East. This situation is further exacerbated by global climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research advocates that solutions to the global water security and scarcity crisis must involve water–energy nexus approaches. This means adopting policies and strategies that harmonize these inter-related sectors to minimize environmental impact while maximizing human benefit. In the case of Abu Dhabi, when designing and locating oil/gas refineries and associated power generation facilities, previous relevant decisions were based on simple economic and geographical grounds, such as nearness to oil rigs, pipelines, existing industries and port facilities, etc. The subsequent design and location of water abstraction and treatment works operated by the waste heat from these refining and/or power generation processes was catered for as an afterthought, meaning that there is now a mismatch between the water and energy supplies and demands. This review study was carried out to show how Abu Dhabi is trying now to integrate its water–energy sectors using a nexus approach so that future water/power infrastructure is designed optimally and operated in harmony, especially in regard to future demand. Based upon this review work, some recommendations are made for designers and policy makers alike to bolster the nexus approach that Abu Dhabi is pursuing

High-Performance Building Design: Keys to Success

The energy-design process optimizes the interaction between the building envelope and systems. Buildings designed and constructed using this process can save between 30% and 75% in energy costs

Establishing Benchmarks for DOE Commercial Building R&D and Program Evaluation: Preprint

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Program and the DOE research laboratories conduct a great deal of research on building technologies. However, differences in models and simulation tools used by various research groups make it difficult to compare results among studies. The authors have developed a set of 22 hypothetical benchmark buildings and weighting factors for nine locations across the country, for a total of 198 buildings

Development of Design Guidance for K-12 Schools from 30% to 50% Energy Savings: Preprint

This paper describes the development of energy efficiency recommendations for achieving 30% whole-building energy savings in K-12 schools over levels achieved by following the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1. These design recommendations look at building envelope, fenestration, lighting systems (including electrical lights and daylighting), HVAC systems, building automation and controls, outside air treatment, and service water heating

Technical Support Document: Development of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools--30% Energy Savings

This Technical Support Document describes the process and methodology for the development of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings (K-12 AEDG), a design guidance document intended to provide recommendations for achieving 30% energy savings in K-12 Schools over levels contained in ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The 30% energy savings target is the first step toward achieving net-zero energy schools; schools that, on an annual basis, draw from outside sources less or equal energy than they generate on site from renewable energy sources

Photovoltaics for Buildings: Case Studies of High-Performance Buildings with PV

Energy efficiency maximizes the value of photovoltaics (PV) in buildings systems. A fixed-sizre PV system will offset a much larger part of the electrical load in an energy-efficient building than in a building whose energy design has not been optimized

Simulation of Energy Management Systems in EnergyPlus

An energy management system (EMS) is a dedicated computer that can be programmed to control all of a building's energy-related systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, interior lighting, exterior lighting, on-site power generation, and mechanized systems for shading devices, window actuators, and double facade elements. Recently a new module for simulating an EMS was added to the EnergyPlus whole-building energy simulation program. An essential part of the EMS module is the EnergyPlus Runtime Language (ERL), which is a simple programming language that is used to specify the EMS control algorithms. The new EMS controls and the flexibility of ERL allow EnergyPlus to simulate many novel control strategies that are not possible with the previous generation of building energy simulation programs. This paper surveys the standard controls in EnergyPlus, presents the new EMS features, describes the implementation of the module, and explores some of the possible applications for the new EMS capabilities in EnergyPlus