HABITAT OPERATED UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY (HOUSE): A GRID-INDEPENDENT 100 SOLAR-POWERED RESIDENTIAL DWELLING

摘要

It is quite a technological challenge to provide 100% of the electric and heating/cooling needs of a residence using solar energy alone. While the economics of using solar energy exclusively for all these needs is not currently feasible, it is worth exploring the engineering feasibility so as to provide a roadmap for future use as fossil fuel reserves continue to dwindle. A prototype 500 sq-ft Habitat Operated Utilizing Solar Energy (HOUSE) was designed and constructed to provide all the amenities associated with comfortable living, including all necessary living spaces such as a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and dining room. The house was powered by 36 roof-mounted photovoltaic modules in tandem with two 8' X 4' flat-plate collectors. Electric energy was stored in a 48V battery bank while thermal energy was stored in an 80-gal tank. The HOUSE was field-tested for a week in early October in an attempt to obtain performance data. The performance period included a variety of weather conditions from sunny and clear, to rainy and overcast. The paper provides information on insolation and use of energy during that period. The overall result for the week-long evaluation showed a net positive energy balance proving the technical feasibility of the concept. Data on air/water temperatures, and relative humidity will also be presented.