Energy Efficient Housing
Need
We had to design a house that is comfortable for all conditions and seasons without the use of energy. We had eight steps to this project.
1.Designing a hot water heater
2.Solar angles and how it changes during seasons
3.Daylighting design activity
4.Site selection
5.Materials testing
6.Building design
7.Justification
8.Generation of electricity
Designing a Water Heater
First we had to create a heating device like the one in homes to capture solar energy and converting the energy to thermal energy. To do this we put a liter bottle in an insulation filled grocery bag and connected it to copper tubing. This then ran through a box that was wrapped in tin foil, sprayed with black spray paint, and packaging styrofoam. We then put the contraption outside to capture the suns heat. Next we poured water in the bottle and it came out the tubing and hopefully it became warmer. We used copper tubing because it transfers heat better. The black spray paint and tinfoil were meant to gather heat from the sun. Personally ours was not that successful because it was still a little cloudy out and it wasn't made very well, making it inefficient.
Solar Angle During Different Seasons
Our goal is to keep the sun out during the summer and keep it in during the Winter. As you can see below in Winter the sun maxes out at 27 degrees but on the longest day of Summer it maxes out at around 75 degrees. After this, fall would soon start and the suns angle would decrease. The sun actually rises in the East and sets in the West. In the middle of Spring it is similar to the angle of summer at 64 degrees. So in our project we would have to find a way to maximize the suns energy with the different angles that we would have to deal with. Since we are not in school during the summer we need to find a way to gather as much heat as possible even without as much sun. To solve this we put a one foot overhang to get all the slanted sunlight.
We had to design a house that is comfortable for all conditions and seasons without the use of energy. We had eight steps to this project.
1.Designing a hot water heater
2.Solar angles and how it changes during seasons
3.Daylighting design activity
4.Site selection
5.Materials testing
6.Building design
7.Justification
8.Generation of electricity
Designing a Water Heater
First we had to create a heating device like the one in homes to capture solar energy and converting the energy to thermal energy. To do this we put a liter bottle in an insulation filled grocery bag and connected it to copper tubing. This then ran through a box that was wrapped in tin foil, sprayed with black spray paint, and packaging styrofoam. We then put the contraption outside to capture the suns heat. Next we poured water in the bottle and it came out the tubing and hopefully it became warmer. We used copper tubing because it transfers heat better. The black spray paint and tinfoil were meant to gather heat from the sun. Personally ours was not that successful because it was still a little cloudy out and it wasn't made very well, making it inefficient.
Solar Angle During Different Seasons
Our goal is to keep the sun out during the summer and keep it in during the Winter. As you can see below in Winter the sun maxes out at 27 degrees but on the longest day of Summer it maxes out at around 75 degrees. After this, fall would soon start and the suns angle would decrease. The sun actually rises in the East and sets in the West. In the middle of Spring it is similar to the angle of summer at 64 degrees. So in our project we would have to find a way to maximize the suns energy with the different angles that we would have to deal with. Since we are not in school during the summer we need to find a way to gather as much heat as possible even without as much sun. To solve this we put a one foot overhang to get all the slanted sunlight.
Dayllighting Design Activity
For our next mini project we had to design a 1,000 sq. ft. house using daylighting methods. Our scale was 1 cm:1 ft. Also we had to try putting different types of daylighting techniques to reduce the amount of time we would use our 60-watt lightbulb. The techniques consist of two light shelves, 5 skylights, and 2 solar tubes. Once again our house wasn't as efficient as we wanted it to be but we ended up saving 3.906 kilowatt hours of light a day.
For our next mini project we had to design a 1,000 sq. ft. house using daylighting methods. Our scale was 1 cm:1 ft. Also we had to try putting different types of daylighting techniques to reduce the amount of time we would use our 60-watt lightbulb. The techniques consist of two light shelves, 5 skylights, and 2 solar tubes. Once again our house wasn't as efficient as we wanted it to be but we ended up saving 3.906 kilowatt hours of light a day.
