Design and Predictive Control of a Net Zero Energy Home

This paper analyzes two methods to reduce residential energy consumption for a Net Zero home in Austin, Texas. The first method seeks to develop a control algorithm that actively engages environmental conditioning. The home must preserve user-defined comfort while minimizing energy consumption. An optimization function governed by user input chooses the degree to which various comfort-defining systems are active, optimizing comfort while maintaining minimal energy usage. These systems include a geothermal heat pump and ceiling fans to effect convection, humidity, and dry bulb temperature. The second method reflects an analysis towards augmenting traditional home systems with modern and efficient counterparts. Electrochromic glass is used to attenuate heat transfer from outside the home envelope. A thermal chimney passively removes heat from the home while increasing convection. Replacing conventional incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent and LED illumination reduces lighting energy waste