Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF...

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International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental 1 Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- stop J. Kottis and E. Primikiri University of Patras, Greece ABSTRACT The use of Means of Transportation oftentimes creates problems that concern the waiting in the bus - stops and the discomfort of passengers due to bad weather conditions. In order to tackle this problem a research was conducted, which showed that a possible solu- tion is to create a prototype and autonomous bus–stop. It will be designed based on biocli- matic principles and is expected to cover all cur- rent needs of a bus–stop in terms of lighting, heating and cooling. The bus–stop is constituted by a metal frame which carries photovoltaic panels on its roof. The panels are oriented towards the sun trans- forming solar energy into electricity so that it can be utilized for lighting the bus- stop. This electricity is used to illuminate the sign ''Bus Stop'' but also the lamps of lighting that lit up the bus–stop during night and the informa- tion panel. The prototype and autonomous bus–stop has five parts. The first is located under the whole construction that acts as the base. The ''Collec- tor-Battery'' which collects and stores the elec- tricity from the photovoltaics is placed there. In addition a special system for heating and cool- ing is positioned at the same area, and removes hot or cold air depending on the season. This is done through specific air ducts located in the perimeter of the floor after this air passes from a hydraulic system. This system is comprised of pipes that cool or heat the water so as to create a field of constant temperature throughout the year. When this prototype is developed and placed in all stops of transportation means of a city an important economic, environmental profit will be achieved not only for the citizens but also for the municipality. A contemporary and modern construction can be manufactured in such a way that apart from the operational costs no other expenses are made. This prototype provides a comfortable and human environment for its users. 1. INTRODUCTION Greece is one of the countries that belong to the Southern Mediterranean area of Europe and has a climate with soft winters and hot summers. The basic characteristics of this climate are the long days with excessive solar radiation and a temperature around 35 0 C for the summer. Dur- ing winter there is enough rain but the overall conditions are those of a soft winter. The sun in Greece is intense and oftentimes annoying during summer. Bad weather condi- tions during winter affect with the same way. In Greece efforts have already begun that take advantage of solar radiation through the use of active systems. These systems transform so- lar energy into electricity. Various proposals have begun on the basis of the principles of Bioclimatic design in Architec- ture. Their aim is the reduction of consumption of energy, and to provide spaces with thermal comfort. 2. PROJECT MOTIVATION The use of Means of Transportation oftentimes creates problems that concern the waiting in the bus - stops and the discomfort of passengers due to bad weather conditions. Typically in Greece bus-stops do not offer

Transcript of Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF...

Page 1: Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF fileΕρωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία The energy Research Group, School

International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental 1 Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece

Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- stop

J. Kottis and E. Primikiri University of Patras, Greece ABSTRACT The use of Means of Transportation oftentimes creates problems that concern the waiting in the bus - stops and the discomfort of passengers due to bad weather conditions.

In order to tackle this problem a research was conducted, which showed that a possible solu-tion is to create a prototype and autonomous bus–stop. It will be designed based on biocli-matic principles and is expected to cover all cur-rent needs of a bus–stop in terms of lighting, heating and cooling.

The bus–stop is constituted by a metal frame which carries photovoltaic panels on its roof. The panels are oriented towards the sun trans-forming solar energy into electricity so that it can be utilized for lighting the bus- stop.

This electricity is used to illuminate the sign ''Bus Stop'' but also the lamps of lighting that lit up the bus–stop during night and the informa-tion panel.

The prototype and autonomous bus–stop has five parts. The first is located under the whole construction that acts as the base. The ''Collec-tor-Battery'' which collects and stores the elec-tricity from the photovoltaics is placed there. In addition a special system for heating and cool-ing is positioned at the same area, and removes hot or cold air depending on the season. This is done through specific air ducts located in the perimeter of the floor after this air passes from a hydraulic system. This system is comprised of pipes that cool or heat the water so as to create a field of constant temperature throughout the year.

