Intelligent Zero Net Energy Construction for Disaster Relief

The goal of our Creative Inquiry project is to create a home that can be placed on-site following a disaster without the need for accessing a potentially damaged or stressed utility grid. This prototype will embody the concept of Intelligent Zero Net Energy (IZNE) construction. By relying solely on Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, batteries, and high efficiency \u27smart\u27 devices, our home will stand independent of any outside energy sources. To achieve maximum energy savings, direct current (DC) electricity will be generated and used without any costly energy transformations. The true merit of our research lies in a simple fact; solar energy is poised to transform the world but no new invention is needed for that to happen. Our group\u27s innovative approach is to take mature technologies and implement them in an exciting new way