Design Project 1

Zero-Energy Home
EDSGN 100-Section 016
Team Number 6: The Peacocks

Submitted to: Wallace M. Catanach

Date: October 10, 2011

Team Members:
Bradley Nixon- bjn5094@psu.edu
Lizzie Wrobleski -lxw233@psu.edu
Preenaa Venugopal -pov5030@psu.edu
Michael Laoye- mxl5199@psu.edu

Descriptive Images of the Prototype:

West and South Outside View

East and North Outside View

Basement Floorplan

First Floor

Second Floor

Abstract:
Team 6 of EDSGN 100 Section has designed and built a model for a zero energy home. The
home will be able to meet the needs of a family of four as well as provide, on average, as much energy
as it consumes. The final home design was based on what was needed to fulfill the customer
requirements and how to do so in the most effective manner. The components of the home were
research and analyzed in order to find the most effective methods in order to achieve a zero energy
home status. Some of the components used to achieve this zero energy status include photovoltaic
systems, solar water heaters, wind turbines, and also several building methods designed to minimize
energy consumption and energy loss.

Introduction:
Zero energy homes are houses that are designed to have an average net zero energy
consumption. Many factors must be taken into consideration in order to successfully achieve this goal,
ranging from energy efficiency applies to installation of renewable energy resource harvesting systems.
Although zero energy homes are currently rare in the United States, the number should increase as the
abundance of natural resources decreases. Designing a zero energy home which is both affordable and
able to meet the needs of an average family should help speed up this process as we work towards a
sustainable future.

Mission Statement:

Product
Description
Benefit
proposition

A home that runs on zero net energy

Uses less energy than average homes, decreasing

the owners ecological footprint & saving them
money on energy bills
Key business Product introduced Oct. 5, 2011
goals
Home uses little energy as possible without
being dramatically expensive
Primary
Family of 4 interested in decreasing
market
environmental impact
Secondary
Family of 4 interested in saving money on
market
energy bills and receiving tax benefits
Assumptions Meets needs of family of 4, suburban residential
area
Stakeholders Construction company, retailer, home
owner, IRS
Customer Needs Analysis:
Based on the customer requirements and a poll given out randomly to Penn State students, the
following are the customer needs that were incorporated when designing this zero energy home:

The house is able to meet the needs of a family of four. Importance=5

The physical appearance of the zero energy home is astatically pleasing. Importance=3
The house is built using green energy principles. Importance=4
On average, the house is able to supply as much energy as it consumes to achieve a zero
energy status. Importance=5
The cost for the house is in the same price range as other houses with a similar size and
perks. Importance=3
The amount of work and maintenance needed for the zero energy house is no more than a
regular home. Importance=3

X
X

X
X

X
X

x
x

X
X

Up to date look

Rain Draining System

Energy Star

Water Conservation

Window/Awnings

Ceiling Insulation

Wall Insulation

Solar Water Heater

Geothermal Heater

Wind Turbine

Three Bedrooms

Meet needs of
family of four
Ascetically Pleasing
Built Using Green
Energy Principles
Net Zero-Energy
Use
Similar Price Range
Work/maintenance
is average

Solar Panels

Need

1800+ sq feet

Two Full Baths

Metric
Cost Effective Material

Needs-Metric Matrix

External Research:
Solar Panels (SolarPanelInfo)

Producers: Sunwize, Evergreen & Mitsubishii Electric

Ideally: in direct sunlight @ surface of the equator, max efficient photovoltaic cell 1/5m in
diameter creates current of approx. 2 amps @ 2 volts
o Not actually as efficient
o Get less efficient over time
Convert solar energy into usable electrical energy & stores it in batteries
Installed on rooftops
o Direct sunlight is best
o Remove branches & other objects blocking sun
Mounts
o Flush: for small solar panels on houses & RVs, cant change tilt
o Roof-ground: for larger solar panels on housings, buildings or on ground, more
difficult to install on roofs
o Pole: panel is on poles in ground
Tracking pole mounts: track sun, more efficient
Cost around $6 to $8 per watt including installation
Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program offers discounts up to $12,000

Federal incentives offer up to a 30% tax rebate (GetSolar)

Geothermal Heat Pumps (Energy Savers)

Uses refrigerant to carry heat from outdoor unit to indoor unit

Use Earths constant temp as exchange medium (not air temp)
o Winter: move heat from Earth into home
o Summer: move heat from house & discharge in ground
Fluid circles through series of pipes (called loop) & carries heat
o Horizontal ground closed loops
Parallel plastic pipes placed 3-6 ft underground
400-600 ft for each ton of heating/cooling
o Vertical ground closed loops
Small yard space/digging is impractical
Vertical holes 150-450 ft deep
U-shaped pipe is inserted
More expensive than horizontal, but require less piping and space
Cost around $15,000 to $20,000 with drilling costs
o Pond closed loops
Fluid circulates through pipes underwater
Pipes may be coiled
Can heat, cool & supply hot water
Compared to air-source
o Geothermal=more efficient
o Quieter, longer laster & require less maintenance
o More expensive
Dual source combines geothermal & air-source
o Cheaper, but less efficient
Last about 25 yrs
Can be equipped w/ desuperheater which heats household water
o In summer heat that would be expelled heats water
o Need conventional water heater also to meet needs in winter

