Competence assessment of final year projects for undergraduate telecommunication students

The value of project-based learning has lead to the inclusion of project development activities in engineering courses, being the Final Year Project (FYP) the most remarkable one. Several approaches have been proposed for assessing and grading FYPs but, among them, rubrics are becoming a standard for such type of assessment. However, due to the different characteristics and orientations of the projects (some are more practically oriented, some more theoretically), and the high amount of different competences to be evaluated (knowledge, working capability, communication skills, etc.), the definition of one unique rubric suitable for the evaluation of all FYPs presented in different degree programs, is a big challenge. In a former work, the educational outcomes expected from the FYP were defined and resulted in a proposal for their assessment. Afterwards, the proposal has been tested during one year within an educational innovation-project at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid which involved the follow-up of 8 undergraduate telecommunication students elaborating their FYPs. In this publication, our experience will be described, based on the emerging work taking place through the formalisation of the process which consisted in the following steps: i) establishment of a schedule for the whole process (publication of FYPs topics, selection of applying students and their enrolment, assignation of a jury to each FYP, elaboration and follow-up of FYPs, final report submission, oral presentation, etc.); ii) design of rubrics for each of three assessment parts: working process, final report and oral presentation; and iii) follow-up and evaluation of the involved FYPs. Finally, problems that appeared during this experience (e.g. administrative aspects, criticisms and suggestions from the students, tutors and juries involved) are discussed and some modifications in the assessment system will be proposed in order to solve or minimize these problems.

Desarrollo de un proceso de normalización semántica de bases de datos en ensayos clínicos

El trabajo se enmarca dentro de los proyecto INTEGRATE y EURECA, cuyo objetivo es el desarrollo de una capa de interoperabilidad semántica que permita la integración de datos e investigación clínica, proporcionando una plataforma común que pueda ser integrada en diferentes instituciones clínicas y que facilite el intercambio de información entre las mismas. De esta manera se promueve la mejora de la práctica clínica a través de la cooperación entre instituciones de investigación con objetivos comunes. En los proyectos se hace uso de estándares y vocabularios clínicos ya existentes, como pueden ser HL7 o SNOMED, adaptándolos a las necesidades particulares de los datos con los que se trabaja en INTEGRATE y EURECA. Los datos clínicos se representan de manera que cada concepto utilizado sea único, evitando ambigüedades y apoyando la idea de plataforma común. El alumno ha formado parte de un equipo de trabajo perteneciente al Grupo de Informática de la UPM, que a su vez trabaja como uno de los socios de los proyectos europeos nombrados anteriormente. La herramienta desarrollada, tiene como objetivo realizar tareas de homogenización de la información almacenada en las bases de datos de los proyectos haciendo uso de los mecanismos de normalización proporcionados por el vocabulario médico SNOMED-CT. Las bases de datos normalizadas serán las utilizadas para llevar a cabo consultas por medio de servicios proporcionados en la capa de interoperabilidad, ya que contendrán información más precisa y completa que las bases de datos sin normalizar. El trabajo ha sido realizado entre el día 12 de Septiembre del año 2014, donde comienza la etapa de formación y recopilación de información, y el día 5 de Enero del año 2015, en el cuál se termina la redacción de la memoria. El ciclo de vida utilizado ha sido el de desarrollo en cascada, en el que las tareas no comienzan hasta que la etapa inmediatamente anterior haya sido finalizada y validada. Sin embargo, no todas las tareas han seguido este modelo, ya que la realización de la memoria del trabajo se ha llevado a cabo de manera paralela con el resto de tareas. El número total de horas dedicadas al Trabajo de Fin de Grado es 324. Las tareas realizadas y el tiempo de dedicación de cada una de ellas se detallan a continuación:  Formación. Etapa de recopilación de información necesaria para implementar la herramienta y estudio de la misma [30 horas.  Especificación de requisitos. Se documentan los diferentes requisitos que ha de cumplir la herramienta [20 horas].  Diseño. En esta etapa se toman las decisiones de diseño de la herramienta [35 horas].  Implementación. Desarrollo del código de la herramienta [80 horas].  Pruebas. Etapa de validación de la herramienta, tanto de manera independiente como integrada en los proyectos INTEGRATE y EURECA [70 horas].  Depuración. Corrección de errores e introducción de mejoras de la herramienta [45 horas].  Realización de la memoria. Redacción de la memoria final del trabajo [44 horas].---ABSTRACT---This project belongs to the semantic interoperability layer developed in the European projects INTEGRATE and EURECA, which aims to provide a platform to promote interchange of medical information from clinical trials to clinical institutions. Thus, research institutions may cooperate to enhance clinical practice. Different health standards and clinical terminologies has been used in both INTEGRATE and EURECA projects, e.g. HL7 or SNOMED-CT. These tools have been adapted to the projects data requirements. Clinical data are represented by unique concepts, avoiding ambiguity problems. The student has been working in the Biomedical Informatics Group from UPM, partner of the INTEGRATE and EURECA projects. The tool developed aims to perform homogenization tasks over information stored in databases of the project, through normalized representation provided by the SNOMED-CT terminology. The data query is executed against the normalized version of the databases, since the information retrieved will be more informative than non-normalized databases. The project has been performed from September 12th of 2014, when initiation stage began, to January 5th of 2015, when the final report was finished. The waterfall model for software development was followed during the working process. Therefore, a phase may not start before the previous one finishes and has been validated, except from the final report redaction, which has been carried out in parallel with the others phases. The tasks that have been developed and time for each one are detailed as follows:  Training. Gathering the necessary information to develop the tool [30 hours].  Software requirement specification. Requirements the tool must accomplish [20 hours].  Design. Decisions on the design of the tool [35 hours].  Implementation. Tool development [80 hours].  Testing. Tool evaluation within the framework of the INTEGRATE and EURECA projects [70 hours].  Debugging. Improve efficiency and correct errors [45 hours].  Documenting. Final report elaboration [44 hours].

