ENERGY EFFICIENCY

FOR BUILDINGS
Efficient buildings using
regenewable energy

Passive house

Mara Bauelos
Mara Bauelos Salinas
Eficiente energetica

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Index:

Chapter I: Renewable energies at buildings .. 4

Introduction . 5

Solar energy . 5

Geothermal energy . 10

Biomass .. 15

Chapter II: Passivhaus .. 20

Introduction . 21

The passive buildings 21

Passivhaus objectives .. 23

Passivhaus nowadays 24

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CHAPTER I:

Renewable energies at buildings

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1. Introduction

Due to limited energy resources which humanity will face in the coming
years as increasing pollution, renewable energies have been placed as
an efficient alternative to get that households have light and heat. Heat
the water for domestic use or access the heating in winter and air
conditioning in summer through renewable energy is now possible
because the technology exists and the ability to do so. Solar energy,
geothermal energy and biomass are the best ways to use these
renewable energies at home.

2. Solar energy

Solar power consists in absorb energy from the sun to generate

electricity that can be used in our homes to heat water for example. The
most common method to produce this energy is by placing panels
typically silicon semi-conductor material that absorbs sunlight.

These panels are usually placed on the roofs of the houses, but
sometimes also on the facades. Although it also works on cloudy days,
you need to live in an area where the sun usually shines.

Figure I.1. Panels on the roof of a building.

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Figure I.2. Panles on the faade.

We can classify how to use solar energy in many ways, among which we
highlight:

Solar photovoltaic: Transform sunlight directly into electricity.

Photothermal solar energy: It uses the heat itself. This method
is technically less complex.
Solar thermoelectric: Solar transforms heat into electrical
energy in a non-direct way. It is an application of solar
photothermal.

2.1. Solar photovoltaic

Solar panels are the most known for using solar energy.

The photovoltaic cells are formed by semiconductor diodes especially

designed to receive sunlight. These semiconductor materials are not
good conductors or insulators, however to be contaminated with other
materials, acquire particular properties.

These properties allow use semiconductors (among other important

applications such as diodes or transistors) to catch the light photons
them releasing electrons, creating an electric charge.

Uniting many such cells in series and adding their loads, we obtain
significant amounts of electricity that can build up and become ac.

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Figure I.3. Solar photovoltaic panels.

2.2. Photothermal solar energy

The solar panels receive heat from the sun and transfer it to a fluid.

One example is hot water collectors, tanks prepared to have maximum

exposure to sun and heat water contained therein. There are variety of
designs with varying levels of complexity, depending on the heat and
receiving (climate, location, time of year) get heat water to 65 degrees
Celsius.

This hot water is used for showering uses, unheated rooms and pools.
These systems are used increasingly in equatorial regions where the
level of the suns rays is high throughout the year.

Figure I.4. Photothermal solar panels.

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Solar ovens are other solar collectors, but in this case the fluid to which
heat is transferred from the air vessel, which then heats the contents.

In many cases this type of collectors are parabolic and has a system
which, through mirrors concentrate the solar rays to obtain higher
temperatures.

Figure I.5. Solar oven.

2.3. Solar thermoelectric

It is called "solar thermal" the application of photothermal solar energy

to generate electricity.

The solar thermal power systems use large movable mirrors called
heliostats to focus sunlight on a specific point, generating temperatures
and heating a fluid.

This fluid can then be used to produce electricity through a generator.

There are designs that channel the heat on a Stirling engine, and have a
great performance.

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Figure I.6. Solar thermoelectric plant.

2.4. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of solar energy:

The most important advantage is that all this energy does not
pollute.
It is an energy harvesting system ideal for areas where power
lines do not reach (rural, mountainous islands) or is difficult and
expensive to transport.
Solar collection systems that are commonly used are easy to
maintain, which makes your choice.
The cost decreases as technology progresses, while the cost of
fossil fuels increases over time because more and more scarce.

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The only investment is the initial cost of the infrastructure, it

requires no fuel to operate, and can be amortized over 5 years of
implantation.
Photovoltaic solar energy does not require any additional space
occupied, it can be installed on roofs and buildings.
The availability of solar energy reduces dependence on other
countries for energy supplies of the population.
It is a sector that promotes job creation, needed to manufacture
solar cells and panels, as for installation and maintenance of the
same.

Disadvantages of solar energy

When we think of the disadvantages of this type of renewable

energy, often costing much more to think about anything in
particular except aesthetically, it is especially nice when you
decide to install it in the fields.
In addition, the level of radiation energy of this varies from one
area to another, and similarly between one year and another
station, which may not be as attractive to the consumer.
When you decide to use solar power for a significant portion of the
population, you need large tracts of land, making it difficult to
choose this type of energy.
In addition, another drawback is that initially requires a strong
economic investment which many consumers are unwilling to risk
Often this method should be complemented with other energy
converting, such as hot water systems and heating, require a
pump to circulate the fluid.

3. Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is simply the internal heat of the Earth. This internal
heat heats up the deeper water layers: ascending, hot water or steam
produced manifestations such as hot springs or geysers, used for heating
since the Roman times. Today, advances in drilling and pumping
methods allow exploiting geothermal energy in many parts of the world.

We can established four categories for geothermal energy:

High temperature: above 150 C. A temperature above 150 C allows

transforming directly the steam into electrical energy.
Medium temperature: between 90 and 150 C. Allows produce
electricity using fluid exchange, which is what feeds the plants.
Low temperature: between 30 and 90 C. The content is insufficient
heat to produce electricity, but is suitable for heating buildings and
certain industrial and agricultural processes.
Very low temperature: less than 30 C. It can be used for heating and
cooling, heat pumps need to use.

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Figure I.7. Geothermal energy.

3.1. Types geothermal reservoir according to the water temperature

High temperature geothermal energy. The high temperature

geothermal energy exists in the active regions of the cortex. This
temperature is between 150 and 400 C, steam is produced on
the surface and through a turbine generates electricity. Exploiting
these characteristics of a field is made by means of drilling
according to techniques almost identical to oil extraction.
Medium temperature geothermal energy. The average
temperature geothermal energy is one in which the fluids are
aquifers lower temperature, typically between 70 and 150 C.
Therefore, the steam-electric conversion is performed with a lower
yield, and be exploited by means of a volatile fluid. These sources
allow small power plants explode, but the best use can be made
by urban heat distribution systems for use in heating and cooling.
Low temperature geothermal energy. The low-temperature
geothermal energy is usable in larger areas than before, for
example, in all sedimentary basins. It is due to the geothermal
gradient. The fluids are at temperatures of 50 to 70 C.
Geothermal very low temperature. Geothermal energy of low
temperature fluids is considered when heated to temperatures
between 20 and 50 C. This energy is used for domestic,
agricultural or urban, as geothermal HVAC (geothermal heat
pump).

3.2. Geothermal energy utilization of very low temperature

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Geothermal energy in low temperature applications based on the ability

to accumulate underground heat has, and to maintain a relatively
constant temperature at a certain depth, throughout the year.

Moreover, the most common energy needs of human beings, in homes,

focus on heating and hot water, which could consider a first idea of
harnessing this energy resource: the underground temperature used for
weatherize homes and domestic water daily.

Applications will depend mainly on the temperature of the ground and

the ability of it to transmit or absorb the heat absorbed or assign the
space to be cooled. This heat will be conducted by an agent of heat
exchanger; in the vast majority of cases is a fluid with special
characteristics, such as its low freezing point and their ability to keep
warm.

For this type of use, subsurface temperatures not exceeding 30 C, the

most common use that oscillate in the range of 10-18 C, and it is clear
that this temperature range is not directly usable for heating the rooms
using the human, who demand the order of 40-50 C, as needed.

It follows immediately that the form of increasing the temperature of

heat exchange fluid should come from a source external to the power
that can be extracted from the subsoil, the heat pump.

Figure I.8. Geothermal utilities.

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3.3. Feedback systems of very low temperature

Solar energy stored in the ground is absorbed by the heat pump (LOC)
by Geothermal heat exchanger consists of plastic pipes buried high
strength and long life (50-100 years), copper or stainless steel.

For these pipes circulating brine that exchanges heat with the ground.

Horizontal geothermal collection: polyethylene pipe network from

25 to 40 mm in diameter arranged in horizontal and buried 0.8 to
1.2 meters deep by circulating brine that capture the sun's
energy, either by conducting direct sunlight or by carrying rain
water filtered. The advantage of this type of feedback is the low
cost but with the disadvantage of penalizing a large area in which
can not be built to allow a renewal of the land.

Figure I.9. Horizontal geothermal collection.

Vertical geothermal collection: is the execution of one or more

holes ranging from 50 to 150 m, with diameters of 13 -17 cm
approx. The energy capture is performed through probes 32 to 40
mm in diameter, most often high density polyethylene but probes
possible to employ copper or stainless steel. Once the probe is
inserted, it fills the space between it and the ground with Heat-
conductive material, which may be the same terrain ditritus,

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cement-bentonite, silica sand or siliceous gravel, it all depends on

the terrain.

Figure I.10. Vertical geothermal collection.

3.4. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantage of geothermal energy:

It is a source avoiding dependence on foreign energy.

