This book is about the optimization of the characterization of the thermal properties of building envelopes, through experimental tests and the use of artificial intelligence. It analyses periodic and stationary thermal properties using measurement approaches based on the heat flow meter method and the thermometric method. These measurements are then analysed using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The book is structured in four parts, beginning with a discussion of the importance of thermal properties in the energy performance of buildings. Secondly, theoretical and experimental methods for characterizing thermal properties are analysed. Then, the methodology is developed, and the characteristics and properties of the algorithms used are explored. Finally, the results obtained with the algorithms are analysed and the most appropriate approaches are determined. This book is of interest to researchers, civil and industrial engineers, energy auditors and architects, by providing a resource which improves energy audit tasks in existing buildings.

This book is about the optimization of the characterization of the thermal properties of building envelopes, through experimental tests and the use of artificial intelligence. It analyses periodic and stationary thermal properties using measurement approaches based on the heat flow meter method and the thermometric method. These measurements are then analysed using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The book is structured in four parts, beginning with a discussion of the importance of thermal properties in the energy performance of buildings. Secondly, theoretical and experimental methods for characterizing thermal properties are analysed. Then, the methodology is developed, and the characteristics and properties of the algorithms used are explored. Finally, the results obtained with the algorithms are analysed and the most appropriate approaches are determined. This book is of interest to researchers, civil and industrial engineers, energy auditors and architects, by providing a resource which improves energy audit tasks in existing buildings.

In light of increasing human-induced global climate change, there is a greater need for clean energy resources and zero carbon projects. This new volume offers up-to-date coverage of the fundamentals as well as recent advancements in energy efficient thermal energy storage materials, their characterization, and technological applications. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems offer very high-energy savings for many of our day-to-day applications and could be a strong component for enhancing the usage of renewable/clean energy-based devices. Because of its beneficial environmental impact, this technology has received wide attention in the recent past, and dedicated research efforts have led to the development of novel materials, as well to innovative applications in very many fields, ranging from buildings to textile, healthcare to agriculture, space to automobiles. This book offers a valuable and informed systematic treatment of latent heat-based thermal energy storage systems, covering current energy research and important developmental work.

This book presents contributions on new technologies in building and construction. Buildings are complex elements that impact environment significantly. The sustainability of this sector requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that allows adequate strategies to be established to reduce its environmental impact. This heterogeneity is represented in these chapters, which have been developed by researchers from different countries. The book is divided into three sections: (i) analysis, (ii) design and modeling, and (iii) solutions. The book chapters together represent an advance in current knowledge about new technologies in building and construction, crucial for researchers, engineers, architects, policy makers, and stakeholders.

The Building sector requires a conspicuous considerable amount of energy for services related to annual air-conditioning and the thermal comfort of indoor spaces. The design of highly efficient low-energy buildings is often a challenging task, especially rranean area, where the balanced requirement for heating and cooling energy does not usually permit a high level of envelope insulation in order to avoid summer overheating. This topical Special Issue of Energies is dedicated to “High Efficient Buildings in Mediterranean Area: Challenges and Perspectives” and collects studies related to the assessment and evaluation of systems and technologies for building energy management and control in the Mediterranean climate, with the aim of optimizing the building–plant system and reducing energy use. This collection of papers presents the latest research results related to the topic; these articles offer valuable insights into the energy simulation of highly efficient buildings, propose innovative envelope solutions, such as green roofs, Trombe walls, and PCM, and investigate the use of renewable sources such as photovoltaic systems. The topics also include the innovative use and control of Venetian blinds and fixed solar shades in order to reduce energy consumption and preserve visual comfort, as well as an interesting economic analysis based on the cost-optimal approach.in the Mediterranean area, where usually the balanced requirement for heating and cooling energy does not usually permit a high level of envelope insulation, in order to avoid summer overheating. This topical sSpecial iIssue of Energies is dedicated to the “High Efficient Buildings in Mediterranean Area: Challenges and Perspectives” and collects contributions with studies related to the assessment and evaluation of systems and technologies for building energy management and control in the Mediterranean climate, with the aimed at the of optimization ofing the building-–plant system and the reductiong of energy use. This collection of papers presents the latest research results related to the topic; these articles offering valuable insights on into the energy simulation of highly efficient buildings, proposeing innovative envelope solutions, such as green roofs, Trombe wWalls, and PCM, and investigateing the use of renewable sources such as photovoltaics systems. The topics also investigate include the innovative use and control of Vvenetian blinds and fixed solar shadeings in order to reduce energy consumption and preserve visual comfort, and finally proposing alsoas well as an interesting economic analysis based on the cost-optimal approach.The building sector requires a considerable amount of energy for services related to annual air-conditioning and the thermal comfort of indoor spaces. The design of highly efficient low-energy buildings is often a challenging task, especially in the Medite