Solar water heater (Energy Savers Solar Water Heaters)

Made up of water tank & solar collectors

o Storage tank must be well insulated
2 tank system
o solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater
1 tank system
o back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank
Residential solar water heaters:
o Flat-plate collector
Glazed
insulated, weatherproofed box

contain dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic

(polymer) covers
Unglazed
typically used for solar pool heating
dark absorber plate
made of metal or polymer
no cover
o Integral collector-storage systems (ICS or batch system)
feature one or more black tanks or tubes in insulated, glazed box
cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats water
water continues to conventional backup water heater
provides reliable source of hot water
installed only in mild-freeze climates
outdoor pipes freeze
o Evacuated-tube solar collectors
parallel rows of transparent glass tubes
each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a
fin
the fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss
used for U.S. commercial applications
active solar water heaters:
o Direct circulation system
pumps circulate household water through collectors and into home
work well in climates where it rarely freezes
o indirect circulation system
Pumps circulate non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through collectors & heat
exchanger
heats the water that flows into the home
climates prone to freezing temperatures.
Passive solar water heaters:
o Have circulating pumps & controls
o Less efficient than active
o More reliable & last longer than efficient
o Integral collector-storage passive system
Best where temps usually dont freeze
Houses w/ significant day & night hot water needs
o Thermosyphon system
Warm water rises & cold water sinks as water passess through system
Requires very heavy storage tank
Prevent freezing
o Use antifreeze solution as heat transfer fluid
Glycol/water mixtures
o Manually drain piping

Wind Turbine (WindPower)

Converts kinetic energy of moving air into other usable forms of energy

Usually electro-mechanical system that converts wind power to electricity

Minimum wind speed to function is 8-16 mph
Shuts off at high winds over 50 mph
Most have 3 blades
Horizontal axis (propeller-style)
o more efficient
o require tall towers (expensive)
o must constantly align direction of air flow
o more common
vertical-axis (egg-beater style)
o less efficient
o dont have to be pointed into wind
o can be mounted on homes flat rooftop

Insulation (Energy Star Insulation)

The R-value is the measure of resistance to heat flow. A higher number means lower heat
loss and/or entrance (Green Building Advisor)
R-36 wall insulation corresponds to Double 2x4 with 10 foam installation
Costs around $1.5/sq ft
R-60 ceiling insulation costs around $2,000
R-36 basement insulation will cost around $2,000

Windows (Haglund)

Pennsylvania cold enough where most energy is used on heating

Triple-glazed, high solar gain, low e glass lets in most heat and most light
Designed for cold locations
Lets in 50% of solar heat and 65% of visible light
Costs around $3,000 for all windows

Airtight with Heat Recovery System (

House needs to be airtight to minimize heat loss/heat entrance

Ventilation systems are required in airtight houses in order to circulate fresh air for
breathing, diluting pollutants, and controlling humidity
Heat recovery systems are able to control the air flow and also exchange humid inside air
for dryer air outside
As the heat is being transferred out, it transfers the heat to the incoming air in order to
lower the amount of energy needed to heat the new air back up to the correct temperature
Costs around $5,000

Retractable Window Shades (Polar Shades)

Able to raise and lower at command

Provides shade and blocks the suns heat from entering
Only would install on east/west windows
Cost is around $3,000

Energy Efficient Appliances (EarthEasy)

Use the very best Energy Star appliances

Use energy saving techniques such as cold water washing, energy saving modes, having a
smaller refrigerator/freezer, using clothes lines instead of the dryer, running only full loads
Energy Start CFL lighting uses 75% less energy and lasts 10x as long as traditional light
bulbs

Water Saving Appliances and techniques (Moen)

Low pressure faucets and showerheads conserve water

Low water volume flush toilets to save water

House of Quality

Location (city,
state)

