Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications

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    Experimental evaluation of PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling for efficient space cooling
    Mousavi, S ; Rismanchi, B ; Brey, S ; Aye, L (Department of the Built Environment, 2023)
    Because of climate change, together with rapid urbanisation and continuous population growth, the global demand for space cooling is increasing dramatically. Under a business-as-usual trajectory, there will be a more than threefold rise in the number of in-use air conditioners worldwide by 2050. A radical shift to innovative space cooling technologies is therefore essential, ones that can sustainably meet the growing requirements. Phase change material embedded radiant chilled ceiling, called PCM-RCC, offers an emerging alternative for more sustainable space cooling provision. This system provides a range of benefits to endusers, in terms of efficiency and indoor environmental quality, together with demand-side flexibility. PCM-RCC, however, is still under development, and further research is needed to realise its full capabilities. The present work experimentally analyses the thermal-energy performance of a PCM-RCC system using a full-scale test cabin equipped with PCM ceiling panels. Here, the transient thermal behaviour of the panels besides the cooling energy delivered in charging-discharging cycles are examined. Additionally, the indoor thermal comfort and peak energy demand reduction enabled by the present PCM-RCC are discussed. Based on the results, typically 4–5 hours of chilled water circulation overnight could sufficiently be able to fully recharge the panels in the morning. Over 80% of the occupancy time was found within Class B thermal comfort defined in ISO 7730. About 70% of the system’s daily electricity usage time was during off-peak hours. The significance of implementing optimal predictive operating schedules was also highlighted to fully utilise PCM-RCC’s potentials.
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    A multi-layered energy resilience framework and metrics for energy master planning of communities: A university campus case study
    Charani Shandiz, S ; Rismanchi, B ; Foliente, G ; Aye, L (Society of Risk Analysis, 2021-12-05)
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    Daily and seasonal thermal energy storage for enhanced flexible operation of low-temperature heating and cooling network
    Vecchi, A ; Rismanchi, B ; Mancarella, P ; Sciacovelli, A (Ecos 2021 ‎, 2021)
    Synergic operation of electricity, heating and cooling networks can bring savings and low carbon footprint through energy efficiency. In such context, the present work proposes a novel Smart Thermal Loop (STL) solution: a fully electrified thermal generation and distribution system where a low-temperature underground loop and reversible heat pumps are used to supply users’ heating and cooling demand. Additionally, STL includes short and long-term thermal energy storage (TES) by means of sensible storage tanks and geothermal boreholes. The proposed solution is described and investigated in the case of the new campus of the University of Melbourne (with aggregated peak load of about 2 and 3 MWth, respectively, for heating and cooling). A numerical model is proposed to simulate the yearly operation of STL with 1-hour resolution. Key features include (i) network model for the underground loop to track temperature evolution over space and time, (ii) variable heat pump performance, which depends on network temperatures, (iii) physical model for the heat transfer between system and soil, in the geothermal storage, (iv) modelling of the interaction between neighbouring boreholes. Results explore the dynamics of the integrated STL system, with a focus on the role that energy storage over different timescales plays in enabling efficient and flexible operation of system components. TES contribution to system operation goes beyond the use of low-price electricity and allows energy savings through efficient scheduling of heat pumps operation and reduction of pumping work. Benefits from the flexible operation of STL are quantified as a 10% reduction in energy expenditure and 28% in system running costs. The presented model can also instruct on the impact of different design choices on STL operation.
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    Sharing Urban Renewable Energy Generation Systems as Private Energy Commons
    Burton, C ; Candy, S ; Rismanchi, B (Springer International Publishing, 2020)
    This study tested a new methodology for simulating shared electricity generation among small groups of neighbours with Ostrom (1994) principles of common pool resource (CPR) (human behaviour-based) efficiencies. The approach does not not anticipate exclusive off-grid communities but instead, diverse energy users taking advantage of the averaging effects of aggregation, the social benefits of a CPR and direct action on emissions. The study tested three groups of 5 adjacent- or same-building- neighbours for three months to measure how electricity demand (import) is affected by an in-home display issuing nudges and sanctions by the group around a simulated (limited capacity) shared solar and battery system. A control group of 6 homes’ energy data was obtained for the same period. All three groups reduced their energy demand with weak but significant correlation between stimulus and reduced energy demand and one group significantly shifted demand toward available shared solar energy resources during the intervention.