Can Lis : la huella de la arquitectura de Jørn Utzon a través de esta obra

La tesis “CAN LIS, La huella de la arquitectura de Jørn Utzon a través de su obra Can Lis” analiza en profundidad la vivienda que Jørn Utzon realizó para sí mismo en la entonces calle de la Media Luna, Porto Petro, Mallorca, entre los años 1970-74. La investigación plantea el análisis de esta obra maestra de la arquitectura, sus causas e intenciones, su proceso proyectual, su proceso constructivo, sus relaciones e influencias y sus significados últimos. Este estudio es fruto de una labor de investigación que comenzó hace más de 10 años. Enfrentarse a una obra cuya imagen es tan conocida es una tarea menos sencilla de lo que pudiera parecer. La descripción del proceso de trabajo de Jørn Utzon en Can Lis, y de su método en general, contiene un considerable número de mitificaciones que han sido comúnmente sostenidas por diversos estudiosos de prestigio, que han abordado esta obra sin un estudio razonable de la documentación existente, ni una investigación de los archivos, ni una comprobación de los hechos o una consulta de los testigos intervinientes. Por ello, cuestiones fundamentales habían quedado en el terreno de la conjetura y permanecía deformada la visión general de los procesos de Jørn Utzon en Mallorca. La tesis se ha estructurado en dos grandes apartados que permitan la comprensión de los elementos fundamentales para su gestación: por un lado, el proceso proyectual y constructivo con sus circunstancias y condicionantes y, por otro, el conjunto de hechos y conceptos que han influido de manera directa y significativa en su concreción. Esta investigación contiene una cantidad considerable de materiales y hechos inéditos, fruto de su desarrollo, así como documentación y dibujos nunca publicados anteriormente. Es por tanto, el estudio más completo realizado sobre Can Lis hasta la fecha. En la primera parte de la tesis “CAN LIS” se aborda todo el proceso proyectual de Can Lis desde los primeros croquis, con las condiciones y motivaciones iniciales, los proyectos sucesivos, el proyecto básico y el proyecto de ejecución, hasta el proceso de construcción, su desarrollo y circunstancias, así como las modificaciones posteriores introducidas. Estos elementos se estructuran en tres apartados 1) Las condiciones y condicionantes iniciales. 2) El proceso proyectual. 3) El proceso constructivo. En la segunda parte de la tesis “La huella de la arquitectura de Jørn Utzon a través de su obra Can Lis” se han analizado de manera particular algunos hechos arquitectónicos y vitales previos que fueron especialmente determinantes en la concepción de Can Lis y la serie de influencias directas que son imprescindibles para la comprensión de las condiciones en que se desarrolló y de las ideas que alumbra. Estudios previos de toda la trayectoria de Utzon y todo el corpus de influencias ayudaron a determinar cuáles de ellos son fundamentales para la comprensión del proceso. Estos elementos se pueden considerar directamente precursores de ideas desarrolladas específicamente en Can Lis: 4) La experimentación en Australia: la naturaleza, la dimensión humana y la técnica. La casa de Bayview. 5) Utzon y el descubrimiento de lo islámico: la secuencia espacial, la materia y la luz de la arquitectura islámica como experiencia de aprendizaje. 6) Paisaje sacro, hombre y arquitectura: la búsqueda de Utzon en Grecia. Las conclusiones de este estudio determinan una serie de certezas sobre los procesos de Jørn Utzon en Can Lis, y en su obra global, durante las diversas fases creativas que desmitifican muchos acercamientos precedentes: la visión universal de la arquitectura en su acercamiento al proyecto, el entretejido método proyectual de Utzon, la precisa búsqueda del desarrollo constructivo junto a la ejemplaridad en el rigor, la vitalidad y la espiritualidad con que Utzon aborda la arquitectura, la trascendencia de la forma de habitar de las personas y el valor que para Utzon tiene la arquitectura como medio para revelar el orden universal que nos rodea. ABSTRACT “CAN LIS. The footprint of Jørn Utzon´s architecture through his work Can Lis” carries out a thorough analysis of the house Jørn built for himself between 1970 and 1974 on the street formerly called Calle de la Media Luna, in Porto Petro on the island of Mallorca. The research focuses on the causes that brought about this masterpiece, its purposes, design and building processes, its relations with and influences on other buildings and its ultimate meanings. This study is the result of a research that started over 10 years ago. Approaching a piece of work whose image is so well-known is harder than one might think. Many aspects of Jørn Utzon´s working method in Can Lis particularly but also generally have been described inaccurately and mythicized by several renowned scholars, who hadn´t really studied the existing documents or archives nor confirmed their hypotheses or consulted witnesses of the creation of Can Lis. This is why many key issues have been uncertain all this time and the general idea about Utzon´s working process in Mallorca has been distorted. This dissertation has been structured into two main sections with the aim of helping understand all the facts that led to the creation of the building: the first part describes the design and building processes, as well as the circumstances and constraints under which they were carried out. The second part presents the events and ideas that directly and indirectly influenced the final work. This thesis contains a large amount of unpublished material and information, documents and drawings from the creation process as the inevitable result of a long lasting tenacious research. It probably is the most comprehensive study on Can Lis so far. The first section, “CAN LIS”, addresses the design process of Can Lis from the very first sketches all the way through the subsequent plans, including basic and execution plans and the building process up to the changes that were later carried out on the building. The project´s initial conditions and Utzon´s first motivations and the evolution and circumstances of the building process are also described in this section, which has been divided into three parts: 1. The initial conditions and constraints. 2. The design process. 3. The building process. The second section, “The footprint of Jørn Utzon´s architecture through his work Can Lis”, focuses on some events in Utzon´s life and some of his architectural experiences prior to the creation of Can Lis that were decisive to it. Also the direct influences on the process which are key to understanding the conditions under which the creation was carried out as well as the ideas Can Lis sheds a light on are illustrated in this section. A thorough study of the whole process Utzon went through and of all the influences he was subjected to helped determine what is crucial to comprehending Can Lis. These events or experiences can be considered as the direct precursors to the ideas that crystallised in this master piece: 4. Experiments carried out in Australia: nature, human and technical dimensions. The Bayview house. 5. Utzon´s discovery of Islamic architecture: spatial sequences, matter and light as a learning experience. 6. Sacred landscape, man and architecture: Utzon´s quest in Greece. The findings of this research determine some aspects of Utzon´s working methods at every stage of the creation process both in Can Lis and in general, thus shedding light on previous mistaken ideas about Utzon´s way of working. A universal understanding of architecture, an intertwined design method, a tenacious search for the exact construction solutions, an exemplary rigour, vitality and spirituality in the design approach, the transcendence of our way of living and architecture´s potential to reveal the Universal order that surrounds are all aspects that do define Utzon as an architect.

