The 2013 University of Nevada Las Vegas Solar Decathlon House: Strategy, Design, Simulation and Results

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Zeng ◽  
Rick Hurt ◽  
Robert F. Boehm
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Las Vegas ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Solar Decathlon ◽  
The U.S

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has posed the challenge to the homebuilding industry to make available cost-effective net-zero energy homes for all Americans by 2030. University of Nevada Las Vegas’s DesertSol was the 2nd place winner in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. This paper identifies the implementation of integrative design during the planning and programming phases of the project, and the ways such practice benefited the team and the contractors. This paper also describes the unique approaches and simulation methods for the whole building design. The team designed a high performance whole building system that dramatically reduced the overall energy loads through careful detailing of the entire building envelope, efficient equipment and lighting, and onsite renewable generation with both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. Building Information Management (BIM) software was used collaboratively and iteratively among the multi-discipline team throughout the 2 year research, design and build phases. Furthermore, this paper also discusses the optimization of project cost and affordability versus building performance criteria. Each individual system was modeled using specific software or developed codes. NREL’s BEopt was used for identifying the cost-optimal packages for the whole building energy analysis, by inputting discrete parametric options, reflecting realistic construction materials and practices. Data collected during the Solar Decathlon event was a validation that the systems were functional and performed as simulated. Continuing data monitoring of the home at its permanent Las Vegas location will validate the modeled long-term performance of this house.

Nonconventional Materials (NOCMAT) for Ecological and Sustainable Development

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (53) ◽  
pp. 3553-3564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khosrow Ghavami ◽  
Arash Azadeh
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Vegetable Fibers ◽  
The People ◽  
Important Challenge

ABSTRACTFour decades of advanced research about Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT) such as bamboo and composites reinforced with natural fibers have shown that it is now possible to produce and use high performance NOCMAT. Bamboo and composites reinforced with vegetable fibers are capable, meeting most engineering demand in terms of strength, stiffness, toughness and energy absorption capability. The greatest challenge of the 21st century is the need for cost-effective, durable and eco-friendly construction materials that will meet the global needs of infrastructure regeneration and rehabilitation which alone can enhance the quality of life for all the people of the world. This paper summarizes some results of judicious combination of different matrix reinforced with vegetable fibers, especially bamboo. These sustainable ecological materials are strong, ductile and capable of absorbing large amounts of energy. They could find extensive applications in the engineering particularly in developing countries. Specifically, the development of durable composites reinforced with vegetable fibers and bamboo poses an important challenge to the science and skills of engineering. This challenge could create the most useful, eco-friendly construction materials backed by an endless supply of renewable natural resources. In addition the paper presents results of some ongoing research concerning bamboo and how vegetable fibers such as hemp plant, before the invention of Nylon was the most used materials in all aspects of human life around the globe and why it was banned.

scholarly journals QFD Based Benchmarking Logic Using TOPSIS and Suitability Index

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaeho Cho ◽  
Jaeyoul Chun ◽  
Inhan Kim ◽  
Jungsik Choi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Performance Targets ◽  
Suitability Index ◽  
Topsis Technique ◽  
Stage 1

Users’ satisfaction on quality is a key that leads successful completion of the project in relation to decision-making issues in building design solutions. This study proposed QFD (quality function deployment) based benchmarking logic of market products for building envelope solutions. Benchmarking logic is composed of QFD-TOPSIS and QFD-SI. QFD-TOPSIS assessment model is able to evaluate users’ preferences on building envelope solutions that are distributed in the market and may allow quick achievement of knowledge. TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) provides performance improvement criteria that help defining users’ target performance criteria. SI (Suitability Index) allows analysis on suitability of the building envelope solution based on users’ required performance criteria. In Stage 1 of the case study, QFD-TOPSIS was used to benchmark the performance criteria of market envelope products. In Stage 2, a QFD-SI assessment was performed after setting user performance targets. The results of this study contribute to confirming the feasibility of QFD based benchmarking in the field of Building Envelope Performance Assessment (BEPA).

scholarly journals Design, Operation, and Controlled-Island Operation of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 Microgrid

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Kurnik ◽  
R. S. Butt ◽  
I. Metzger ◽  
O. Lavrova ◽  
S. Patibandla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Solar Decathlon ◽  
The U.S

Liquid Metal Reactor Regulatory Framework Assessment

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey L. LaChance ◽  
Felicia A. Duran ◽  
Jesse Phillips ◽  
Robert Bari ◽  
Robert J. Budnitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Fuel Cycle ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Nuclear Regulatory Commission ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Liquid Metal Reactor ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
Regulatory Commission ◽  
The U.S

