Macro Micro Studio: A Prototype Energy Autonomous Laboratory

Abstract

In 2011, the Departments of Architecture, Physics and Engineering began the development of a small Passivhaus standard, renewable energy self-sufficient studio at the University Botanical Gardens in Dundee. The prototype was conceived as an experimental, integrated technical platform to monitor the performance of an ultra-low-energy consumption, energy positive building in the Scottish climate, and understand user behaviour in relation to managing energy in-use and reducing occupant's energy consumption. The building fabric has been constructed using regional sustainable materials, including a low-thermal bridging timber kit relying on Scottish small cross-section timber and a novel foam concrete (air entrained) slab foundation. While further work is required to complete the installation of the renewable energy system, predictive modelling indicates that energy autonomy can be largely achieved. With the recent introduction of the new Passivhaus 2009 criteria in October 2015, this project provides an insight into the practical application of an autarkic energy system in a northern European climate. The following paper describes the research rationale, the processes and decision making in the development of the formal and technical design of the building and discusses our current thinking in the design and quantification of the energy system.

Passive House and Low Energy Buildings: Barriers and Opportunities for Future Development within UK Practice

“…Although supporting principles of low energy design, this research did not contribute specific advancement in relation to Passive House or very low energy dwellings, but did indicate potential for prefabricated off-site construction. The expansion of research facilities devoted to low energy design was also described in the remaining contribution [52] to the journal issue. The laboratory installation aimed to provide opportunities for the study of future developments including autonomous buildings and Passive House standard dwellings.…”

A Behavioral Model of Managerial Perspectives Regarding Technology Acceptance in Building Energy Management Systems

“…These different levels of display options are essential because users need to be able to recognize the energy consumption of their buildings and to analyze and improve their buildings' energy performance at different user interest levels. Some other researchers have examined the benefits of BEMS usage in companies in term of energy efficiency [11][12][13][14][18][19][20][21][22][23]. With those benefits in mind, this study sought to investigate the related factors that are useful to improve user responses from the perspectives of those in management.…”

A systematic literature review on positive energy buildings

“…Many of the past studies utilize Photovoltaic (PV) systems to use renewable energy in the buildings. In this respect, some of the studies combined PV systems with heat pump [27,30], wind energy [20], thin-film cadmium telluride PV modules [29], fuel cell technology [22], or lithium-ionphosphate Victron battery [35]. In addition, PV systems were applied building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) [11,36] or building applied photovoltaics (BAPV) [12].…”