J. Candanedo1* and A. K. Athienitis[6]

1 Solar Laboratory, Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University
* Corresponding Author, j candan@encs. concordia. ca

Abstract

This paper presents the results of simulations used in the design of predictive control strategies for the Alstonvale Net Zero Energy House (ANZEH), an advanced demonstration solar house to be built near Montreal, Canada. A description of the ANZEH is presented. Predictive control was used for managing the interaction of the energy resources with passive and active thermal storage. This action has significant impact on the overall energy consumption, peak demand and comfort. It has been found that, in this house, a properly designed control strategy can achieve free space heating over two consecutive cloudy days, if preceded by three sunny days, relying solely on the solar resource.

Keywords: active storage, passive storage, net-zero energy house, passive solar house

1. Introduction

The Alstonvale Net Zero Energy House (ANZEH) is one of the winners of the EQuilibrium Initiative, a design competition organized by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) between 2006 and 2007 [1]. This house is currently under construction in the town of Hudson, in the metropolitan region of Montreal. Numerical models were used to study the response of the house under several control strategies. A description of this house, as well as the results of these simulations, is presented here.

energy needs. It has been designed with advanced (low-e, triple-glazed, argon-filled) south-facing windows (50 m2 in total), occupying 43% of the south facade. There are also windows on the east and west walls, while there are no windows on the north facade. In order to increase its thermal mass, and therefore its capacity for passive thermal storage, the house was designed with 15-cm thick concrete slab floors and a large interior masonry wall. The ANZEH has a solar chimney connected to the indoor space. This chimney has an east-facing controllable damper, which remains closed during the winter; during the summer, it enhances natural convection currents, thus removing hot air from the house interior. Other features include the use of energy-efficient appliances and a design that enhances daylighting complemented with low consumption compact fluorescent lamps. Properly-sized overhangs prevent excessive solar heat gains during the summer. Motorised theatre curtains, located behind the main south-facing windows, contribute to controlling solar heat gains, while improving comfort and adding to the aesthetic value.

Hudson is located 50 km northwest of Montreal (45°26’ N and 74°10’ W). Montreal weather data was used in the design of the house; the winter design temperature is -23 °C [2].