So far the automation team has focused predominantly on research and construction of the test box. The test box is a box that is small enough to be easily moved but large enough to have small modules installed for testing purposes before similar modules will be installed into the house. This will allow for us to prove our concepts before any alterations will be made to the house and allow us to finalize designs before implementation.
Archives for March 2011
Passive Solar Design Group Update
The Passive
Solar Design group has been working rigorously through the Fall 2010 and Spring
2011 semesters developing a series of energy models that evaluate the performance
of the proposed architectural designs.
Using the energy modeling program Ecotect Analysis, the team is able to
estimate the effects that specific architectural elements have on influencing
the internal building environment. That
is, evaluating how key building components, such as thermal mass, affect the
internal temperature, humidity and overall comfort of the building and its
inhabitants.
The team has
also been investigating daylighting design with the help of both Revit
Architecture and Ecotect. Using these tools the group is able to evaluate the
amount of daylight received by interior spaces at any time and at any place on
the planet. This allows the group to analyze and recommend the most ideal
placement of windows, overhangs and other shading devices.
The results
of these analyses will be used to direct the design of the upcoming 2013 Solar
House and enhance overall building performance as well as eliminate the costs
associated with poor design decisions.
These tools are just one of the many reasons why the Missouri S&T
Solar House Team is leading the way in sustainable and energy efficient
design.
Design Charrette
After weeks of initial design within the current groups: Architectural, Passive Solar, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and Home Automation, they all came together for a design “charrette”. During this two hour session, members and leaders from all of Missouri S&T’s design subgroups came together to explain their ideas developed throughout the semester.
After having each group lead present to the rest of the team, time was taken to allow members to comment on system integration and potential design considerations, and to brainstorm solutions to these challenges.
We then headed for the Butler-Carlton Hall atrium where the proposed floor plan for the next house was laid out on the terrazzo floor. This interactive aid helped team members visualize the layout and get a better feeling of space usage and flow.
Science Center
Night for Science Professionals
-Annelise Smith
New on campus? Want to get involved? Check out the PRO Day Resource Fair!
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