Breathing building: A decentralized façade-integrated solar air-conditioning system
A decentralized adaptive solar air conditioning system is presented, which contains usual air-conditioning equipment and a new module, designed with a honeycomb structure, containing phase change material for latent thermal cold and hot energy storage. Heat recovery devices are responsible for higher system efficiency. A low-cost configuration and a multi-function deluxe version are presented,where in the second case a (magnetic) heat pump, a (magnetic) cooling device and an evaporative apparatus are added. Whereas the simple configuration is of medium cost and shows a good energy saving potential, the deluxe version is more expensive, but, on the other hand, is designed to show a higher energy saving potential. It is also expected to yield exquisite indoor hygienic and climatic conditions.
LOWERING AND PHASE SHIFTING OF TEMPERATURE PROFILES WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS IN MINERGIE™ HOUSES
A PCM dephaser and storage module based on a melting/freezing model was built and implemented into the Dymola-Modelica software. This software offers thermal libraries with standard components as tubes, pumps, heat exchangers, etc. Main simulation results of interest include the phase shift (delay time) caused by cylinders filled with a PCM and positioned in the storage/dephasing device. Furthermore, an entire Minergie™ house was modelled by a rather simple (economic in terms of CPU time), but still very effective thermal model. This house is connected to a suitable ventilation system chosen from a list of six different types. Therefore, also by graphical means on an interface, it is possible to create a Minergie™ house with an integrated thermal temperature lowering/phase shifting and heat recovery device. Temperature differences between a Minergie™ house connected to a storage device and a house without such a device are studied. Such systems are planned to be mainly used for hybrid cooling of Swiss Minergie™ houses in summer time. In a multi-functional application, they could also be applied in winter for a heating support. Numerous simulation results are discussed and optimal solutions are presented.
‘There is no race so wretched that there is not something out there that cares for them’: Multiculturalism, understanding, empathy and prejudice in Discworld
Multiculturalism is at the heart of Mel Gibson’s chapter. Arguing that stories situated in Ankh-Morpork, Discworld’s major capital and the focal point of many Discworld stories, in particular deal with the opportunities, problems and, sometimes, sheer craziness associated with multi- and cross-cultural debates and realities, Gibson draws on European models of multiculturalism. She analyses how, alongside debating the nature of prejudice and oppression, the City Watch stories in particular explore ways in which a multicultural space may work.