Tailoring the Scrum Development Process to Address Agile Product Line Engineering

Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) is becoming widely used due to the improvement it means when developing software products of the same family. However, SPLE demands long-term investment on a product-line platform that might not be profitable due to rapid changing business settings. Since Agile Software Development (ASD) approaches are being successfully applied in volatile markets, several companies have suggested the idea of integrating SPLE and ASD when a family product has to be developed. Agile Product Line Engineering (APLE) advocates the integration of SPLE and ASD to address their lacks when they are individually applied to software development. A previous literature re-view of experiences and practices on APLE revealed important challenges about how to fully put APLE into practice. Our contribution address several of these challenges by tailoring the agile method Scrum by means of three concepts that we have defined: plastic partial components, working PL-architectures, and reactive reuse.

Configuration management and product lines to enhance the replication process in software engineering

This research is concerned with the experimental software engineering area, specifically experiment replication. Replication has traditionally been viewed as a complex task in software engineering. This is possibly due to the present immaturity of the experimental paradigm applied to software development. Researchers usually use replication packages to replicate an experiment. However, replication packages are not the solution to all the information management problems that crop up when successive replications of an experiment accumulate. This research borrows ideas from the software configuration management and software product line paradigms to support the replication process. We believe that configuration management can help to manage and administer information from one replication to another: hypotheses, designs, data analysis, etc. The software product line paradigm can help to organize and manage any changes introduced into the experiment by each replication. We expect the union of the two paradigms in replication to improve the planning, design and execution of further replications and their alignment with existing replications. Additionally, this research work will contribute a web support environment for archiving information related to different experiment replications. Additionally, it will provide flexible enough information management support for running replications with different numbers and types of changes. Finally, it will afford massive storage of data from different replications. Experimenters working collaboratively on the same experiment must all have access to the different experiments.

