ZERO ENERGY HOME

Team B.O.A.T.Ben A. - Tyler P. - Brandon R. - Andreina R.

March 4rd, 2011

Goals Reduce energy use and carbon footprint To solely rely on natural sources of energy To create a cost efficient home that does not

sacrifice comfort.

Research

• Size

• Passive solar

• Studio design

Location (city, state) Bass Cove, WashingtonHouse size (floor area in square feet)

1,630 square feet

Number of floors 1URL of web site where info is found

http://www.zeroenergyideahouse.com/about.html

Number of occupants 3-4Number of bedrooms 2 bedroomsType of heating system (forced air, hydronic, radiant floor, heat pump, etc.

High-efficiency hydronic heating

Main heating fuel (electricity, natural gas, wood, oil, etc.)

electricity

Size of photovoltaic system (kilowatts)

Not given

Solar water heater (yes or no) yesR-value of wall insulation ?R-value of ceiling insulation ?Ventilation air heat recovery (yes or no)

yes

Predicted or measured annual energy use

 

Any other pertinent info  

Location (city, state) Rockport, MaineHouse size (floor area in square feet)

700 square feet

Number of floors 1URL of web site where info is found

http://www.brightbuiltbarn.com/our-brightbuilt/what-makes-it-special/

Number of occupants 2Number of bedrooms 1Type of heating system (forced air, hydronic, radiant floor, heat pump, etc.

Solar heating with backup heat pump

Main heating fuel (electricity, natural gas, wood, oil, etc.)

electricity

Size of photovoltaic system (kilowatts)

6.2 kw at peak production32 kWh per day

Solar water heater (yes or no) yesR-value of wall insulation R-40R-value of ceiling insulation R-40Ventilation air heat recovery (yes or no)

 

Predicted or measured annual energy use

 

Any other pertinent info  

Current Zero Energy Homes

Our ZEH SpecificationsLocation (city, state) Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaHouse size (floor area in square feet)

890 square feet

Number of floors 1Number of occupants 3-4Number of bedrooms 2 bedroomsType of heating system (forced air, hydronic, radiant floor, heat pump, etc.

Combination geothermal/radiant floor heating

Main heating fuel (electricity, natural gas, wood, oil, etc.)

electricity

Size of photovoltaic system (kilowatts)

4 kW

Solar water heater (yes or no) yesR-value of wall insulation R-60R-value of ceiling insulation R-60Ventilation air heat recovery (yes or no)

Yes

Predicted or measured annual energy use

 

Appliances

HVAC System Geothermal heat pump Solar radiant floor heating Geothermal heat pump provides cooling as well as

heating.

Solar Technologies Large south-facing solar panel on the

roof, Passive Solar

ZEH Calculator

Systems Diagram

Systems Diagram

Sketch-Up Model

Physical Model

Summary of Design The most important aspects of our design would

have to be the size of the house and the alternative energy sources used to generate electricity.

Having a smaller square footage allows our ZEH to use less energy to provide heating and cooling throughout the house.

Having alternative energy sources such as solar panels, allows us to be less reliant on electric companies.

The house forces a lifestyle change by switching to a natural food source.

Favorite Features “My favorite feature was the rooftop deck area where you

can set up a grill and chairs and cook food and relax.” -Tyler

“My favorite aspect is the rooftop garden to provide natural, organically grown food, while also absorbing heat that would be transferred to the home during the summer.” –Brandon

“My favorite feature is the radiant floor heating because it gives the house a unique functionality and in the winter makes waling around the house in socks unnecessary.” -Ben

“My favorite feature is the log walls because it gives the house a pleasing aesthetic look, and functionality as it keeps the house rather air tight.” - Andreina

Reflection Importance of passive solar heating Gained skill using SketchUp program

Useful for future planning Learned about how zero energy homes

ration out their energy throughout the year. Produce enough energy in summer to offset

energy cost in winter.