The 5 MWh building : design, construction and optimization of a single family house with 135m² floor space using only 5 MWh total energy per year without loss of comfort

Abstract

The core objective of this work is how to build a single family home having floor space of 135m² which consumes only 5 MWh energy per year including energy for heating, warm water and electricity without lost of comfort. The principal idea behind is using a PV-installation producing 5 MWh useable energy since this is an economically viable size for a family building. Only 8,8% of the primary energy supplied in EU 27 countries are derived from renewable sources. 26,5% of the final energy consumption in EU 27 is used in households. The situation in Austria shows that 72% of the energy consumption in households is used for heating. Target of this study is to compare different models/concepts of low/zero/plus energy houses and describe one definite building. It provides guidelines for design and construction and key building parameters are discussed. Real-time results are reviewed and building performance throughout seasons is analyzed. Finally an energy amount of 5MWh is sufficient for this particular net-zero-energy building but certain parameters are to be observed. Use behavior plays a major role in energy optimization.