Studio Render Inc.Architecture, Politics and Philosophy

Sep 3rd Sustainable design brainstorm

The following is a brainstorm for designing a ZERO ENERGY residential structure in Detroit, Michigan that I used several years ago.

Standard electric resistance 52 gallon storage tank
Collector rated at an energy production of 45,600 Btu/day at the low temperature (95°)

WHITE ROOFS:
o    Altering residences to white roofs may reduce cooling energy needs.
o    Average 19% reduction
o    White tile provides the best cooling related performance post WWII nearly all roofs were white

Super Efficient Refrigerator (Kenmore 55792)

PHOTOVOLTIC MODULES:
o    Single crystalline modules have a maximum power rating of 75W
o    BYPASS diodes are installed in each module to minimize loss due partial shading

Interior mounted duct system (R-5 flex ducts)

WIND POWER:
o    One of the most promising new energy sources that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity
o    Wind Power COULD be our main source of electricity
§    20% of supply with only 1% of the US land
o    Large numbers of wind generators are required to produce useful amounts of heat or electricity

SOLAR POWER:
o    The sun provides enough energy in 1 MINUTE to supply the world’s energy needs for 1 YEAR
o    Used in 2 forms:  thermal & photovoltaic
§    To warm building, heat water & generate electricity
§    Cell-module-panel-array-array field
o    Non-polluting, no moving parts that could break down, requires little maintenance and has a life of 20-30 years with low running costs
o    An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar energy to supply all of it’s power needs
o    The solar equipment will eventually pay for itself in 2-5 years depending on the amount of sun the location receives

REQUIREMENTS:
o    KITCHEN-20 amp small appliance circuit
o    APPLIANCES-separate circuits for built-in’s
o    LAUNDRY-20 amp circuit with a 240-volt circuit
o    OUTLETS-1 circuit for every 575 SF; any point must be within 65 feet for an outlet; maximum height for an outlet is 5.5 feet; any wall 2’ wide must have an outlet; hallway requires 10 foot/outlet
o    BATHROOM-separate 20amp circuit

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