Light shelf-bounce visible light up towards the ceiling, which reflects it down deeper into the interior of the room. The kind of lighting it provided has dispersed and a low level of luminous flux.
Solar tubing-it is normally a convex shaped dome on both ends of a tube, ..One end picks up the light from outside, and bounces the light down to the other dome which shines light into your house. This is dispersed lighting and at a low level flux.
Skylight- is a window installed in the roof or ceiling. This was concentrated and at a high level level of flux. Out of the three this was probably the most efficient because the sun hits the space directly.
Solar tubing-it is normally a convex shaped dome on both ends of a tube, ..One end picks up the light from outside, and bounces the light down to the other dome which shines light into your house. This is dispersed lighting and at a low level flux.
Skylight- is a window installed in the roof or ceiling. This was concentrated and at a high level level of flux. Out of the three this was probably the most efficient because the sun hits the space directly.
Site Selection
The next aspect of the project is to choose our site to put our building. We choose this site because there was no shade from the surrounding buildings so we can get the maximum amount of sun as possible. This location would be the best spot in San Marin to put our building because it has no limitations, it flat so it would be easier to build, and it is fairly accessible to all students.
The next aspect of the project is to choose our site to put our building. We choose this site because there was no shade from the surrounding buildings so we can get the maximum amount of sun as possible. This location would be the best spot in San Marin to put our building because it has no limitations, it flat so it would be easier to build, and it is fairly accessible to all students.
Materials Testing
We tested materials for each aspect of our building; flooring, insulation, walls, and roofing . In order to find that out, we made a data table showing the temperature of each material every five minutes. For flooring carpet warmed up the quickest but cooled down quick which isn't ideal for our house so we decided to use dark hardwood because it warms up slower but it keeps warmth for longer. The insulation we choose was was basic fiberglass because it was the most efficient. Finally for roofing, shingles were the best. Stucco also ranked bests so we used that also.
Drywall tested best for walls so shockingly we decided to use that.
We tested materials for each aspect of our building; flooring, insulation, walls, and roofing . In order to find that out, we made a data table showing the temperature of each material every five minutes. For flooring carpet warmed up the quickest but cooled down quick which isn't ideal for our house so we decided to use dark hardwood because it warms up slower but it keeps warmth for longer. The insulation we choose was was basic fiberglass because it was the most efficient. Finally for roofing, shingles were the best. Stucco also ranked bests so we used that also.
Drywall tested best for walls so shockingly we decided to use that.
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Building Design
The main part of our project was to design a passive solar structure and decide on what materials to use. Using all the data we have gathered we had to create a building with $5,000 and without the use of energy. If we couldn't use energy we would have to use the different daylighting techniques that we had previously learned about. The key features we used were we have three windows on the south and east walls to gather the most sunlight as possible. We also used wall tiles on the back walls to absorb the most heat possible from the front windows.
We choose dark hardwood for the flooring because it tested the best in terms of holding the most heat compared to the other floor materials, like what is in the powerpoint below. We choose all the materials that are most reasonable with our budget. Most of the materials we used were based on the absorption and reflection of sunlight like the windows and flooring. Our scale model is also posted above in a sketch up program. To complete this task we first made blue prints of the dimensions of each aspect of the building. After the blueprints, we came up with all of the materials we needed and made a master list of each material and its price and added it to the powerpoint we created.
The main part of our project was to design a passive solar structure and decide on what materials to use. Using all the data we have gathered we had to create a building with $5,000 and without the use of energy. If we couldn't use energy we would have to use the different daylighting techniques that we had previously learned about. The key features we used were we have three windows on the south and east walls to gather the most sunlight as possible. We also used wall tiles on the back walls to absorb the most heat possible from the front windows.
