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AWGSim + DesignBuilder

5 April, 2025 in Computers, Science

Integrated Atmospheric Water Generators for Building Sustainability: A Simulation-Based Approach

Another paper, in which I am a coauthor, that focuses on the combined use of two different simulation tools: a commercial tool designed to study the energy balance of buildings and my custom-developed software for AWG modelling, AWGSim.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1839

The paper presents the first results of a broader study aimed at considering atmospheric water generation as a viable option within sustainable building design strategies. In particular, the focus is on integrated systems in which atmospheric water generator (AWG) machines, in addition to producing water, support HVAC systems. The research focuses on the combined use of two different simulation tools: a commercial tool designed to study the energy balance of buildings and a custom-developed software for AWG modelling. This is the first step of a more complex procedure of software integration that is aimed to provide designers with a method to implement AWGs in the design process of buildings, both residential or industrial. This preliminary procedure is applied to a case study concerning the link between an advanced integrated AWG and a building housing inverters and transformers that belong to a photovoltaic field. The scope of the integration consists in enhancing the energy sustainability of atmospheric water intended for hydrogen production and panel washing by means of the dry and cold air flux that comes from the cycle of vapour condensation. The results highlight the potentialities of the integrated design, which includes AWGs, to enhance the final efficiency of sustainable housing. In particular, the joint action of the simulation tools used in this study provides insights about the possibility to reduce the size of traditional chiller that serve the building by an order of magnitude, and to achieve an energy saving of 29.8 MWh a year.


AWGSim Homepage

12 November, 2024 in Computers, Science

Atmospheric Water Generator icon

AWGSim, my simulator of AWG machines, has a new homepage:

www.paolocattani.com/awgsim.php

AWGSim is a modular, real-time simulator of an Atmospheric Water Generator based on the Vapour Compression Refrigeration Cycle (VCRC) technology. AWGSim can be used to study and prototype AWG machines, and/or to predict their actual behaviour depending upon real-life external condition (temperature, humidity). AWGSim is currently utilized in scientific research settings and has supported various scientific publications focused on atmospheric water generation and the integration of AWG machines within HVAC systems.


The 86 Tribute

17 May, 2024 in Cars, Computers, Games

The “86 Tribute” series for the VGP3 Engine is my heartfelt tribute to an iconic sports car renowned for its exhilarating driving experience; with its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, low center of gravity, and perfectly balanced chassis, it has captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts around the world.

As a token of appreciation for all the joy and excitement this little japanese sports car has brought into my life, I’ve created this mod to share the experience with fellow enthusiasts.

It is my humble tribute to one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. If you want to have fun driving a “virtual” version of the GT86, you can download (for free) a special version of the VGP3 Engine, containing that series, from here:

https://www.virtualgp.info/index.php?page=download


Sustainable Development Festival

14 May, 2024 in Computers, Science

Yesterday, I had the honor of being one of the speakers at the seminar on Energy Sustainability and Water Extraction from Air, held in the prestigious Ugo Foscolo Hall of the University of Pavia. As part of the sustainable development festival, we discussed the current state of research and applied research on extracting water from air using integrated devices. From green hydrogen to energy improvement in buildings to process optimization, my presentation focused on the development of physical/mathematical simulation software for Air To Water technologies.