Energy efficiency measures in affordable zero net energy housing: A case study of the UC Davis 2015 Solar Decathlon home

Payman Alemi and Frank Loge

Renewable Energy, 2017, vol. 101, issue C, 1242-1255

Abstract: The 2015 UC Davis Solar Decathlon Team designed and constructed an affordable zero net energy prototype home for California (CA) farmworkers. The prototype was modeled with BEopt and Microsoft Excel® for year-round operation under the Davis, CA climate. Each major energy-efficient feature of the home was separately analyzed to gauge its energy savings impact. The construction strategyof in-line framing, low window to wall ratio, and thermal mass in the floor, annually saved 810 kWh in space conditioning. The appliance scoring methodology evaluated appliances based on water efficiency, energy efficiency, and affordability—this methodology led to the adoption of appliances that yielded an annual energy savings exceeding 400 kWh. A graywater heat recovery system selected for the project, the Nexus, saved roughly 3500 kWh annually of electricity compared to an electric resistance water heater. The combined radiant/night sky system reduced the space conditioning energy of the home by nearly 1400 kWh. Over a full year, the UC Davis Solar Decathlon home is anticipated to be 12.9% net energy positive and consume 43.8% less energy than a conventional home, with the same floor plan, exposed to the Davis climate.

Keywords: Residential housing; Energy modeling; Zero net energy; Energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:101:y:2017:i:c:p:1242-1255

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.10.016

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