We choose dark hardwood for the flooring because it tested the best in terms of holding the most heat compared to the other floor materials, like what is in the powerpoint below. We choose all the materials that are most reasonable with our budget. Most of the materials we used were based on the absorption and reflection of sunlight like the windows and flooring. Our scale model is also posted above in a sketch up program. To complete this task we first made blue prints of the dimensions of each aspect of the building. After the blueprints, we came up with all of the materials we needed and made a master list of each material and its price and added it to the powerpoint we created.
Justification
We wanted to create this efficient building because we don't want to use the finite amount of energy we have in this world. Also it would be cheaper without the use of this energy. Humans use way to much energy and if we don't find a better, more efficient way to gather it, we won't have enough energy in our future. Our efficient house won't have the lights turned on so we save all our energy using the various features of our building.The pros of most is that it saves lots of money and energy. The cons of most is that they take up a lot of space and hurt the environment during the construction of each energy source. In class we created a google document (shown below) on facts about each energy source.
We wanted to create this efficient building because we don't want to use the finite amount of energy we have in this world. Also it would be cheaper without the use of this energy. Humans use way to much energy and if we don't find a better, more efficient way to gather it, we won't have enough energy in our future. Our efficient house won't have the lights turned on so we save all our energy using the various features of our building.The pros of most is that it saves lots of money and energy. The cons of most is that they take up a lot of space and hurt the environment during the construction of each energy source. In class we created a google document (shown below) on facts about each energy source.
Generation of Electricity
Last we had to create a horizontal and vertical wind turbine. The horizontal turbine was more efficient than the vertical turbine. That is because the horizontal turbine can pick up way more of the wind. To create this we used wooden sticks, paper, and tape. Once we created this, we stuck it on and turned on the fan. We put the fan on the low and medium modes and recorded the answers. After doing this we tried to improve them but the fist ones we made were the best.
Last we had to create a horizontal and vertical wind turbine. The horizontal turbine was more efficient than the vertical turbine. That is because the horizontal turbine can pick up way more of the wind. To create this we used wooden sticks, paper, and tape. Once we created this, we stuck it on and turned on the fan. We put the fan on the low and medium modes and recorded the answers. After doing this we tried to improve them but the fist ones we made were the best.
Wing for horizontal turbine
Wing for vertical turbine
Concepts
Radiation-is heat radiated in the form of waves or rays. This energy transfer occurs via waves that do not require a medium through which to travel. Radiation is how heat from the sun reaches us after traveling through most empty space. Radiation energy is transferred mostly in the form of in fared light, but some is also visible light. We used this for our passive solar project.
Convection- Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid medium. Heat transferred by convection flows from areas of lower pressure, which is the cause for weather patterns we observe every day. The difference in the sun patterns and wind patterns will effect most if not all aspects of the project.
Conduction- The transfer of heat through a substance by direct contact of atoms or molecules. This is used for the house also because of the windows when the sun hits it.
Insulation-protect (something) by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound. We used this for our building with the floor, roofing, and walls. Absorb-take in or soak up (energy, or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually. In this project we need the most efficient absorbers so we can have a great and heated building.
Reflect-Reflection is the opposite of absorption. Instead of being absorbed, some of the heat energy is bounced, or reflected off in the opposite direction. As this happens, the heat waves are unchanged, as is the objects.We used reflecting for once again the buildings paint color and the back wall tiles.
Temp vs heat-Heat is the total energy of molecular motion in a substance while temperature is a measure of the average energy of molecular motion in a substance. Heat energy depends on the speed of the particles, the number of particles (the size or mass), and the type of particles in an object. Temperature does not depend on the size or type of object.
Specific heat- The specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. The relationship between heat and temperature change is usually expressed in the form, Q=cm(delta)t, where c is the specific heat.
Laws of Thermodynamics-is a branch of natural science concerned with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work.
