Absortâncias e emitâncias efetivas de superfícies: um método para estimá-las, um modelo experimental e exemplos de suas importâncias

Imperfeições, saliências e reentrâncias existentes nas superfícies típicas das edificações constituem obstáculos que podem alterar significativamente o comportamento delas em relação aos fluxos por radiação. Além de ampliar a área efetiva de troca de calor, criam sombras e reflexões, que não ocorreriam em. Assim, os procedimentos de cálculo, ao invés de considerar as superfícies perfeitamente lisas e planas, deveriam aplicar correções nas propriedades radiativas das superfícies. Denominam-se efetivas as absortâncias e emitâncias que resultam dessas correções. O presente artigo apresenta um método simples desenvolvido para avaliar essas influências e exemplifica a importância das correções acima mencionadas, apresentando resultados de simulações elaboradas no programa EnergyPlus para uma edificação de geometria simples, submetida ao longo de 1 ano ao clima da cidade de Brasília. Adotando-se absortâncias e emitâncias efetivas, os resultados das simulações revelam diferenças de até 2,8 ºC nas temperaturas internas do ar em relação às obtidas desprezando-se as influências que as ondulações das telhas exercem sobre os fluxos radiantes. Considerando o uso de condicionadores de ar, essa diferença pode representar uma variação de cerca de 30% nas estimativas de consumo de energia.

Effective Cell-Centred Time-Domain Maxwell's Equations Numerical Solvers

This research work analyses techniques for implementing a cell-centred finite-volume time-domain (ccFV-TD) computational methodology for the purpose of studying microwave heating. Various state-of-the-art spatial and temporal discretisation methods employed to solve Maxwell's equations on multidimensional structured grid networks are investigated, and the dispersive and dissipative errors inherent in those techniques examined. Both staggered and unstaggered grid approaches are considered. Upwind schemes using a Riemann solver and intensity vector splitting are studied and evaluated. Staggered and unstaggered Leapfrog and Runge-Kutta time integration methods are analysed in terms of phase and amplitude error to identify which method is the most accurate and efficient for simulating microwave heating processes. The implementation and migration of typical electromagnetic boundary conditions. from staggered in space to cell-centred approaches also is deliberated. In particular, an existing perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary methodology is adapted to formulate a new cell-centred boundary implementation for the ccFV-TD solvers. Finally for microwave heating purposes, a comparison of analytical and numerical results for standard case studies in rectangular waveguides allows the accuracy of the developed methods to be assessed.

The function of property in creating an effective legal regime for trade in environmental offsets

Market-based environmental regulation is becoming increasingly common within international and national frameworks. Environmental offset and trading regimes are part of the market-based instrument revolution. This paper proposes that environmental market mechanisms could be used to introduce an ethic of land holder responsibility. In order for market based regimes to attract sufficient levels of stakeholder engagement, participants within such scheme require an incentive to participate and furthermore need to feel a sense of security about investing in such processes. A sense of security is often associated with property based interests. This paper explores the property related issues connected with environmental offset and trading scheme initiatives. Relevant property-related considerations include land tenure considerations, public versus private management of land choices, characteristics and powers associated with property interests, theories defining property and the recognition of legal proprietal interests. The Biodiversity Banking Scheme in New South Wales is then examined as a case study followed by a critique on the role of environmental markets.

Cipher cities : effective user interface design for building a digital social network around location-based gaming

In this paper we explore what is required of a User Interface (UI) design in order to encourage participation around playing and creating Location-Based Games (LBGs). To base our research in practice, we present Cipher Cities, a web based system. Through the design of this system, we investigate how UI design can provide tools for complex content creation to compliment and encourage the use of mobile phones for designing, distributing, and playing LBGs. Furthermore we discuss how UI design can promote and support socialisation around LBGs through the design of functional interface components and services such as groups, user profiles, and player status listings.