The paper signals aspects regarding the functional efficiency of the interior fire hydrants provided by the whole water source, power supply network and the Hii system/installation.

In the context of the effort to find the right key performance indicator that allows comparing the energy efficiency of the ELI-NP research infrastructure equipped with a unique HVAC geothermal system with other similar infrastructures, the paper presents key performance indicators used to evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings. The end goal is to optimize and make the infrastructure energy efficient while maintaining the operating parameters imposed by the research activity.

Currently, the burning of biomass for energy purposes is carried out with a low yield due to the fact that the chimney emits hot gases into the atmosphere that have a residual energy potential that can be used for energy purposes. The political context of the European Union and the ambitions to solve the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, relaunch new challenges both for the research community and for equipment manufacturers to offer viable solutions to increase the energy efficiency of plants that use biomass for energy purposes

The indoor air quality in bedrooms is one of the main factors that influence the human performance during these days. Throughout the years, a lot of studies described the relation between the climate comfort and the performance. This study presents the important factors to have a quality sleep with the main effect being daily productivity

The assessment of shared and consumed energy related to heat pumps for servicing buildings in terms of space heating and/or the preparation of domestic hot water involves 3 main stages of calculation: assessment of the heat pump s coefficient of performance, COP, determination of the external equilibrium temperature , teE and the calculation of the basic powers of the pump: the thermal power delivered to the condenser, the thermal power absorbed by the evaporator, the electrical power used and the thermal power delivered by the heating plant. The paper presents in detail the evaluation of each of these 4 types of energy powers. The described work procedure allows the use of the monthly BIN calculation program.

The manufacture of cellular glass using recycled residual glass as the basic raw material had the objective of obtaining a porous material with excellent thermal insulation properties and, at the same time, achieving a relatively high compression strength for construction applications. The work is original due to the type of heating adopted (unconventional) and the own solution chosen to obtain the maximum heating efficiency without affecting the quality of the final product (partially direct heating with microwaves and partially indirect heating by thermal radiation). The energy efficiency of the process (specific consumption below 1 kWh/kg) was remarkable.

Since hydrotechnical is a broad topic, the peer review process is extremely important in maintaining the quality and validity of technical government regulations. Peer review is necessary to improve government technical regulations in the hydrotechnical field, as it is observed from ISI articles on some of these regulations which are characterized by eclecticism. A primary challenge in peer review is finding specialists who are capable of reviewing technical documents. This challenge is also relevant regarding government regulations. Solutions to this challenge include maintaining a database of academic specialists, incentives to participate, and encouraging collaboration between agencies and academic institutions. Disclosure of the reviewers identities and the provision of guidelines for the review process of technical regulations should be a priority of the relevant authorities, as it would promote transparency. Regulations should be designed as adaptable and responsive to changes and new information in ored to address the dynamic nature of hydrotechnical issues.

Underfloor heating systems ensure maximum comfort through optimal vertical temperature distribution, and the possibility of exact control and programming of the indoor climate. Used as a total heating source, the underfloor heating system will provide all the heat requirements of the space to be heated, provided that the external walls are properly insulated. In the study, two underfloor heating systems were analyzed using the dynamic simulation feature of the HTflux software. Following these simulations, temperature differences will be observed in front of the floor finish depending on the type of system used. The wet screed system heats up significantly faster and reaches a higher temperature by approximately 4.5% compared to the dry screed system.

The paper presents an approach to use the associated gases from geothermal water deposits for electric and thermal energy cogeneration in centralized distribution systems.

The paper presents steps taken to minimise the impact of the ELI-NP research infrastructure on the environment, on a roadmap towards a green facility. The current crisis highlights the need to invest in strong renewable infrastructure and sparks interest in using cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As a result, stakeholders’ interest is to maximise the infrastructure’s initial potential while simultaneously enhancing key performance metrics and energy efficiency. The primary aim of the ELI-NP decision makers is to enhance the efficiency of the current infrastructure in order to minimise its energy consumption. Reducing the carbon footprint of the infrastructure is also a major goal in minimising its effects on the environment. To make the switch to green infrastructure, future investments are scheduled.

The building sector is one of the largest final consumers of energy, especially for air conditioning, and research has shown that there is a great potential for energy savings in this sector. The performance of a chiller can vary significantly depending on system partial loads and evaporator and condenser operating temperatures. The condensers of water-only chillers take the heat of condensation from the refrigerant only through the sensible heat of the refrigerant, leading to significant water flows. The outside air temperature and the intensity of solar radiation directly influence the consumption of electricity on the chiller. Having available the values for the solar radiation intensity I [W/m2] and the outside air temperature te [°C], with the help of the proposed mathematical model, validated by experimental measurements, the optimal values for the minimum electricity consumption of the system are obtained, under the conditions which the chilled water temperature is 7/12°C and the indoor air temperature is 27°C

The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into building structures has become a focal point for researchers aiming to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings. This comprehensive article delves into the analysis of PCMs embedded in room walls, emphasizing their role in thermal regulation and the innovative application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in evaluating their performance.

Today, energy efficiency plays a key role in achieving climate change targets. Globally, countries are trying to reduce emissions and provide renewable and sustainable energy resources. As most rely on non-renewable sources as their primary source of energy, it is important to adopt ways to be energy efficient with what is currently affordable [1]. In this article we present a bibliographical survey of the literature on this emerging topic, providing an in-depth study and analysis of works published over the last two decades. Within each research area, an overview of several recent applications of the use of two innovative technologies LIDAR and thermal camera is presented: regional classification of environmental data, providing relevant data needed for reporting the energy efficiency of a building, including the use of artificial intelligence algorithms

This article explores the intricate relationship between plant structure and stability, shedding light on the fundamental aspects that enable plants to withstand environmental forces and maintain an upright position. Delving into the realms of geotechnical biology, we dissect the genetic, environmental, and biological influences shaping plant structures. From the physical perspective, we examine how plant structures facilitate water absorption, nutrient transport, and resistance to environmental stress. Emphasizing the crucial role of root systems in anchoring and providing stability, we navigate through the evolutionary adaptations of different plant structures in response to varying environmental conditions. The concept of stability is elucidated, encompassing factors such as root structure, stem strength, flexibility, and biomass distribution. The influence of growth environment, including soil composition and moisture levels, on plant stability is highlighted, alongside the importance of external factors like wind, rain, and animal activities. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach, involving insights from plant biology, geotechnical engineering, and structural mechanics, to enhance the stability and resilience of plant structures.