Abstract
This paper discusses the framework for the development of an Energy Toolbox (ETB). The aim of the ETB is to support the design of domestic Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs), according to the concept of net zero-energy buildings during the early architectural design and planning phases. The ETB concept is based on the calculation of the energy demand for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances. Based on a building’s energy demand, technologies for the onsite conversion and production of the specific forms and quantities of final and primary energy by means of renewable energy carriers can be identified. The calculations of the ETB are based on the building envelope properties of a primary building design, as well as the physical and climate parameters required for the calculation of heat transfer coefficients, heat gains, and heat losses. The ETB enables the selection and rough dimensioning of technologies and systems to meet, and, wherever possible, reduce the thermal and electric energy demand of a building. The technologies included comprise green facades, adaptable dynamic lighting, shading devices, heat pumps, photovoltaic generators, solar thermal collectors, adiabatic cooling, and thermal storage. The ETB facilitates the balancing of the energy consumption and the production of renewable energies of a primary building design.
Highlights
80% of the human population is expected to live in cities by 2050 [1]
The aim of the Energy Toolbox (ETB) is to support the design of domestic Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs), according to the concept of net zero-energy buildings during the early architectural design and planning phases
The building design and construction need to be adapted to the specific local basic conditions and climate to reduce the energy demand for heating and cooling to the limits defined for a certified Passive House (PH)
Summary
Humans spend up to 90% of their time in buildings, while buildings contribute up to 40% to humanity’s energy demand, and are responsible for 33% of the total resources consumption [2]. Almost 70% of the primary energy required for centralized electricity production in conventional coal power plants is lost [3]. New sustainable solutions are required in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructures and to preserve limited resources. A very promising approach to reduce (urban) resource consumption is the application of decentralized systems for the improvement of resource efficiency and renewable resource production. A framework utilizing this approach is the so-called Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs). ZEBs do not produce harmful emissions, and can even exert positive impacts on the environment by producing energy, water, and other resources [4].
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