Process and Lessons-Learned From an Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Design and Construction of a Net-Zero Energy Solar House

Author(s):  
Mona Azarbayjani ◽  
Valentina Cecchi ◽  
Brett Tempest

This paper reviews the development process of a net-zero-energy modular house, called UrbanEden, which was the UNC-Charlotte entry to the 2013 US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition. It reports the collaboration of students and faculty from various colleges and schools at UNC-Charlotte working towards delivering a net-zero energy house for the competition held in October in Irvine California. The study presents the participation of students involved in various phases of schematic design, design development and construction. It also identifies the composition and organization of students through the two-year progress and how it evolved throughout the process. The paper also reviews the curriculum integration in school of Architecture with Engineering. The lessons learned from the process will be discussed.

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Azarbayjani ◽  
Benjamin Futrell ◽  
Valentina Cecchi ◽  
Thomas Gentry ◽  
Aba Ebong

Author(s):  
Benjamin P. Barnes ◽  
Luis A. Martinez ◽  
Trishan Esram ◽  
Ty A. Newell ◽  
Patrick L. Chapman

This paper describes the mechanical systems, the DC-coupled electrical system, the simulation approach and the preliminary results of the University of Illinois entry in the 2007 Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition. The competition showcased twenty net-zero energy solar powered houses. The University of Illinois entry was the only one that featured an all-electric design. No solar thermal collectors were used; space and water heating was accomplished primarily through heat pumps. Each of three house modules is sensibly conditioned with autonomous, custom mini-split heat pumps using all radiant and natural convection heat exchange for the interior side. Simulation methods are described and assumptions of wall and window properties, mechanical system performance and electrical system performance are disclosed. Details are provided on the theoretical analysis of internal heat transfer and the basic design of the custom mechanical system. The electrical system topology and equipment choices are presented and initial performance results are shown. Additionally, preliminary analysis is carried out on the data taken during the Solar Decathlon competition and on the observations of post-competition winter performance. The success in being awarded comfort conditioning points during the competition is discussed along with drawbacks not represented in the competition results.


2013 ◽  
Vol 689 ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Rong Wen Du ◽  
Hao Zhang

In order to promote the development of the zero-energy buildings, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is held biennially, in which every team is required to design, build and operate an energy-efficient house powered by the sun. This paper is focused on the innovative passive design in the Solar Decathlon 2011 in following five categories: the indoor and outdoor space, the envelop, the ecological system as well as the shading structure. Based on the case studies, it is suggested that the solar house is emphasizing more flexible living space, the multifunctional envelop and the ecological landscape.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (44) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shota TAJIMA ◽  
Akihiko ONO ◽  
Masamichi HANAZATO ◽  
Chisato MORI ◽  
Hiroki SUZUKI ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Kate Anderson ◽  
Samuel Booth ◽  
Kari Burman ◽  
Michael Callahan

Net zero energy is a concept of energy self-sufficiency based on minimized demand and use of local renewable energy resources. A net zero energy military installation is defined as: “A military installation that produces as much energy on-site from renewable energy generation or through the on-site use of renewable fuels, as it consumes in its buildings, facilities, and fleet vehicles.” [1] The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind strategy for evaluating a military installation’s potential to achieve net zero energy status, including an assessment of baseline energy use, energy use reduction opportunities from efficiency or behavior changes, renewable energy generation opportunities, electrical systems analysis of renewable interconnection, microgrid potential, and transportation energy savings. This paper describes NREL’s net zero energy assessment strategy and provides a planning guide for other organizations interested in evaluating net zero potential. We also present case studies and describe lessons learned from NREL’s net zero energy assessments at seven installations, including the importance of enforcing and funding mandates, providing leadership support, collecting accurate data, and selecting appropriate technologies. Finally, we evaluate whether the net zero concept is a useful framework for analyzing an energy strategy and a reasonable goal.


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