When this prototype is developed and placed in all stops of transportation means of a city an important economic, environmental profit will

be achieved not only for the citizens but also for the municipality.

A contemporary and modern construction can be manufactured in such a way that apart from the operational costs no other expenses are made. This prototype provides a comfortable and human environment for its users.

1. INTRODUCTION Greece is one of the countries that belong to the Southern Mediterranean area of Europe and has a climate with soft winters and hot summers. The basic characteristics of this climate are the long days with excessive solar radiation and a temperature around 35 0C for the summer. Dur-ing winter there is enough rain but the overall conditions are those of a soft winter.

The sun in Greece is intense and oftentimes annoying during summer. Bad weather condi-tions during winter affect with the same way.

In Greece efforts have already begun that take advantage of solar radiation through the use of active systems. These systems transform so-lar energy into electricity.

Various proposals have begun on the basis of the principles of Bioclimatic design in Architec-ture. Their aim is the reduction of consumption of energy, and to provide spaces with thermal comfort.

2. PROJECT MOTIVATION The use of Means of Transportation oftentimes creates problems that concern the waiting in the bus - stops and the discomfort of passengers due to bad weather conditions.

Typically in Greece bus-stops do not offer

Page 2: Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF fileΕρωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία The energy Research Group, School

2 International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece

the infrastructure of a comfortable space. Mean-ing a space that enables protection from strong winds, rain and cold weather conditions. In ad-dition most of the times, they do not offer shad-ing capabilities during the intense solar radia-tion of summer.

Most of the times the bus-stop is constituted by a metal frame (metal box), small in size that cannot accommodate a big number of users. Usually it is not illuminated during night and in the occasions that it does, lighting is not suffi-cient. In addition, they do not offer the proper environment for protecting the users from ex-treme weather conditions.

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In order to tackle this problem a research was conducted, which showed that a possible solu-tion is to create a prototype and autonomous bus–stop. It will be designed based on biocli-matic principles and is expected to cover all cur-rent needs of a bus–stop in terms of lighting, heating and cooling (Figs. 1, 2).

This construction will exploit solar energy, especially during summer where it is intense and it will transform it into electricity to be used for lighting. Moreover it will be used for the creation of a system for heating and cooling which will remove hot or cold air from its floor depending on the temperature of the environ-ment. The aim of this proposal is to create ther-mal comfort under the bus stop which will also be environmentally friendly.

A special circuit is created that connects the photovoltaic panels of the roof with the batteries which are placed on the basis of the bus stop. What makes it autonomous is that this construc-tion does not need to be connected to the na-tional electricity network.

In addition its autonomy is enhanced with its capability of being polymorphic re-assemplable. This gives the possibility of the bus-stop to be placed at any site throughout the country.

characteristic of this particular construction is has a long lasting lifetime (roughly 30 years for the photovoltaic panels) and has almost minimal operational costs while at the same time it is environmentally friendly.

4. CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION As aforementioned the proposed prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus-stop is constituted by various parts which will be assembled in or-der to give its final form (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). The individual parts are:

4.1 The Base (stable element) The Base includes the electrical and mechanical installations: - the batteries which store the electricity pro-

duced by the photovoltaic system - the pipes of flooring from which circulate hot

or cold air - the pumps used for the input and output of air

(vents of input and air injection nozzle).

Figure 1: Front Façade.

Figure 2: Side Façade.

Page 3: Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF fileΕρωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία The energy Research Group, School

International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental 3 Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece

4.2 Elements of construction support Two metal beams of concave cross-sectioned in two directions. This particular support offers several possibilities: - Powerful support for the roof netting - Conduit of absorption of the hot and cold air

that goes up from the floor - Wiring through the concave cross-section for

the electrical installation needed for the con-nection of the batteries with the photovoltaic panels and from the batteries to the lighting of the sign and the information panel.

- Support of two other beams, of similar cross-section, found in the roof of the structure where the mechanical system piping exists.

