6533b830fe1ef96bd1297b4f

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Towards achieving net-zero energy communities: Investigation of design strategies and seasonal solar collection and storage net-zero

Francesco GuarinoVincenzo La RoccaCaroline Hachem-vermetteMaurizio Cellura

subject

Settore ING-IND/11 - Fisica Tecnica AmbientaleZero-energy buildingMixed-use solar communitieRenewable Energy Sustainability and the Environment020209 energyPhotovoltaic systemEnvironmental engineeringBoreholeElectricity generation potential02 engineering and technologyEnergy consumption021001 nanoscience & nanotechnologyThermal energy storageEnergy consumptionBorehole thermal energy storageThermal0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineeringEnvironmental scienceGeneral Materials ScienceMaterials Science (all)0210 nano-technologySolar thermal collectorSolar thermal collectorEfficient energy use

description

Abstract This paper explores a solar mixed-use community and its potential towards achieving net-zero energy status. This mixed-use community combines residential and commercial/institutional buildings. Energy performance of this neighbourhood is estimated in terms of energy consumption and generation potential by means of building integrated PV systems. A solar thermal collector system combined with a borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) is designed to investigate the impact on the overall performance of the neighbourhood. The design of solar thermal collectors and the sizing of short-term thermal energy storage is based on the analysis of the thermal loads for heating and domestic hot water in each district of the community. The results of the performance of the thermal collectors and BTES align with existing communities, which employ similar technologies. The results indicate that implementing energy efficiency measures together with PV systems, allows the neighbourhood to generate around 70% of its total energy consumption. The implementation of thermal collectors and seasonal storage, in this high-energy performance neighbourhood, leads to a net positive energy status.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.07.024