A theory for propagation of radiation in a large scale plasma with small scale fluctuations is developed using a kinetic description in terms of the probability distribution function of the radiation in space, time, and wavevector space. Large scale effects associated with spatial variations in the plasma density and refractive index of the plasma wave modes and small scale effects such as scattering of radiation by density clumps in fluctuating plasma, spontaneous emission, damping, and mode conversion are included in a multiscale kinetic description of the radiation. Expressions for the Stokes parameters in terms of the probability distribution function of the radiation are used to enable radiation properties such as intensity and polarization to be calculated.
Extreme cold climates and Canada's sparsely populated Northern regions have limited human and infrastructural capacity making it difficult to build energy-efficient homes. Despite such differences, homes are built based on codes and standards developed for Canada's South. In 2008, a by-law was passed in Yellowknife, Canada requiring a minimum EnerGuide Housing (EGH) rating of 80 for all new single-family and two-family residential buildings. The EnerGuide's Energy Rating Service (ERS) program is an energy assessment program for residential housing formerly known as the EnerGuide Rating for Houses (EGH). Homes are rated between 0 to 100; lower numbers represent homes that are less efficient and 100 represents an airtight and well-insulated house that is net-zero energy. 1002 homes from the City of Yellowknife evaluated since 1950s were studied from the ERS database, Performance metrics studied include energy intensity, EGH rating, ACH rating, window types, the thermal resistance of the building envelope, primary heating and hot water heating equipment's efficiencies, total electricity used, and total energy used. The analysis identified the current state of housing in Yellowknife, past and present housing trends, and determined the effect of the city of Yellowknife's new building by-law had on housing performance. The preliminary finding shows a pathway to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock in Yellowknife. This regulation shows other municipalities in Canada that legislations pushing energy efficient buildings can be very effective.
The North imports most of its energy for fuel and cost of fuel is much higher than the national average, consequently, cost for space heating relying on fuel is very high. The North has an abundance of solar energy available. With the growing concerns on climate change, the region desires to be less dependent on fossil fuels. Significant energy savings for little added cost in housing could be achieved by building high performing envelope systems and integrating solar design strategies. The objective of this paper is to investigate the potential of integrating solar design strategies in improving energy efficiency of housing suitable for the Canadian Northern climates through modelling by optimizing passive solar design and optimal use of thermal and electrical energy from Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal system (BIPV/T) to achieve net-zero energy housing. A reference home with typical construction built in Northern region is modelled using EnergyPlus. The key solar design strategies and building envelope parameters are optimized to minimize energy consumption and maximize the energy production for the reference home. The parameters investigated include thermal resistance of building envelope components, window-wall ratios, thermal mass, night window shutters, shading schedules, and ventilation rates. The optimal use of thermal energy produced by BIPV/T system by integration with Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and air-source Heat Pump (ASHP) is evaluated. Modelling results show that 43% energy saving can be achieved by optimizing the passive solar design and overheating can be eliminated by proper solar shading and natural ventilation. The integration of BIVP/T with HRV can reduce the frost cycle by 10.4%. These preliminary findings demonstrate the potential of integrating solar design strategies to reduce energy consumption and develop net-zero energy housing for the Canadian North.
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