Investigation of zero energy house design: Principles concepts opportunities and challenges

Abstract

This research paper examines the concept of zero energy house in details. A lot of literature was revised to define the zero-energy house and identify its application worldwide. Furthermore, several key trends triggered by zero energy houses were reviewed and mentioned to indicate at the importance of this hot topic of 21st century. Besides, issues and challanges facing this concept were discussed. Technological, economical, instiutional barriers are only few of many barriers discussed in this research paper that have huge impacts on the concept of zero energy houses. Later on, two different studies conducted in distinct locations were examined. The first study used TRNSYS building sofware along with the lumped capacitance building model to investigate the thermal performance of net zero energy house for the sub-zero temperature areas. It aimed at creating the net zero cost-effective energy house for the ares with sub-zero weather conditions. The findings have shown that there is a good tendency for the construction of zero energy houses. The second study aimed to design a zero-energy house in Brisbane, Australia by using the EnergyPlus 8.1 building simulation sofware. Energy performance, potential energy savings and financial feasibility of zero energy house was analyzed. After a thorough investigation, results have shown that designing a zero-energy house in Brisbane sounds like an attractive and possible choice. From the financial aspect, it seems that building a zero-energy house would definetely pay off.