Pittsburgh, PA

Denver, Colorado

Lawrence, MA

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Lebanon, NJ

Charlotte, Vermont

House size (floor

area in square
feet)
Number of floors

1807.5

1,200

2080 square feet

2200/1300

4,200 square ft

2,800 square ft

http://www.zechalle
nge.com/BRoverview.htm

http://web.me.com/kellyg
rocoff/missionzerohouse/
About.html

http://www.collegep
ublishing.us/jgb/sam
ples/JGB_V5N2_b01
_hoque.pdf

http://www.collegepublishing.us/jgb/sample
e.pdf

Single Family

Single family

Single family

Boiler system

Geothermal heating, air

conditioning

Thermal mass
element

Geothermal heat pump

electricity

Electricity

Solar

Wind

3.42kW

8.1 kW

9.8 KW

None

No

Yes

yes

No

Foundation
insulation: R10
Wall Insulation: R19
R30

R-13

35 F-

-hr/BTU

40 F-

-hr/BTU

R-7.41

35 F-

-hr/BTU

56 F-

-hr/BTU

Yes

Yes

yes

yes

72.5 MM Btu/yr

10,000 kWh used, over

10,500 kWh produced for
an annual energy use of
below zero
House is over 100 years
old, special energy
windows, automatic lights
to save energy, $47,000
investment after
government incentives
and tax returns

N/A

6500 kWh per year

3
1

URL of web site

where info is
found

http:www.nrel.go
v/docs/fy06osti/3
9678.pd

Number of
occupants

Number of
bedrooms

Type of heating
system (forced
air, hydronic,
radiant floor,
heat pump, etc.

Electric
Geothermal
heat pump,
solar thermal,

Main heating fuel

(electricity,
natural gas,
wood, oil, etc.)
Size of
photovoltaic
system
(kilowatts)
Solar water
heater (yes or no)

Electricity

R-value of wall
insulation

R-36

R-value of ceiling
insulation

R-60

Ventilation air
heat recovery
(yes or no)
Predicted or
measured annual
energy use

Yes

Any other
pertinent info

All appliances
used are
EnergyStar.
Energy efficient
windows

3
3
Active solar
thermal with
radiant floor,
baseboard
heaters, groundcoupled heat
pump, natural gas
furnace, electric
resistant
baseboard heating

Natural gas,
electricity.
5 kW

1.1
Yes
Yes

R-40
R-60

Yes
7385 kWh/ yr

Not stated
Windows have
been moved to
provide solar
heating,

Part of a series of six

affordable houses
striving to achieve
zero energy use

Global Marketplace

Wind turbine

Concept Generation:
Wind

Photovoltaics
Solar
Passive

Produce Energy
Heat pumps
Geothermal
Power Plans

Hydropower

Micro Hydro

Run-of-the river
Dam

Energy saving
incandescent25% more
efficient and last
3x longer

Energy star CFL

75% less energy,
lasts 10x longer

Energy Star LED 20-25%

less energy, lasts 25x
longer

Better insulation

Precise temperature control

Freezer on top
Refrigerator

Lighting

Small better than large

Energy star

Clothes Washer

Front loading
USE LESS ENERGY
Adjustable water levels

Air conditioner

Fast spin speed

Energy star

Electronics

Energy star
Dishwasher

LCD TV s best
Ink jet better than
laser printers

Energy Star

Energy Saving
cycle

Seasonal Energy
efficient

Concept Selection:
After considering all of the possibilities and options, we narrowed our final specifications
down based on cost effectiveness and usefulness. We then entered these specifications into an
Excel Document to predict our average energy use and consumption. We redefined our
specifications until we were able to achieve a net zero energy use in the cheapest and most effective
manner.

Location

Harrisburg

Electricity cost ($/kwh)

0.1

Conditioned floor area (sq.ft.)

1807.5

Number of bedrooms

Type of heating & cooling system

Solar Technologies
Size of PV system (kw)

5.0

Solar water heater

Yes

Envelope Details

Behavior

Wall construction

Double 2x4 with

10" foam

Ceiling Insulation

R60

Window type

Triple low-e

Upper floor ceiling area (sq.ft.)

1000

Heat thermostat setting (F)

North wall area (gross) (sq.ft.)

720

Cool thermostat setting (F)

East wall area (sq.ft.)

450

South wall area (sq.ft.)

720

West wall area (sq.ft.)

450

North window area (sq.ft.)

147.5

East window area (sq.ft.)

147.75

South window area (sq.ft.)

101.5

West window area (sq.ft.)

132.75
Tight with heat
recovery

Air tightness

Electric geothermal
heat pump

Water conservation

A lot

Uses clothesline

A lot

Thermostat setback

A lot

Envelope Heat Transmission

Infiltration
6%
Floor
15%

Windows
48%

Roof
8%

Appliances
Refrigerator

Best

Clothes Washer

Best

Dishwasher

Best

Amount of other appliances

Less

70
76

Walls
23%

$400
Net

Solar

PV

$200
$246
$101

$0

$162

$89

$61
-$54

Annual Cost($)

-$165

$79

$82

-$219

-$200

-$400
-$657
-$600

-$800

-$1,000

Lights
Major Appliances
Misc Electric Loads
Water Heat
Heating
Cooling
Total Electric
PV output
Wind Turbine Output