Using configuration management and product line software paradigms to support the experimentation process in software engineering.

There is no empirical evidence whatsoever to support most of the beliefs on which software construction is based. We do not yet know the adequacy, limits, qualities, costs and risks of the technologies used to develop software. Experimentation helps to check and convert beliefs and opinions into facts. This research is concerned with the replication area. Replication is a key component for gathering empirical evidence on software development that can be used in industry to build better software more efficiently. Replication has not been an easy thing to do in software engineering (SE) because the experimental paradigm applied to software development is still immature. Nowadays, a replication is executed mostly using a traditional replication package. But traditional replication packages do not appear, for some reason, to have been as effective as expected for transferring information among researchers in SE experimentation. The trouble spot appears to be the replication setup, caused by version management problems with materials, instruments, documents, etc. This has proved to be an obstacle to obtaining enough details about the experiment to be able to reproduce it as exactly as possible. We address the problem of information exchange among experimenters by developing a schema to characterize replications. We will adapt configuration management and product line ideas to support the experimentation process. This will enable researchers to make systematic decisions based on explicit knowledge rather than assumptions about replications. This research will output a replication support web environment. This environment will not only archive but also manage experimental materials flexibly enough to allow both similar and differentiated replications with massive experimental data storage. The platform should be accessible to several research groups working together on the same families of experiments.

Calibration process on the study of new antenna array architectures for space communications

This paper introduces novel calibration processes applied to antenna arrays with new architectures and technologies designed to improve the performance of traditional earth stations for satellite communications due to the increasing requirement of data capacity during last decades. Besides, the Radiation Group from the Technical University of Madrid has been working on the development of new antenna arrays based on novel architecture and technologies along many projects as a solution for the ground segment in the early future. Nowadays, the calibration process is an interesting and cutting edge research field in a period of expansion with a lot of work to do for calibration in transmission and also for reception of these novel antennas under development.

The analytic hierarchy process to support decision-making processes in infrastructure projects with social impact

There is an increasing awareness among all kinds of organisations (in business,government and civil society) about the benefits of jointly working with stakeholders to satisfy both their goals and the social demands placed upon them. This is particularly the case within corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks. In this regard, multi-criteria tools for decision-making like the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) described in the paper can be useful for the building relationships with stakeholders. Since these tools can reveal decision-maker’s preferences, the integration of opinions from various stakeholders in the decision-making process may result in better and more innovative solutions with significant shared value. This paper is based on ongoing research to assess the feasibility of an AHP-based model to support CSR decisions in large infrastructure projects carried out by Red Electrica de España, the sole transmission agent and operator of the Spanishelectricity system.

Guidance for the development of accessibility evaluation tools following the Unified Software Development Process

Automated and semi-automated accessibility evaluation tools are key to streamline the process of accessibility assessment, and ultimately ensure that software products, contents, and services meet accessibility requirements. Different evaluation tools may better fit different needs and concerns, accounting for a variety of corporate and external policies, content types, invocation methods, deployment contexts, exploitation models, intended audiences and goals; and the specific overall process where they are introduced. This has led to the proliferation of many evaluation tools tailored to specific contexts. However, tool creators, who may be not familiar with the realm of accessibility and may be part of a larger project, lack any systematic guidance when facing the implementation of accessibility evaluation functionalities. Herein we present a systematic approach to the development of accessibility evaluation tools, leveraging the different artifacts and activities of a standardized development process model (the Unified Software Development Process), and providing templates of these artifacts tailored to accessibility evaluation tools. The work presented specially considers the work in progress in this area by the W3C/WAI Evaluation and Report Working Group (ERT WG)

Business Process Optimization in Madrid City Council.

While designing systems and products requires a deep understanding of influences that achieve desirable performance, the need for an efficient and systematic decision-making approach drives the need for optimization strategies. This paper provides the motivation for this topic as well as a description of applications in Computing Center of Madrid city Council. Optimization applications can be found in almost all areas of engineering. Typical problems in process, working with a database, arise in query design, entity model design and concurrent processes. This paper proposes a solution to optimize a night process dealing with millions of records with an overall performance of about eight times in computation time.

Microstructure and mechanical properties at high temperature of SiC-matrix by electrophoretic deposition and polymer infiltration and pyrolysis process

The EFDA-ITER programme for materials wants to develop new structural materials for future nuclear magnetic fusion reactors. In this context, special attention must be paid in the development of new composite materials that could support the hard working conditions of the nuclear fusion reactors: high temperature, high stresses, and high radiation.

