3.1 ACTIVE BUILDING SYSTEMS
3.1.1 Selection: Building Standards + Systems
Lars Junghans
The lesson shows the requirements of different building standards. The lesson gives an introduction to the following standards: Building code, Passive House, Active House, and Zero Net Building. Heating/cooling mechanical systems will be introduced and compared through their advantages and disadvantages.
Goal: The designer will learn about the various building standards and how to choose a heating/cooling system.
3.1.2 Mechanical Ventilation + Building Organization
Lars Junghans
The application of the mechanical ventilation system is demonstrated in this lesson. We will also cover energy saving potentials of a heat recovery ventilation system.
Goal: The designer will learn how to apply a mechanical ventilation system within their building.
3.1.3 Active Building Systems Integration + Distribution
Lars Junghans
This lesson explains the integration of the majority of technical systems into the building. The designer is encouraged to chose a technical system before listening to this lesson and focus on only the part that is of interest. The lesson provides an overview of how energy is distributed into a building and information on dimensioning of the technical systems.
Goal: The designer will learn how to integrate the technical systems into a building or residential unit.
3.1.4 Renewable Energy Systems (OPTIONAL)
Lars Junghans
The integration of renewable energy systems like photovoltaic (PV) into buildings is a widely accepted strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas emission of the building. This lesson demonstrates how to implement a PV system and how to estimate the system size to efficiently reduce CO2 emissions.
Goal: The designer will learn how to integrate renewable energy sources and estimate the associated energy savings.
3.1.5 Building Electrification (OPTIONAL)
UNDER DEVELOPMENT: READY IN WINTER 2023 Arch528
Mick Kennedy and Lars Junghans
Current environmental and social conditions require us to move away from using fossil fuels to supply the energy needs of buildings. The move towards building electrification is one way that this challenge is being met. However, this effort requires the combined and informed commitment of citizens, developers, building owners, politicians, governmental agencies and designers.
As architects we can play a major role in this work through our design work, but even moreso through our informed advocacy. Building electrification, however, is a complex goal which involves, design, cultural adjustments, massive costs as well as sustained commitment. It is likely not a one-sized-fits-all solution to a complex energy problem. Additionally, the huge array of existing buildings need to be retrofit as well in order to make better use of sustainable energy sources.
The research office Urban Green has put together this informative document on some of the challenges and opportunities of the building electrification movement by way of exploring the retrofit of exisiting buildings in New York City. This article does not blink at the many hurdles involved. It does discuss the improvements that have been made to electric heat pump systems (introduced by Prof. Junghans) as well as the challenges to designers, developers, building owners and policy makers that are part of our overall energy production and supply system in the United States.
Goal: The designer will be introduced to some of the opportunities and challenges that come with a move towards building electrification and the move away from fossil fuel systems for providing energy to buildings.