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								  Processes for Sustaining Energy in Noncertified Historic Buildings: A Case Study of Smith Plantation 
									
										
											
											
												Jacqueline Furcha Stephens,
											
										
											
											
												Hussein Faud Abaza
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2021
									 
										Pages:
										60-67
									 
 
									Received:
										3 July 2021
									 Accepted:
										22 July 2021
									 Published:
										11 August 2021
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: This paper addresses energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water consumption in historic buildings. Building sustainability has become a worldwide issue from new construction to existing buildings. Historic buildings make up a large part of existing buildings throughout the world, making it essential that research is done to provide these buildings with sustainable options. The areas of special concerns in renovating historic buildings are improving indoor environmental quality, indoor air quality, water efficiency, and energy efficiency while maintaining the historical value of these buildings. This paper presents a case study of the Smith Plantation in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. The study includes 1) field verification and existing condition assessment of the thermal comfort, energy consumption, and indoor air quality. 2) Building information modeling was used to simulate the energy performance of the buildings as well as determining the CO2 footprint. These models were calibrated and verified against field readings. 3) the simulation models were used to generate design and renovation alternatives to improve the energy efficiency of these buildings as well as reducing the CO2 footprint without impacting the originality of these buildings. This study will provide general design guidelines and renovation options for historic buildings to reduce energy consumption and creating a smaller carbon footprint while maintaining the authenticity of the buildings.
										Abstract: This paper addresses energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water consumption in historic buildings. Building sustainability has become a worldwide issue from new construction to existing buildings. Historic buildings make up a large part of existing buildings throughout the world, making it essential that research is done to provide these buil...
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								  MPPT Based on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for a Photovoltaic System Under Unstable Environmental Conditions 
									
										
											
											
												Pascal Kuate Nkounhawa,
											
										
											
											
												Dieunedort Ndapeu,
											
										
											
											
												Bienvenu Kenmeugne
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2021
									 
										Pages:
										68-84
									 
 
									Received:
										9 August 2021
									 Accepted:
										25 August 2021
									 Published:
										3 September 2021
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: Many algorithms have been used to track the MPP in a PV generator. Although these algorithms have proved their worth, the fact remains that they still have limits in terms of stability, response times and significant presence of oscillations, especially for sub-Saharan conditions where the climate variation is very sudden and has a considerable impact on the power delivered at the generator output. In this article, the objective is to develop a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller based on an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to improve the performance of the Felicity Solar photovoltaic module FL-M-160W submitted to varying environmental conditions. The specifications of the FL-M-160W module are used to analyze and model the PV generator and boost converter located between the panel and the load in Matlab / Simulink. After the experimental tests, a database was set up to develop the neurofuzzy controller. The proposed ANFIS model was tested and validated under the Matlab / Simulink environment and then inserted into the PV system. The optimum voltage Vopt provided by this model is compared to the reference voltage Vpv provided by the PV generator and the error obtained is used to adjust the duty cycle of the DC-DC boost converter. After simulations, the results obtained reveal a good performance of the ANFIS controller compared to conventional P&O, InC and HC controllers in terms of stability, convergence speed, accuracy, robustness, and response time even under unstable environmental conditions with an efficiency of about 98%.
										Abstract: Many algorithms have been used to track the MPP in a PV generator. Although these algorithms have proved their worth, the fact remains that they still have limits in terms of stability, response times and significant presence of oscillations, especially for sub-Saharan conditions where the climate variation is very sudden and has a considerable imp...
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								  Slope Stability in a Mining Environment M'haoudatt-Zouerate Site, Mauritania 
									
										
											
											
												Ahmed Hemed,
											
										
											
											
												Latifa Ouadif
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2021
									 
										Pages:
										85-90
									 
 
									Received:
										12 August 2021
									 Accepted:
										25 August 2021
									 Published:
										6 September 2021
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: The instability of the M'HAOUDATT pit is a major problem often encountered on the wall composed of a network of fractures located in unfavorable conditions for a very soft geological formation. Therefore, the trend in large open-pit mines is to use high-energy blasting to increase conveying performance and crusher throughput. The increase in blasting energy concentration can threaten the integrity of the pit wall. In this paper, we aim to find a suitable plan to stabilize the pit deposit, through analyses of structural and lithological data on the pit walls, with an interpretation of the lateral and depth extensions according to the geological complexity of the deposit. Followed by an analytical treatment of the current pit parameters. Data processing included core classification, kinematic assessment of failure mechanisms based on visual observations on the exposed faces of the expected pit. The results of the laboratory tests were also used to define the rock mass parameters used to establish a stable slope design. The analyses showed the need for an effective strategy to ensure that the slopes won’t be damaged by blasting. This wall control strategy aims to produce a fragmented bulk ore pile and a slope as designed and in good condition. A good understanding of the failure mechanisms is necessary to ensure better monitoring of the rock slopes of the M'HAOUDATT pit.
										Abstract: The instability of the M'HAOUDATT pit is a major problem often encountered on the wall composed of a network of fractures located in unfavorable conditions for a very soft geological formation. Therefore, the trend in large open-pit mines is to use high-energy blasting to increase conveying performance and crusher throughput. The increase in blasti...
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