Grantee Research Project Results
A Climate-Responsive Adaptive Control for a Combination Passive Solar Shading and Natural Ventilation
EPA Grant Number: SU835520Title: A Climate-Responsive Adaptive Control for a Combination Passive Solar Shading and Natural Ventilation
Investigators: Baur, Stuart W.
Current Investigators: Baur, Stuart W. , Jensby, Danielle , Jensby, Joshua , Elder, Melody , Annis, Nicole
Institution: University of Missouri - Rolla
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2013 through August 14, 2014
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2013) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
Currently, nations around the globe are facing striking concerns regarding energy consumption. In the United States, we face increasing demands that will cause increasing fuel prices thus ultimately higher-energy cost. The future could be eased by reduce energy consumption through energy-efficient technologies. This trend challenges us with finding both cost effective and energy-efficient strategies.
Objective:
The proposed research is to develop a predictive environmental control based on the use of a passive shading system in combination with natural ventilation based on real-time sensing of outdoor climate conditions, as well as indoor thermal environment.
Approach:
In a pilot study, the project investigators carefully evaluated the availability of natural light with the weather data of Rolla, Missouri, and estimated that 20% of the energy required for cooling and heating a home could be realized by adopting fixed solar shading system and natural ventilation as a passive strategy. The proposed strategy will be able to predict the optimal strategies for indoor climate of a specific house on the basis of sensing outdoor weather conditions, and to drive the actuators of operable windows to maintain a thermal condition that creates a comfortable environment, while minimizing use of the mechanical systems installed in the selected house.
Expected Results:
The project outcome includes (1) these strategies can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability by energy savings, and (2) which parametric options for adaptive controls can be used to maximize the savings potential. The proposed strategy will be able to predict the optimal strategies for indoor climate of a specific house on the basis of sensing outdoor weather conditions, and to maintain a thermal condition that creates a comfortable environment, while minimizing use of the mechanical systems installed in the selected house. In return the average home will be able to attain upto 20% of the energy savings required for cooling and heating a home could be realized by adopting fixed solar shading system and natural ventilation as a passive strategy.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
energy conservation, passive design, environmental control, built environment;Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.