Método experimental para la caracterización de las diferentes tecnologías de integración arquitectónica de la energía fotovoltaica en condiciones de funcionamiento real = Experimental method for characterization of several building integrated photovoltaic technologies under real working conditions

Hoy en día, el proceso de un proyecto sostenible persigue realizar edificios de elevadas prestaciones que son, energéticamente eficientes, saludables y económicamente viables utilizando sabiamente recursos renovables para minimizar el impacto sobre el medio ambiente reduciendo, en lo posible, la demanda de energía, lo que se ha convertido, en la última década, en una prioridad. La Directiva 2002/91/CE "Eficiencia Energética de los Edificios" (y actualizaciones posteriores) ha establecido el marco regulatorio general para el cálculo de los requerimientos energéticos mínimos. Desde esa fecha, el objetivo de cumplir con las nuevas directivas y protocolos ha conducido las políticas energéticas de los distintos países en la misma dirección, centrándose en la necesidad de aumentar la eficiencia energética en los edificios, la adopción de medidas para reducir el consumo, y el fomento de la generación de energía a través de fuentes renovables. Los edificios de energía nula o casi nula (ZEB, Zero Energy Buildings ó NZEB, Net Zero Energy Buildings) deberán convertirse en un estándar de la construcción en Europa y con el fin de equilibrar el consumo de energía, además de reducirlo al mínimo, los edificios necesariamente deberán ser autoproductores de energía. Por esta razón, la envolvente del edifico y en particular las fachadas son importantes para el logro de estos objetivos y la tecnología fotovoltaica puede tener un papel preponderante en este reto. Para promover el uso de la tecnología fotovoltaica, diferentes programas de investigación internacionales fomentan y apoyan soluciones para favorecer la integración completa de éstos sistemas como elementos arquitectónicos y constructivos, los sistemas BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), sobre todo considerando el próximo futuro hacia edificios NZEB. Se ha constatado en este estudio que todavía hay una falta de información útil disponible sobre los sistemas BIPV, a pesar de que el mercado ofrece una interesante gama de soluciones, en algunos aspectos comparables a los sistemas tradicionales de construcción. Pero por el momento, la falta estandarización y de una regulación armonizada, además de la falta de información en las hojas de datos técnicos (todavía no comparables con las mismas que están disponibles para los materiales de construcción), hacen difícil evaluar adecuadamente la conveniencia y factibilidad de utilizar los componentes BIPV como parte integrante de la envolvente del edificio. Organizaciones internacionales están trabajando para establecer las normas adecuadas y procedimientos de prueba y ensayo para comprobar la seguridad, viabilidad y fiabilidad estos sistemas. Sin embargo, hoy en día, no hay reglas específicas para la evaluación y caracterización completa de un componente fotovoltaico de integración arquitectónica de acuerdo con el Reglamento Europeo de Productos de la Construcción, CPR 305/2011. Los productos BIPV, como elementos de construcción, deben cumplir con diferentes aspectos prácticos como resistencia mecánica y la estabilidad; integridad estructural; seguridad de utilización; protección contra el clima (lluvia, nieve, viento, granizo), el fuego y el ruido, aspectos que se han convertido en requisitos esenciales, en la perspectiva de obtener productos ambientalmente sostenibles, saludables, eficientes energéticamente y económicamente asequibles. Por lo tanto, el módulo / sistema BIPV se convierte en una parte multifuncional del edificio no sólo para ser física y técnicamente "integrado", además de ser una oportunidad innovadora del diseño. Las normas IEC, de uso común en Europa para certificar módulos fotovoltaicos -IEC 61215 e IEC 61646 cualificación de diseño y homologación del tipo para módulos fotovoltaicos de uso terrestre, respectivamente para módulos fotovoltaicos de silicio cristalino y de lámina delgada- atestan únicamente la potencia del módulo fotovoltaico y dan fe de su fiabilidad por un período de tiempo definido, certificando una disminución de potencia dentro de unos límites. Existe también un estándar, en parte en desarrollo, el IEC 61853 (“Ensayos de rendimiento de módulos fotovoltaicos y evaluación energética") cuyo objetivo es la búsqueda de procedimientos y metodologías de prueba apropiados para calcular el rendimiento energético de los módulos fotovoltaicos en diferentes condiciones climáticas. Sin embargo, no existen ensayos normalizados en las condiciones específicas de la instalación (p. ej. sistemas BIPV de fachada). Eso significa que es imposible conocer las efectivas prestaciones de estos sistemas y las condiciones ambientales que se generan en el interior del edificio. La potencia nominal de pico Wp, de un módulo fotovoltaico identifica la máxima potencia eléctrica que éste puede generar bajo condiciones estándares de medida (STC: irradición 1000 W/m2, 25 °C de temperatura del módulo y distribución espectral, AM 1,5) caracterizando eléctricamente el módulo PV en condiciones específicas con el fin de poder comparar los diferentes módulos y tecnologías. El vatio pico (Wp por su abreviatura en inglés) es la medida de la potencia nominal del módulo PV y no es suficiente para evaluar el comportamiento y producción del panel en términos de vatios hora en las diferentes condiciones de operación, y tampoco permite predecir con convicción la eficiencia y el comportamiento energético de un determinado módulo en condiciones ambientales y de instalación reales. Un adecuado elemento de integración arquitectónica de fachada, por