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ML-11-010 -- Energy Performance, Comfort, and Lessons Learned from a Near Net Zero Energy Solar House
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ML-11-010 -- Energy Performance, Comfort, and Lessons Learned from a Near Net Zero Energy Solar House
Conference Proceeding by ASHRAE, 2011
Matt Doiron, PEng; William O'Brien, Student Member ASHRAE; Andreas Athienitis, PhD, PEng, Member ASHRAE
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This paper examines the performance of a Canadian near-net zero energy solar house, known as ÃcoTerra, located near Montreal. The total energy consumption and energy end-use breakdown are presented and several findings from the energy analysis discussed, such as the importance of occupant behavior, occupant comfort, and the improvements that could lead to achieving full net zero energy performance. It was demonstrated that large reductions in energy consumption can be achieved with little effect on comfort. Occupants affect the loads significantly and need to be educated and given specific feedback about their energy-use patterns in order to help them adjust their behavior for energy efficiency. Although already far below the typical home in energy consumption (about 90%), this paper shows how ÃcoTerra could consume even less energy and how similar houses could be designed or upgraded to achieve net zero energy.
Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, Volume 117, Part 2, Montreal, QC