A genetic algorithm solution to the design of slat-type shading system

This article presents a technique for the design of slat-type blinds based on the their relative light intensity distribution under a uniform light source. The technique offers a new approach using a genetic algorithm in order to evolve the design according to a set of parameters.     

Impact of window blinds on daylight-linked dimming and automatic on/off lighting controls

This paper presents the field-measured performance of two commercial photocontrolled lighting systems, continuous dimming and automatic on/off, as a function of various configurations of manual and photocontrolled automatic venetian blinds. The performance indicators considered were the space illumination and the electric lighting consumption as a function of blind slat angle and retraction area. The results showed that under clear sky and without blinds both lighting control systems reduced the lighting energy consumption on average by 50–60% when compared to lights fully on from 6 AM to 6 PM. These savings, however, dropped by 5–45% for the dimming system, and by 5–80% for the automatic on/off system with the introduction of various static window blind configurations. The savings in lighting energy were more significant when the lighting control systems were used with photocontrolled blinds. This was due to the capability of the blinds to adjust their position automatically in direct response to the variable daylight levels.     

Silica aerogel granulate material for thermal insulation and daylighting

Silica aerogel granulate is a nanostructured material with high solar transmittance and low thermal conductivity. These properties offer exciting applications in building envelopes. One objective of the joint R&D project ISOTEG at ZAE Bayern was to develop and characterize a new glazing element based on granular silica aerogel. Heat transfer coefficients of less than 0.4 W/(m² K) and a total solar energy transmittance of 35% for the whole glazing unit were achieved. The glazing has a thickness of less than 50 mm. Another application for granular silica aerogel is, for example, in solar collectors.The thermal properties of the glazing as well as the optical and thermal properties of the granular aerogels are presented here. The solar transmittance of a 10 mm packed bed of silica aerogel was 53% for semi-translucent spheres and 88% for highly translucent granulate. In our heat transfer experiments the gas pressure, external pressure load, temperature and gas filling were varied. The various thermal conductivity values measured for the glazing and collector applications were compared to the values calculated using two different packed bed models. For the gas-dependent measurements the intergranular voids in the granulate were 1.0 ± 0.1 mm before loading the packed bed, 0.3 ± 0.1 mm at an external load of 3.2 bar (3.2 × 10⁵ Pa) and 0.6 ± 0.1 mm after release.A direct radiative conduction of λ_direct = 4.5 ± 0.5 × 10⁻³ W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ was obtained.     

晋东南传统民居生态特性研究初探

在进入21世纪后,“可持续发展”的观念开始深入影响人的各个方面.“生态建筑”概念的提出成为人们对建筑与自然之间关系重新思考的重要标志,“生态”化的设计及技术成为当今建筑设计中必须考虑的重要内容.生态技术不仅存在于高技术之中,同样也存在于传统技术之中.必须认识到,对传统建筑的生态技术研究必须更深入具体才能使其具有可操作性...     

材料在住宅表皮中的运用趋势

文章从生态节能与住宅表皮的关系入手,研究材料对住宅表皮系统的影响和驱动;并从材料的属性和结构出发,结合实例提出材料在住宅表皮中的运用趋势主要表现为原生态、地方性材料的回归,传统材料的创新性使用以及革新型、复合型材料的研发和使用对住宅表皮生态性能的提升;同时探讨材料在住宅表皮中所体现的美学价值、经济价值、文化价值和生态价...     

绿色生态——二十一世纪室内设计的主旋律

室内绿色环保设计就是室内设计可持续发展的生态的艺术设计,它是科技和艺术的完美结合,是今后室内设计的必然趋势。     

某石灰石矿山生态整治策略

基于某石灰石矿山濒临太湖的特殊地理位置，为保护生态环境，该矿进行了全面的生态整治。从生产工艺的各个环节进行矿山废气、粉尘、噪声、资源综合利用、地质灾害和自然景观整治，收到显著效果，并且为石灰石矿山的生态保护作出了有益的探索。     

The environmental impacts of the tucuri dam on the middle and lower tocantins river basin,Brazil

An attempt is made to appraise the present and likely future environmental impacts of the Tucuruí Dam upon the mid and lower Araguaia-Tocantins Basin (Brazilian Amazonia). Information has been obtained by literature review and from field visits made by the author in 1981, 1983, and 1985. The problems of impoundment-related environmental impact assessment in tropical developing countries are also discussed. Tucuruí is the world's fourth largest hydroelectric project and is the first large dam to be completed in an Amazonian rainforest environment. It is also the first of a number of large dams which Brazil plans to construct in the Araguaia-Tocantins Basin and on other tributaries of the Amazon. The appraisal of problems associated with Tucuruí Dam should help planners minimize difficulties with future Amazonian hydroprojects. Like many developing country environmental impact assessments, that carried out at Tucuruí was begun after the construction site had been selected and construction had begun. Tucuruí impact studies have tended to concentrate on the environmental and socioeconomic impacts generated in the vicinity of the dam and reservoir; downstream impacts have received less attention but are already apparent. Major impacts identified include reservoir siltation, disruption of fisheries and agriculture (especially floodland cultivation) downstream, and human disease problems.     

The Native Plant Enthusiasm: ecological panacea or xenophobia?

The enthusiasm for the use of so-called native plants and the rejection of so-called exotic plants in 20th-century garden and landscape design is explored. The underlying ideas and ideology are discussed using examples in Germany, particularly from the time of National Socialism, and the United States.