ejemplo, debería tener en cuenta propiedades térmicas y de aislamiento, factores como la transparencia para permitir ganancias solares o un buen control solar si es necesario, aspectos vinculados y dependientes en gran medida de las condiciones climáticas y del nivel de confort requerido en el edificio, lo que implica una necesidad de adaptación a cada contexto específico para obtener el mejor resultado. Sin embargo, la influencia en condiciones reales de operación de las diferentes soluciones fotovoltaicas de integración, en el consumo de energía del edificio no es fácil de evaluar. Los aspectos térmicos del interior del ambiente o de iluminación, al utilizar módulos BIPV semitransparentes por ejemplo, son aún desconocidos. Como se dijo antes, la utilización de componentes de integración arquitectónica fotovoltaicos y el uso de energía renovable ya es un hecho para producir energía limpia, pero también sería importante conocer su posible contribución para mejorar el confort y la salud de los ocupantes del edificio. Aspectos como el confort, la protección o transmisión de luz natural, el aislamiento térmico, el consumo energético o la generación de energía son aspectos que suelen considerarse independientemente, mientras que todos juntos contribuyen, sin embargo, al balance energético global del edificio. Además, la necesidad de dar prioridad a una orientación determinada del edificio, para alcanzar el mayor beneficio de la producción de energía eléctrica o térmica, en el caso de sistemas activos y pasivos, respectivamente, podría hacer estos últimos incompatibles, pero no necesariamente. Se necesita un enfoque holístico que permita arquitectos e ingenieros implementar sistemas tecnológicos que trabajen en sinergia. Se ha planteado por ello un nuevo concepto: "C-BIPV, elemento fotovoltaico consciente integrado", esto significa necesariamente conocer los efectos positivos o negativos (en términos de confort y de energía) en condiciones reales de funcionamiento e instalación. Propósito de la tesis, método y resultados Los sistemas fotovoltaicos integrados en fachada son a menudo soluciones de vidrio fácilmente integrables, ya que por lo general están hechos a medida. Estos componentes BIPV semitransparentes, integrados en el cerramiento proporcionan iluminación natural y también sombra, lo que evita el sobrecalentamiento en los momentos de excesivo calor, aunque como componente estático, asimismo evitan las posibles contribuciones pasivas de ganancias solares en los meses fríos. Además, la temperatura del módulo varía considerablemente en ciertas circunstancias influenciada por la tecnología fotovoltaica instalada, la radiación solar, el sistema de montaje, la tipología de instalación, falta de ventilación, etc. Este factor, puede suponer un aumento adicional de la carga térmica en el edificio, altamente variable y difícil de cuantificar. Se necesitan, en relación con esto, más conocimientos sobre el confort ambiental interior en los edificios que utilizan tecnologías fotovoltaicas integradas, para abrir de ese modo, una nueva perspectiva de la investigación. Con este fin, se ha diseñado, proyectado y construido una instalación de pruebas al aire libre, el BIPV Env-lab "BIPV Test Laboratory", para la caracterización integral de los diferentes módulos semitransparentes BIPV. Se han definido también el método y el protocolo de ensayos de caracterización en el contexto de un edificio y en condiciones climáticas y de funcionamiento reales. Esto ha sido posible una vez evaluado el estado de la técnica y la investigación, los aspectos que influyen en la integración arquitectónica y los diferentes tipos de integración, después de haber examinado los métodos de ensayo para los componentes de construcción y fotovoltaicos, en condiciones de operación utilizadas hasta ahora. El laboratorio de pruebas experimentales, que consiste en dos habitaciones idénticas a escala real, 1:1, ha sido equipado con sensores y todos los sistemas de monitorización gracias a los cuales es posible obtener datos fiables para evaluar las prestaciones térmicas, de iluminación y el rendimiento eléctrico de los módulos fotovoltaicos. Este laboratorio permite el estudio de tres diferentes aspectos que influencian el confort y consumo de energía del edificio: el confort térmico, lumínico, y el rendimiento energético global (demanda/producción de energía) de los módulos BIPV. Conociendo el balance de energía para cada tecnología solar fotovoltaica experimentada, es posible determinar cuál funciona mejor en cada caso específico. Se ha propuesto una metodología teórica para la evaluación de estos parámetros, definidos en esta tesis como índices o indicadores que consideran cuestiones relacionados con el bienestar, la energía y el rendimiento energético global de los componentes BIPV. Esta metodología considera y tiene en cuenta las normas reglamentarias y estándares existentes para cada aspecto, relacionándolos entre sí. Diferentes módulos BIPV de doble vidrio aislante, semitransparentes, representativos de diferentes tecnologías fotovoltaicas (tecnología de silicio monocristalino, m-Si; de capa fina en silicio amorfo unión simple, a-Si y de capa fina en diseleniuro de cobre e indio, CIS) fueron seleccionados para llevar a cabo una serie de pruebas experimentales al objeto de demostrar la validez del método de caracterización propuesto. Como resultado final, se ha desarrollado y generado el Diagrama Caracterización Integral DCI, un sistema gráfico y visual para representar los resultados y gestionar la información, una herramienta operativa útil para la toma de decisiones con respecto a las instalaciones fotovoltaicas. Este diagrama muestra todos los conceptos y parámetros estudiados en relación con los demás y ofrece visualmente toda la información cualitativa y cuantitativa