- Element of support for the gutter of the rain waters from the roof.

4.3 Roof The roof is comprised by a metal structure from aluminium concaved panels. The form of this bus-stop aims to isolate hot or cold air and to circulate it either through the horizontal metal beams or in the vertical metal pipes of support. In addition it supports all the elements of light-

ing of the bus–stop and through this all wiring is placed. Finally it also constitutes the support of the final layer of the roof of the bus-stop.

4.4 Final layer of the roof It is a composition of the required photovoltaic panels of four different forms and colours which will button up in a frame of support. This con-struction offers the possibility of variations in sizes, colours and shape (Fig. 6). 4.5 Remaining equipment of the bus-stop A metal seat is bolted to the base of the con-struction for 4 to 5 users. Its maximum capacity is around 8-10 individuals seated or standing. 4.6 Rainspout The waters of the rain will be directed to the four corners of the roof and from there they will be directed through pipings to the environment.

Figure 3: Roof with Photovoltaics.

Figure 4: Roof and Floor Plans.

Figure 5: Parts of the Construction.

Page 4: Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF fileΕρωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία The energy Research Group, School

4 International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece

5. SYSTEM OF HEATING AND COOLING The air from the environment of the bus–stop is channelled with an electric pump that blows air from the floor of the bus – stop in an underfloor system of piping where it is heated or cooled (Figs. 7, 8). Then they are blown to the area of the users with pressure from the air vents. In this way a layer of controlled temperature air is created in the perimeter of the bus–stop.

The air that goes up roof is trapped in the concave metal surface. Then it is circulated with pumps and via two horizontal riddled pipes that are connected with the two concave pillars. In this way energy consumption is decreased while using the already cold air.

6. CONCLUSIONS In this work, a prototype and autonomous bio-climatic bus stop is presented. This construction offers flexibility on the size, shape and colour of the transportation station. They are easy to transfer and easy to assemble everywhere even in the most removed regions and to be adapted in the environment. These autonomous con-structions will eliminate the problem of the need of a national electrical network for their func-tion as they rely solely on batteries.

This proposal constitutes an economic solu-

tion for the government since it can be given to industrial production with low cost and with a lifetime warranty. In addition it has low opera-tional costs. which is counterbalanced economi-cally by the expenses that would be spent for the electricity that would be consumed for the light-ing of the bus–stop (Figs. 9, 11, 12 and 13).

It is expected that with this construction the problem of the discomfort of citizens will be to-tally eliminated. The users will have the possi-bility of waiting their transportation mean under bad weather conditions without any problems.

Moreover, they will offer an important

Figure 6: Composition with Photovoltaics.

Figure 7: Hot and Cold Air System.

Figure 8: Electrical Power Grid.

Page 5: Prototype and autonomous bioclimatic bus- · PDF fileΕρωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία The energy Research Group, School

International Workshop on Energy Performance and Environmental 5 Quality of Buildings, July 2006, Milos island, Greece

change in the face of the city due to the diver-sity of the facade of each bus–stop. Other varia-tions can be the change on the size and the col-ours providing both colours and light in each corner of the city.

REFERENCES Goulding, J., J. Owen Lewis and Th. Steemers, 1992.

Ενεργειακός σχεδιασµός. Εισαγωγή για αρχιτέκτονες. Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή. (µετάφρ. Ερωτόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία

The energy Research Group, School of Architecture, Uni-versity College Dublin (1994).

Ενέργεια στην Αρχιτεκτονική. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Εγχειρίδιο για τα Παθητικά Ηλιακά Κτίρια. Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή. (µετάφρ. Ερωρόκριτος Τσίγκας). Θεσσαλονίκη: Μάλλιαρης- Παιδεία, 1992.

Figure 9: View of the Bus Stop during Night.

Figure 10: Pictures of the Bus Stop during Day.

Figure 11: Axonometric.

Figure 12: Perspective.

Figure 13: Perspective.