Anuja Chockalingam, Surabhi Satam ( Under the guidance of Prof. Ellen Do )

1. Zero Energy Homes CS 8803 - Happy Healthy Home - Ambient Intelligence and Innovation Anuja Chockalingam, Surabhi Satam (Under the guidance of Prof. Ellen Do) College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology What is Zero Energy Homes? Zero Energy Home – An Example • Zero Energy Home is a general term applied to a design with a zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. • Provides calculations for heating, cooling and ventilation systems and then develops construction drawings for the distribution systems. • Involves using Renewable Sources of Energy. • Involves using right sized equipment which saves energy and improves performance. • Uses Zero Energy Modeling software that addresses energy conservation, efficient consumption and effective production. What is Net Zero Energy? Zero net energy homes are homes which are often equipped with solar power and are designed to generate more energy than they consume. Snapshot of the Survey Conducted Photovoltaics are placed on the roof of this house and they capture energy from the sun to help offset consumption. This modest home produces as much energy as it consumes in a year, leading to a net zero energy consumption. Sample of Chart Group of Survey Takers Pros and Cons of ZEHs ADVANTAGES: 1. Improved comfort 2. Reliability 3. Energy security 4. Environmental sustainability DISADVANTAGES: 1. High initial Cost 2. Climate specific design may restrict the ability of responding to rising or falling ambient temperatures. 3. Solar energy Capture using the house envelope only works in locations unobstructed by the South. 4. Very few skilled Architects. • Survey Analysis: Major Concern of the public • - Cost • - Easy Temperature Control • - Quality STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL ZERO ENERGY HOME Steps to a successful Zero Energy Home • Decrease the energy requirements for space heating, cooling and water heating. • Increase the efficiency of the furnace (or heat pump), and the air-conditioner. • Install a solar hot water pre-heat system, an efficient backup water heater, and an efficient distribution system. • Install efficient lighting fixtures . • Install efficient energy-conserving appliances. • Install a properly sized photovoltaic (PV) system. • Turn off lights, computers, and appliances when not in use • What really matters to the people • Which energy improvements make sense for my situation? • What is the real payback of each improvement? • Does renewable energy make financial sense given the other improvements possible? • What is the best heating and cooling system for my situation and preferences? • What is the ‘right size’ for my system?  • Will all the rooms be the same temperature? • What are my options for healthy indoor air quality? Conclusion • Adopt easy ways to convert your home into a ZEH, taking into consideration people's opinion • Make use of renewable energy wherever possible • Make use of right sized equipments to save energy and improve performance • Reduce or offset your carbon footprint