Formulas of Energy Efficiency
Conversion of temperatures - Fahrenheit = Celsius x 9/5 + 32. Celsius = 5/9 Fahrenheit - 32
Gas law-Pressure x Volume=#of atoms x constant x temperature(PV=nRt)
Reflection
This project was great because it made us go beyond our limits. Also it was harder and longer than our other projects so we had to work harder. One thing that went well was I learned the new skill of leadership. I learned leadership because sometimes I organized our group at times when we were out of focus. Also I learned the process of using excel and finding the right amount of each material. This is helpful because when I decide to build my own building it will be easier.
My flaws in the project include me not doing very well in my presentation. In the presentation I could've expressed myself better and be more professional. I shouldn't have had my hands in my pockets so I can fix it by smiling and talk with my hands. Next I should not have gotten a little sidetracked. I sometimes talked and wondered around instead of working. I can fix this by being more efficient in my work and wait till a break to talk to someone else.
This project was so far the best and I wonder how the musical band will stack up against this.
Radiation-is heat radiated in the form of waves or rays. This energy transfer occurs via waves that do not require a medium through which to travel. Radiation is how heat from the sun reaches us after traveling through most empty space. Radiation energy is transferred mostly in the form of in fared light, but some is also visible light. We used this for our passive solar project.
Convection- Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid medium. Heat transferred by convection flows from areas of lower pressure, which is the cause for weather patterns we observe every day. The difference in the sun patterns and wind patterns will effect most if not all aspects of the project.
Conduction- The transfer of heat through a substance by direct contact of atoms or molecules. This is used for the house also because of the windows when the sun hits it.
Insulation-protect (something) by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound. We used this for our building with the floor, roofing, and walls. Absorb-take in or soak up (energy, or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually. In this project we need the most efficient absorbers so we can have a great and heated building.
Reflect-Reflection is the opposite of absorption. Instead of being absorbed, some of the heat energy is bounced, or reflected off in the opposite direction. As this happens, the heat waves are unchanged, as is the objects.We used reflecting for once again the buildings paint color and the back wall tiles.
Temp vs heat-Heat is the total energy of molecular motion in a substance while temperature is a measure of the average energy of molecular motion in a substance. Heat energy depends on the speed of the particles, the number of particles (the size or mass), and the type of particles in an object. Temperature does not depend on the size or type of object.
Specific heat- The specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. The relationship between heat and temperature change is usually expressed in the form, Q=cm(delta)t, where c is the specific heat.
Laws of Thermodynamics-is a branch of natural science concerned with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work.
- 1st law of thermodynamics: Because energy is conserved, the internal energy of a system changes as heat flows in or out of it. Heat is the flow of thermal energy from one object to another.
- 2nd law of thermodynamics : The entropy of any isolated system not in thermal equilibrium almost always increases. Closed systems spontaneously evolve towards thermal equilibrium—the state of maximum entropy of the system—in a process known as "thermalization".
- 3rd law of thermodynamics : The entropy of any pure substance in thermodynamic equilibrium approaches zero as the temperature approaches zero.
Formulas of Energy Efficiency
Conversion of temperatures - Fahrenheit = Celsius x 9/5 + 32. Celsius = 5/9 Fahrenheit - 32
Gas law-Pressure x Volume=#of atoms x constant x temperature(PV=nRt)
Reflection
This project was great because it made us go beyond our limits. Also it was harder and longer than our other projects so we had to work harder. One thing that went well was I learned the new skill of leadership. I learned leadership because sometimes I organized our group at times when we were out of focus. Also I learned the process of using excel and finding the right amount of each material. This is helpful because when I decide to build my own building it will be easier.
My flaws in the project include me not doing very well in my presentation. In the presentation I could've expressed myself better and be more professional. I shouldn't have had my hands in my pockets so I can fix it by smiling and talk with my hands. Next I should not have gotten a little sidetracked. I sometimes talked and wondered around instead of working. I can fix this by being more efficient in my work and wait till a break to talk to someone else.
This project was so far the best and I wonder how the musical band will stack up against this.