The waste produced is minimal and cause less environmental
impact than those caused by oil and coal.
Great savings system, both economic and energy.
No outside noise.
Geothermal resources are greater than the resources of coal, oil,
natural gas and uranium combined.
The area of land required for geothermal plants is smaller per
megawatt than other plants. Does not require dams, logging, and
construction of pipelines (gas or oil pipelines) or fuel storage
tanks.
CO2 emissions with greenhouse effect are less than that would be
issued for the same fuel energy.

Disadvantages of geothermal energy:

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In some cases emission of hydrogen sulphuric is detected by its

odor of rotten eggs, but in large quantities is not paid and is
lethal.
Water Pollution coming with substances like arsenic, ammonia,
etc..
Thermal pollution.
Deterioration of the landscape.
You can not transport (primary energy).
It is available only in certain places, except the one used in
geothermal air conditioning pump, which can be used anywhere
on Earth.

4. Biomass

Bioenergy or biomass energy is a type of renewable energy from the

use of organic matter formed in some industrial and biological or
mechanical process, generally, of the substances that make up living
things (plants, humans, animals, etc.) , or their remains and wastes.
The utilization of biomass energy is directly (for example, by
combustion), or by conversion into other substances which may be
utilized as fuels or later foods.

Figure I.11. Biomass

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Generally through boilers, as usual diesel. Thermal applications with

heat and hot water are the most common in the biomass sector. At a
lower level of development lies electricity production. Thermal
production still uses a scale that begins in individual boilers or stoves
traditionally used in homes.

In a second ladder was placed boilers designed to block or apartment

building, comparable in performance to the normal fuel oil or natural
gas to homes that provide heating and hot water. Due to the need for a
large, dry storage of biofuel facilities such buildings may have problems
with small boiler rooms and little usable space.

4.1. Biomass boiler

Biomass boilers are those that use natural fuels from renewable
resources for its operation. The wood pellets from forest residues or
surplus wood industries, olive pits, nut shells, wood etc.. are natural
energy sources using biomass boilers.

The feeding of biofuel biomass boilers, it is cheaper than traditional

fuels (diesel, propane, etc ...), with its price also more stable over time,
as it does not depend on the prices fixing other countries.

Figure I.12. Pellets.

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Types of biomass as fuel boilers:

o Pellet boilers: Only uniform feed rate fluid fuel such as

pellets or olive pits, which are absorbed into the boiler by
means of suction or worm. These are the most common for
medium power (domestic).

Figure I.13. Pellets boiler.

o Policombustible boilers: They can feed all kinds of biofuel

crushed, requiring more storage. They are bigger and more
powerful (industrial use).

o Wood stoves: They use wood logs for burning. For its high
aesthetic value as a fireplace, design are made for home
use.

Biomass boiler operation

A biomass boiler operates in a similar manner to a gas boiler. The

burner burns fuel pellet that is provided, generating a horizontal flame
enters the boiler, as is common in diesel systems.

The heat generated during this combustion (fuel in this case natural) is
transmitted to the circuit water in exchanger incorporated in the boiler.
The hot water generated is used for heating and domestic hot water,
pool heating, etc..

The biomass boilers require a container or silo for storage of biofuel

situated next to the boiler. From it, a screw feeder or suction, leads to
the boiler, where combustion takes place.

Burning biomass produces some ash, which is usually collected

automatically in an ashtray to be emptied about four times a year.

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To optimize the operation of the boiler biomass can install an

accumulator, which stores heat in a manner similar to a solar energy
system.

4.2. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of biomass:

It does not emit gases that cause the greenhouse effect.

Has virtually nil sulphur content so that the emission of sulphur
dioxide is minimal. The sulphur dioxide, together with the
nitrogen oxides, is causes of acid rain.
The use of biomass as biofuel in the internal combustion engine
reduces the use of fossil fuel powered engines that high levels of
contamination.

Disadvantages of biomass:

The yield of biomass boilers is lower than those using fossil fuel.
It takes more biomass to achieve the same amount of energy
with other sources.
The biomass distribution channels are less developed than those
of fossil fuels.

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Bibliography

http://www.renovableshoy.com/hogar/microgeneracion_energia/energia
_solar_edificacion.html

http://www.wikiciencia.org/como-funciona/energia-solar/index.php

http://erenovable.com/energia-solar-ventajas-y-desventajas/

http://www.profesorenlinea.cl/fisica/Energiageotermica.htm

http://www.uclm.es/cr/EUP-
ALMADEN/aaaeupa/boletin_informativo/pdf/boletines/17/9.pdf

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energ%C3%ADa_geot%C3%A9rmica

http://geoeficiencia.blogspot.ro/2010/01/captacion-geotermica-
horizontal.html

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioenerg%C3%ADa

http://waste.ideal.es/biomasa.htm

http://www.caloryfrio.com/201009296581/calefaccion-y-agua-
caliente/biomasa/calderas-biomasa.html

http://blogdesireysara.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/ventajas-e-
inconvenientes-de-la-energia-de-biomasa/

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CHAPTER II:

Passivhaus

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1. Introduction

Passive houses began to study in Germany in the eighties and there are
already many examples built in Europe and worldwide.

