Performance analysis of a hybrid ventilation system in a near zero energy building.

In this research paper, an analysis is developed on the performance of a hybrid ventilation system that combines Earth-to-Air Heat eXchangers (EAHX), free cooling and evaporative cooling Air Handling Unit Heat eXchanger (AHU-HX), all being controlled by a Building Management System (BMS) in a net Zero Energy Building (nZEB), called LUCIA. LUCIA nZEB is the first safe-building against Covid-19 in the world, certified by the international organisation WOSHIE, and located in Valladolid, Spain. The main aim is to optimize the performance of the three systems in such a way that the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) levels remain within the allowable limits, while maximizing the use of natural resources and minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The approach to satisfy the heating and cooling demand and IAQ levels through zero emissions energy systems is developed, thus anticipating the zero-energy target, set by the European Union for 2050. Results showed that the installed hybrid ventilation system uses heat exchangers for 70% of the operational time, in order to achieve the set parameters successfully. Also, the analysis made by monitoring data, have shown that the control and optimal operation of the hybrid ventilation system allows high energy recovery values with minimum additional electricity consumption. Significant reduction of carbon emissions and operational costs have been achieved.

UV Index monitoring in Europe.

The UV Index was established more than 20 years ago as a tool for sun protection and health care. Shortly after its introduction, UV Index monitoring started in several countries either by newly acquired instruments or by converting measurements from existing instruments into the UV Index. The number of stations and networks has increased over the years. Currently, 160 stations in 25 European countries deliver online values to the public via the Internet. In this paper an overview of these UV Index monitoring sites in Europe is given. The overview includes instruments as well as quality assurance and quality control procedures. Furthermore, some examples are given about how UV Index values are presented to the public. Through these efforts, 57% of the European population is supplied with high quality information, enabling them to adapt behaviour. Although health care, including skin cancer prevention, is cost-effective, a proportion of the European population still doesn't have access to UV Index information.