1007
1,625
2,465
891
607
791
7385
6570
1000

kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh
kwh

Embodiment Design and Final Design Description:

Our final design incorporates many methods in order to achieve all of the customer
requirements. The first component of our design is a 5kW photovoltaic system. This system is
installed on the roof in order to maximize energy production by reducing shade. The system is
angled directly south and at an angle of 35 degrees to produce the most energy. The cost of the
system is around $30,000 to $40,000, but with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program rebate
and federal tax incentive rebates, the final cost will be around $20,000. The system will be able to
produce around 6,570 kWh/year.
The next component is a 1kW wind turbine. Pittsburgh has a high enough average wind
speed to make a turbine useful. The system uses horizontal propellers with three blades and is able
to produce between 60 to 150 kWhs/month, for an estimated yearly production of 1,000 kWh. The
turbine can be between 64 to 104 feet depending on the height of surrounding trees and buildings.
The cost for this 1kW wind turbine is around $4,500, including installation.
Also included in our design is a solar water heater. The integral collector-storage system
uses black tanks in an insulated, glazed box in order to preheat cold water which passes through it.
The preheated water then goes to the backup electric water heater in order to heat it more if
needed. The system saves a huge amount of energy regarding heated water, but must be shut off in
winter to avoid freezing.
An electric geothermal heat pump provides the heating and cooling for the home. A vertical
ground closed loop system was chosen, which includes vertical holes ranging from 150 to 450 feet.
The system uses refrigerant to carry the heat from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. In winter,
the system takes heat from the ground and brings it into the home. In summer, the system takes
heat from the home and discharges it into the ground. Although the system requires an electrical
compressor, the energy needed for this is much less than the energy used in a traditional fuel
heating and cooling system. The cost for this whole system ranges from $15,000 to $20,000,
including drilling costs.
In order to conserve energy, the house is fitted with very efficient insulation and windows.
The wall and basement insulation consists of a double 2x4 with 10 foam insulation for a R-value of
36. The R-value is the measure of resistance to heat flow, with a higher number meaning lower
heat loss or entrance. The attic is fitted with R-60 foam insulation. The windows of the house are
made of triple-glazed high solar gain, low E glass. These windows let in 50% of the solar heat from
the sun and 65% of the visible light. The windows on the east and west walls of the house have
retractable window shades. These shades are able to be lowered or raised at command. The
shades block out the light and heat from the sun during the summer to keep the temperature lower.
The cost for the insulation is around $8,000, and the cost for the windows with the shades is around
$6,000.
Pairing up with the high insulation values, the home is airtight with a heat recovery system.
The house is airtight to minimize heat loss and entrance so that less work is required to maintain
the temperature inside. Since the house is airtight, a ventilation system is required to provide air
for breathing, to dilute pollutants, and control the humidity. The heat recovery system controls the
air flow and exchanges inside air with dryer outside air. As the air is being recycled out of the

home, it transfers its heat to the incoming fresh air. This lessens the amount of energy needed to
bring the new air back to the correct temperature. The cost for this system is around $5,000.
The appliances inside the home are all the most energy efficient appliances available. The
refrigerator is Energy Star and also slightly smaller than usual in order to lessen the energy needed.
The washer and dryer are also both Energy Star. By using cold water and special energy saving
settings, the energy use can be lowered even further. A clothes line is available in the yard to
further reduce the need for drying when the weather is right. The lights in the house are Energy
Star CFL lights, which use 75% less energy and last ten times as long as traditional lights. All
showerheads and faucets are low pressure to reduce consumption of hot water. Combined with
low water volume toilets, the use of water is much lower than a regular home.

Conclusion:
Our teams final design is able to meet all of the customer requirements. The house is able
to meet the needs of a family of four by being over 1800 sq. feet with three bedrooms and two and a
half baths. The physical appearance of the house is on standard with similar sized homes and the
roof and amount of windows looks very nice. The house is built using green energy principles by
means of using good building materials and has the correct orientation to maximize energy
production from the sun. On average, the house is able to supply as much energy as it consumes by
means of energy saving techniques, a photovoltaic system, and a wind turbine. The predicted
energy use is 7,385 kWh/year, and the estimated energy production is around 7,500 kWh/year.
The estimated cost for the home is around $270,000, which puts it in the upper level of the typical
home price for Pittsburgh. Although a little more expensive, the money saved by producing all of its
own energy means that the cost is on par with similar homes. Lastly, there is little to none extra
work required by being energy efficient. All of the energy production and conservation methods
used do not need much human work. The work required for this home is no more than any other
home.

References:
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<http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_appl.htm>.
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Oct. 2011.
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More.

"Wind Turbines for Homes- Wind Generators." Wind Power Generators for Home Use.
05 Oct. 2011. <http://windpower.generatorguide.net/windturbines.html>.

Web.