sobre la eficiencia energética de los componentes BIPV, por caracterizarlos de manera integral. ABSTRACT A sustainable design process today is intended to produce high-performance buildings that are energy-efficient, healthy and economically feasible, by wisely using renewable resources to minimize the impact on the environment and to reduce, as much as possible, the energy demand. In the last decade, the reduction of energy needs in buildings has become a top priority. The Directive 2002/91/EC “Energy Performance of Buildings” (and its subsequent updates) established a general regulatory framework’s methodology for calculation of minimum energy requirements. Since then, the aim of fulfilling new directives and protocols has led the energy policies in several countries in a similar direction that is, focusing on the need of increasing energy efficiency in buildings, taking measures to reduce energy consumption, and fostering the use of renewable sources. Zero Energy Buildings or Net Zero Energy Buildings will become a standard in the European building industry and in order to balance energy consumption, buildings, in addition to reduce the end-use consumption should necessarily become selfenergy producers. For this reason, the façade system plays an important role for achieving these energy and environmental goals and Photovoltaic can play a leading role in this challenge. To promote the use of photovoltaic technology in buildings, international research programs encourage and support solutions, which favors the complete integration of photovoltaic devices as an architectural element, the so-called BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), furthermore facing to next future towards net-zero energy buildings. Therefore, the BIPV module/system becomes a multifunctional building layer, not only physically and functionally “integrated” in the building, but also used as an innovative chance for the building envelope design. It has been found in this study that there is still a lack of useful information about BIPV for architects and designers even though the market is providing more and more interesting solutions, sometimes comparable to the existing traditional building systems. However at the moment, the lack of an harmonized regulation and standardization besides to the non-accuracy in the technical BIPV datasheets (not yet comparable with the same ones available for building materials), makes difficult for a designer to properly evaluate the fesibility of this BIPV components when used as a technological system of the building skin. International organizations are working to establish the most suitable standards and test procedures to check the safety, feasibility and reliability of BIPV systems. Anyway, nowadays, there are no specific rules for a complete characterization and evaluation of a BIPV component according to the European Construction Product Regulation, CPR 305/2011. BIPV products, as building components, must comply with different practical aspects such as mechanical resistance and stability; structural integrity; safety in use; protection against weather (rain, snow, wind, hail); fire and noise: aspects that have become essential requirements in the perspective of more and more environmentally sustainable, healthy, energy efficient and economically affordable products. IEC standards, commonly used in Europe to certify PV modules (IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 respectively crystalline and thin-film ‘Terrestrial PV Modules-Design Qualification and Type Approval’), attest the feasibility and reliability of PV modules for a defined period of time with a limited power decrease. There is also a standard (IEC 61853, ‘Performance Testing and Energy Rating of Terrestrial PV Modules’) still under preparation, whose aim is finding appropriate test procedures and methodologies to calculate the energy yield of PV modules under different climate conditions. Furthermore, the lack of tests in specific conditions of installation (e.g. façade BIPV devices) means that it is difficult knowing the exact effective performance of these systems and the environmental conditions in which the building will operate. The nominal PV power at Standard Test Conditions, STC (1.000 W/m2, 25 °C temperature and AM 1.5) is usually measured in indoor laboratories, and it characterizes the PV module at specific conditions in order to be able to compare different modules and technologies on a first step. The “Watt-peak” is not enough to evaluate the panel performance in terms of Watt-hours of various modules under different operating conditions, and it gives no assurance of being able to predict the energy performance of a certain module at given environmental conditions. A proper BIPV element for façade should take into account thermal and insulation properties, factors as transparency to allow solar gains if possible or a good solar control if necessary, aspects that are linked and high dependent on climate conditions and on the level of comfort to be reached. However, the influence of different façade integrated photovoltaic solutions on the building energy consumption is not easy to assess under real operating conditions. Thermal aspects, indoor temperatures or luminance level that can be expected using building integrated PV (BIPV) modules are not well known. As said before, integrated photovoltaic BIPV components and the use of renewable energy is already a standard for green energy production, but would also be important to know the possible contribution to improve the comfort and health of building occupants. Comfort, light transmission or protection, thermal insulation or thermal/electricity power production are aspects that are usually considered alone, while all together contribute to the building