The Passivhaus standard was officially formulated in 1988 by Professors

Bo Adamson of Lund University in Sweden and Wolfgang Feist, the
German Institute for Building and Environment. In 1990 he performed
the first project Passivhaus standard, four semi-detached houses in
Darmstadt, Germany.

Figure II.1. First Passivhaus buildings, Darmstadt, Germany.

2. The passive buildings

2.1. Passivhaus bases

Passive buildings combine high interior comfort with very low power
consumption. The buildings with a high degree of thermal insulation,
strict control of thermal bridges and unwanted air leakage, a high quality
carpentry and optimum utilization of sunlight so that through the
mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery in enough.

We can say that passive buildings are energy efficiency: caring

orientation, building envelope and taking full advantage of the sun
energy, ensures that the energy demand for air conditioning is really low
and a high indoor air quality.

This requires a good design and planning, with special care in the details
of construction and execution.

Its working principle is to generate and conserve heat by thermal

insulation. In the picture we see a poorly insulated building, where warm
colours indicate areas where exist heat losses.

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Figure II.2. Housing thermography.

2.2. Basic principles

There are seven basic principles in passivhaus buildings:

Superinsulation
A good thermal envelope assumes a good thermal insulation, with
thicknesses doubling or even tripling those traditionally used.

Elimination of thermal bridges

Thermal bridges are points on the building envelope where are
weakened due to a change in its composition or to a point where
are different levels or building blocks. A correctly approach in
designing a building eliminates thermal bridges and minimize
energy losses.

Injections control
A planned execution allows control unwanted air infiltration so
that the building can be heated by mechanical ventilation with
heat recovery, without appeal to any other system.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

The recovery is the key element in the operation of a passive
building: colleted heat carrying by indoor air and transfers it to
the fresh air that is collected from outside, tempered, previously
filtered and with perfectly sanitary condition.

Windows and doors with high benefits

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The carpenters are the weakest areas of the envelope so that the
sections are well studied, with double tightness gaskets and
windows with double or triple glasses that sometimes incorporate
cameras with noble gases in order to improve the thermal
coefficients transmission.

Optimization of solar gains and internal heat

The use of internal heat gains generated by people, appliances
and lighting are part of the energy balance of the building.
Summer protection against excessive solar radiation is also
essential.

Energy modelling of gain and loss

Energy modelling of gain and loss is made by a specific software,
use to adjust the thermal calculations to the Passivhaus standard
features.

3. Passivhaus objectives

3.1. Bases

The purpose of the standard is to limit the energy demand for heating
and 15 kWh/m2 and 15 kWh/m2 for cooling.

The air tightness should be checked by a pressurization test to confirm a

value not higher than 0.6 air changes per hour with a pressure / vacuum
of 50 Pa.

The total primary energy demand by the building (all, including HVAC,
lighting, appliances, computers, etc.) should not exceed 120 kWh/m2.

3.2. Comfort

A good insulation in buildings against cold and heat inside ensures high
comfort.

They are warm in winter and pleasantly cool in summer. You can save
up to 90% of energy consumption compared to conventional buildings
and, as long as they meet the principles of good guidance and rationality
in their construction, support any type of architecture.

3.3. Sustainability

The high energy efficiency of these buildings reduces the emissions of

CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to climate protection and
contributing to a more rational to preservation of non-renewable energy

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sources such as petroleum products. The low energy required makes it

easier to use renewable energy as a power source.

4. Passivhaus nowadays

More than 10 cities in Germany, including Frankfurt and Hannover,

require that all new or renovate public buildings are made with the
standard.

The region of Vorarlberg in Austria has established that all new housing
blocks must be realized in Passivhaus standard.

In Spain they are taking the first steps in building the standard, with
buildings constructed in Andaluca, Navarra, Catalua, Asturias, Pas
Vasco and Madrid.

The Kyoto protocol led to additional savings measures energetic in many

fields, including Build and which implant energy rating system. According
to EU policy objectives 20.20.20 (20% savings + 20% efficiency + 20%
renewable) the European Commission has updated the Directive on the
energy performance of buildings which, from 2020, all countries the EC
should develop standards very low power consumption, in line raising
the Passivhaus standard: buildings almost zero energy consumption.

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Bibliography

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passivhaus

Guia del estandar Passivhaus. IDAE (Instituto para la diversificacin y

ahorro de energa - Institute for diversification and saving energy)

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