scholarly journals Towards net zero energy modular housing: a case study

Author(s):  
Caroline Hachem-vermette ◽  
Chinyere Dara ◽  
Rhys Kane

The paper summarizes an investigation of the performance of container based housing units developed by Ladacor Ltd, and compares this performance to traditional housing constructed according to existing standards and codes. The results indicate that the case study housing system can reduce thermal loads (heating and cooling) by about 57% as compared to the same house designed according to the code. Implementing additional efficiency measures and solar design strategies such as increased south window size, suitable shading devices, thermal mass, and more airtight construction, leads to improved performance. This enhanced scenario can reduce the thermal load by 72% as compared to the code scenario and by about 35% as compared to the original case study system. Achieving a net-zero energy status can be reached by integrating photovoltaics on the south roof of the single-family housing designed with Ladacor roof, assuming energy efficient appliances, lighting and domestic hot water. The optimal case can reach a net positive energy status, with a PV system integrated on the south facing roof surface. Results from this investigation can serve in developing innovative design concepts and guidelines for the design of low cost, self-sufficient modular housing.

Author(s):  
William M Healy ◽  
A Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P Dougherty ◽  
Lisa Ng ◽  
Vance Payne ◽  
...  

Data were collected over two separate year-long test periods at the Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility, alaboratory designed to evaluate a variety of technologies and operational strategies that lead to energy efficient houses with comfortable and healthful indoor environments. In a net-zero energy building, all energy consumption over the course of a year is offset by on-site renewable energy production; this facility attempts to meet that goal through use of a photovoltaic array installed on the roof. Data are presented for one-year test periods over which the research team examined whether the facility would reach net-zero status. In both years, the house was operated in an all-electric configuration, with slight modifications made in the second year related to control schemes and equipment selection. A virtual family of four was simulated to carry out the operations that would typically occur in a home (e.g., appliance usage, lighting usage, hot water usage). Data are being released for the second year of operation at the time of publication of this document, with an expectation that data from the first year will be released at a later date.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Paige ◽  
Philip Agee ◽  
Farrokh Jazizadeh

AbstractThe behaviors of building occupants have continued to perplex scholars for years in our attempts to develop models for energy efficient housing. Building simulations, project delivery approaches, policies, and more have fell short of their optimistic goals due to the complexity of human behavior. As a part of a multiphase longitudinal affordable housing study, this dataset represents energy and occupant behavior attributes for 6 affordable housing units over nine months in Virginia, USA which are not performing to the net-zero energy standard they were designed for. This dataset provides researchers the ability to analyze the following variables: energy performance, occupant behaviors, energy literacy, and ecological perceptions. Energy data is provided at a 1 Hz sampling rate for four circuits: main, hot water heater, dryer, and HVAC. Building specifications, occupancy, weather data, and neighboring building energy use data are provided to add depth to the dataset. This dataset can be used to update building energy use models, predictive maintenance, policy frameworks, construction risk models, economic models, and more.


Author(s):  
George A. Mertz ◽  
Gregory S. Raffio ◽  
Kelly Kissock ◽  
Kevin P. Hallinan

In response to both global and local challenges, the University of Dayton is committed to building a net-zero energy student residence, called the Eco-house. A unique aspect of the Eco-house is the degree of student involvement; in accordance with UD’s mission, interdisciplinary student teams from mechanical engineering, civil engineering and the humanities are leading the design effort. This paper discusses the conceptual design of a net-zero energy use campus residence, and the analysis completed thus far. Energy use of current student houses is analyzed to provide a baseline and to identify energy saving opportunities. The use of the whole-system inside-out approach to guide the overall design is described. Using the inside-out method as a guide, the energy impacts of occupant behavior, appliances and lights, building envelope, energy distribution systems and primary energy conversion equipment are discussed. The design of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems to meet the hot water and electricity requirements of the house is described. Eco-house energy use is simulated and compared to the energy use of the existing houses. The analysis shows the total source energy requirements of the Eco-house could be reduced by about 340 mmBtu per year over older baseline houses, resulting in CO2 emission reductions of about 54,000 lb per year and utility cost savings of about $3,000 per year. Detailed cost analysis and cost optimization have not been performed but are critical aspects of the UD Eco-house project, which will be performed in the future.


Author(s):  
Maurizio Cellura ◽  
Lucia Campanella ◽  
Giuseppina Ciulla ◽  
Mario Fontana ◽  
Valerio Lo Brano ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 828-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Gallo ◽  
Bélen Téllez Molina ◽  
Milan Prodanovic ◽  
José González Aguilar ◽  
Manuel Romero

Solar Energy ◽  
2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Raffio ◽  
George Mertz ◽  
Kelly Kissock

In response to both global and local challenges, the University of Dayton is committed to building a net-zero energy student residence, called the Eco-house. A unique aspect of the Ecohouse is its cost effectiveness. This paper discusses both the design and cost-benefit analysis of a net-zero energy campus residence. Energy use of current student houses is presented to provide a baseline for determining energy savings. The use of the whole-system inside-out approach to guide the overall design is described. Using the inside-out method, the energy impacts of occupant behavior, appliances and lights, building envelope, energy distribution systems and primary energy conversion equipment are discussed. The designs of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems to meet the hot water and electricity requirements of the house are described. Ecohouse energy use is compared to the energy use of the existing houses. Cost-benefit analysis is first performed on house components and then on the whole house. At a 5% discount rate, 5% borrowing rate for a 20 year mortgage, a 35 year lifetime, and an annual fuel escalation rate of 4%, the Ecohouse can be constructed for no additional lifetime cost.


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