global energy balance. Besides, the need to prioritize a particular building envelope orientation to harvest the most benefit from the electrical or thermal energy production, in the case of active and passive systems respectively might be not compatible, but also not necessary. A holistic approach is needed to enable architects and engineers implementing technological systems working in synergy. A new concept have been suggested: “C-BIPV, conscious integrated BIPV”. BIPV systems have to be “consciously integrated” which means that it is essential to know the positive and negative effects in terms of comfort and energy under real operating conditions. Purpose of the work, method and results The façade-integrated photovoltaic systems are often glass solutions easily integrable, as they usually are custommade. These BIPV semi-transparent components integrated as a window element provides natural lighting and shade that prevents overheating at times of excessive heat, but as static component, likewise avoid the possible solar gains contributions in the cold months. In addition, the temperature of the module varies considerably in certain circumstances influenced by the PV technology installed, solar radiation, mounting system, lack of ventilation, etc. This factor may result in additional heat input in the building highly variable and difficult to quantify. In addition, further insights into the indoor environmental comfort in buildings using integrated photovoltaic technologies are needed to open up thereby, a new research perspective. This research aims to study their behaviour through a series of experiments in order to define the real influence on comfort aspects and on global energy building consumption, as well as, electrical and thermal characteristics of these devices. The final objective was to analyze a whole set of issues that influence the global energy consumption/production in a building using BIPV modules by quantifying the global energy balance and the BIPV system real performances. Other qualitative issues to be studied were comfort aspect (thermal and lighting aspects) and the electrical behaviour of different BIPV technologies for vertical integration, aspects that influence both energy consumption and electricity production. Thus, it will be possible to obtain a comprehensive global characterization of BIPV systems. A specific design of an outdoor test facility, the BIPV Env-lab “BIPV Test Laboratory”, for the integral characterization of different BIPV semi-transparent modules was developed and built. The method and test protocol for the BIPV characterization was also defined in a real building context and weather conditions. This has been possible once assessed the state of the art and research, the aspects that influence the architectural integration and the different possibilities and types of integration for PV and after having examined the test methods for building and photovoltaic components, under operation conditions heretofore used. The test laboratory that consists in two equivalent test rooms (1:1) has a monitoring system in which reliable data of thermal, daylighting and electrical performances can be obtained for the evaluation of PV modules. The experimental set-up facility (testing room) allows studying three different aspects that affect building energy consumption and comfort issues: the thermal indoor comfort, the lighting comfort and the energy performance of BIPV modules tested under real environmental conditions. Knowing the energy balance for each experimented solar technology, it is possible to determine which one performs best. A theoretical methodology has been proposed for evaluating these parameters, as defined in this thesis as indices or indicators, which regard comfort issues, energy and the overall performance of BIPV components. This methodology considers the existing regulatory standards for each aspect, relating them to one another. A set of insulated glass BIPV modules see-through and light-through, representative of different PV technologies (mono-crystalline silicon technology, mc-Si, amorphous silicon thin film single junction, a-Si and copper indium selenide thin film technology CIS) were selected for a series of experimental tests in order to demonstrate the validity of the proposed characterization method. As result, it has been developed and generated the ICD Integral Characterization Diagram, a graphic and visual system to represent the results and manage information, a useful operational tool for decision-making regarding to photovoltaic installations. This diagram shows all concepts and parameters studied in relation to each other and visually provides access to all the results obtained during the experimental phase to make available all the qualitative and quantitative information on the energy performance of the BIPV components by characterizing them in a comprehensive way.

Empowerment Evaluation in Spain: The Critical Friend Role in Working with Rural Communities

Rural communities in Cuenca (Spain) are characterized by a great social dislocation, mostly due to the low population density in these areas. In this way, the existence of groups of citizens able to be active agents of their development process is a critical aspect for any community-based development process in this Spanish region. The Institute of Community Development of Cuenca (IDC) has been working with this type of groups for the last 30 years focusing on the organizational empowerment of the rural communities. Main tools in this process have been the empowerment evaluation approach and the critical friend role when helping the groups to achieve their objectives and reinforcing them. This chapter analyses the empowerment process and how the critical friend role is nourished by the facilitator figure.