This paper summarizes an assessment of the regulatory framework and requirements for licensing a liquid metal reactor (LMR) for use in transmuting actinides, which was performed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI). Since the LMR designs currently under consideration are sodium-cooled, the assessment identifies and discusses requirements, issues, and topics important to the licensing process in general and those specific to sodium-cooled LMRs, as well as licensing options and associated recommendations. The goal of the regulatory framework assessment was to clarify and evaluate requirements that support the development of safe and cost-effective LMR designs. The scope of the assessment included an analysis of past and present licensing practices as well as an examination of possible future regulatory activities needed to support licensing LMR designs. Because this assessment included the identification of potentially problematic areas, a review of the past LMR licensing efforts was performed. Both technical and regulatory issues were identified and recommendations were made to address important issues. A review of the current regulatory framework for licensing a commercial reactor and the associated licensing schedules was performed as part of the assessment. In addition, specific options proposed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for licensing an LMR were also assessed with regard to their potential impacts on different stakeholders, which include the NRC, DOE, industry, and the public. In addition to the licensing of a commercial LMR, the assessment also identifies and evaluates licensing options for an LMR prototype. The regulatory assessment supports a conclusion that a safe, licensable LMR design is fully feasible. The knowledge applied in the LMR design will be reinforced by past experience and available technology. The licensing of an LMR is expected to be manageable, notwithstanding the uncertainties associated with regulatory, technical, and other issues. With forward-looking planning, effective management, and adequate resources, the process of obtaining a license for an LMR would be greatly facilitated.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Heat Exchangers: A Review of Research and Development

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (01) ◽  
pp. 64-73
Author(s):  
Eugene H. Kinelski
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Mechanical Cleaning

The goal of the OTEC heat exchanger program within the Division of Ocean Energy Systems in the U.S. Department of Energy was to develop designs, evaluate enhanced surfaces, and control biofouling using corrosion-resistant materials that were cost-effective. This report summarizes the available data on a closed-cycle OTEC power system and shows how such data could be applicable to heat exchangers used by the power industry, the U.S. Navy, and merchant ships. Ammonia was selected as the best choice for an OTEC working fluid because of its superior thermodynamics properties at the temperatures involved and its low cost. It was chosen for the advanced tests of the prototypical shell-and-tube and compact heat exchangers. The most effective biocontrol procedure for maintaining clean heat transfer surfaces in the evaporators was intermittent chlorination with possibly periodic mechanical cleaning. Preliminary, short-term test data indicated that cold seawater (at the Seacoast Test Facility at Ke-ahole Point, Hawaii) does not appear to cause fouling in condensers; however, long-term data are still needed to determine the level of biocontrol needed. Titanium and the high-alloy stainless alloys, such as AL-6X and AL-29-4C, are expected to provide the 30-year life in OTEC systems. The use of aluminum alloys is predicated upon the reduction of frequency of mechanical cleaning (to remove biofouling) that will reduce the erosion-corrosion of the heat-transfer surfaces.

scholarly journals LEVERAGING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SOLAR DECATHLON DESIGN CHALLENGE AS A FRAMEWORK FOR STUDENT-LED ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECTS TO ADDRESS CONTEXT-SPECIFIC SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, HOUSING AFFORDABILITY, AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-234
Author(s):  
Tom Collins ◽  
Daniel Overbey
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Housing Affordability ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Solar Decathlon ◽  
Residential Design ◽  
Design Challenge ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
High Performance Buildings

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the context, pedagogical approach, and design outcomes of two net-zero energy residential design projects completed by graduate architecture students as part of a comprehensive design studio course and submitted to the 2018 and 2020 USDOE Race to Zero/Solar Decathlon Design Challenge competition. The competition aims to give students real-word experience designing high-performance buildings by encouraging collaboration, involving community partners, and requiring a high degree of technical design development. Working within the competition parameters, two teams at Ball State University worked with outside partners to identify vacant/abandoned homes as a significant problem for rust-belt Indiana communities, and then focused their design efforts on high-performance retrofits of two blighted homes in Muncie and Indianapolis. Each project will be described in detail and the implications of the 2018 project on the 2020 project will be addressed. This paper will demonstrate that adaptive reuse projects can be used to engage students in context-specific challenges and to meet stringent high-performance design targets and thresholds. (162)

scholarly journals Building at the Speed of Light: Prefabrication, Transport, and Assembly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Eli Nuttall
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Solar Decathlon ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Construction Techniques ◽  
Design Build ◽  
The Us ◽  
Solar Powered ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University

<p>This thesis will examine the logistical strategies and construction techniques used in the making of the First Light house. First Light was the 2011 team entered by Victoria University of Wellington to compete in the US Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon. The team is largely comprised of students and staff in Architecture and the Building Sciences, but also spans to include students from; Design, Landscape Architecture, Marketing and Communications, Tourism Management, and Commerce. The competition took place in September of 2011 and marked the culmination of a two year period of development within the University.  The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy efficient, and attractive. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012)  The Solar Decathlon has established a very focused and complex brief that, due to its competitive nature, demands an extremely high level of logistical and technical innovation. It captures many of the core issues that architects and engineers are facing today. These issues are centred on energy efficiency, energy production, affordability, and the making of a more liveable and sustainable built environment.</p>

scholarly journals Harnessing the Department of Energy?s High-Performance Computing Expertise to Strengthen the U.S. Chemical Enterprise

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Dixon ◽  
Michel Dupuis ◽  
Bruce C. Garrett ◽  
Jeffrey B. Neaton ◽  
Charity Plata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Computing ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Performance Computing ◽  
The U.S
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document