 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
Geo-Solar Heating and Cooling for The Farmhouse
Click on image of the Farmhouse to see energy system details.
The Farmhouse is heated and cooled with energy-efficient solar electric power connected to a geothermal system. Geothermal is also known as ground sourcing since it utilizes the earth as a source for heat in winter and a place to deposit unwanted heat in the summer.
In The Farmhouse, solar and geothermal are brought together to condition the home in a very simple, energy-efficient, clean and cost-effective manner referred to as Geo-Solar. Investment in these systems results in control of energy costs for the owner. The Farmhouse does not rely on non-renewable resources for heating and cooling. These systems can be used in any home. For The Farmhouse, the owners invested in energy efficient systems for comfort, financial, and environmental reasons.
On the roof above the Brain, photovoltaic, or solar panels are located. These panels collect energy from the sun for conversion into electric power. The roof is designed so that PV panels can be added and eventually The Farmhouse will be self-supporting in terms of electric needs. This is referred to as being off-the-grid since the house will operate without reliance on the utility power grid. At that time, The Farmhouse will be able to sell electricity back to the utility company since its PV's will gather more energy than is needed to operate the house. The Farmhouse is outfitted with energy-conserving appliances and electrical devices which also reduce energy consumption by The Farmhouse and its residents.
Brain
In The Farmhouse, an enclosed area, basically a large utility closet,
is constructed from the ground level to the upper floor. This area is
referred to as the Brain. The Brain is where utilities and services are
collected and distributed for heating, cooling, powering, and conditioning
The Farmhouse. These include such services as plumbing, electrical, communications,
telephone, water heater, heat pump, and solar equipment.
Because of the cooler mountain climate, cooling for The Farmhouse is mainly through cross-ventilation from operable windows and shading from building overhangs and trees. A small amount of mechanical cooling is provided along the south face of the house and is achieved through geothermal cooling. In the geothermal cooling process, the heat exchanger is reversed so that warm air is removed through ductwork and is deposited in the ground.
Geothermal
Heat Exchanger
Solar electricity is used in The Farmhouse to power a heat exchanger,
basically a heat pump, which is located on the ground floor of the Brain.
The heat exchanger connects to a series of small pipes which run 150 feet
into the ground. The pipes are a closed-loop which means liquid is sealed
in the pipes. This liquid circulates continuously from the heat exchanger,
150 feet down to the lowest level in the pipes. At such a level, the earth's
temperature is approximately 50 degrees. In the winter, the liquid extracts
this heat from below ground and carries it to the heat exchanger which
then boosts it to a comfortable 70 degrees for use in heating the home.
In the summer, the process is reversed so that warm air from the home
is deposited in the ground.
As explained under "Energy-Efficient Materials", Premier Building System's Structural Insulated Panels, also known as (SIP's), enclose The Farmhouse. These highly efficient insulators retain the interior warmth of the home in the winter. In summer, SIP's provide thermal protection from the sun's rays and hot outdoor conditions. Overhangs for shading, in the form of balconies and rooflines, contribute to the thermal integrity of the SIP's.
Radiant
Heating
During cold months, each floor of the home is supplied with radiant
heat. Radiant heating is a closed-loop piping system in which laminated
tubes are embedded in floors. Kitec laminated tubes were used on The Farmhouse
as these materials provide an extremely quiet and maintenance free system.
Warm liquid circulates through the Kitec tubes to create a comfortable
source of heat which does not require ducts, blown air, or air filters.
No dust is generated by radiant heating.
Forbo Natural Linoleum is the floor finish throughout most of the house.
This durable material which is made primarily of raw materials such as
linseed oil, wood flour, jute backing, and rosins works well with the
radiant heating system.
Plumbing
Standard
plumbing for The Farmhouse includes off-the-shelf items obtained at local
hardware and building supply stores. Water conserving plumbing fixtures
are plumbed with Kitec piping connected to water reducing Delta faucets.
Kitec pipes and Delta faucets also bring new life to reused sinks. Kitec
is also used to plumb re-used sinks. This combines the latest in high-tech
plumbing and piping with new and vintage sinks.
Lighting
Lighting
fixtures are also off the shelf from local stores. A number of reused
and recycled fixtures have been used through out including a stainless
steel wall sconce fabricated from a serving dish and an old spoon. Lighting
was selected and developed based on compatibility with energy-saving bulbs.
High-Tech Plumbing Methods and Materials
High-tech composite plumbing piping is used in The Farmhouse instead
of standard copper, PVC, and metal piping. Manufactured by Ipex, Inc.,
this newly developed composite "Kitec" pipe is made of aluminum tube laminated
between interior and exterior layers of plastic. This technology combines
the strength of metal tubing with the longevity of plastic. It is fast
and easy to install and eliminates the need for pastes, solder, welding
and special tools. A major advantage of Kitec laminated piping is that
it will not corrode, pit, or develop scale build-up so that water flow
remains consistent year after year.
Upon completion of drawings for The Farmhouse, an energy analysis was performed to predict energy consumption by The Farmhouse after owner move-in. An actual Energy Analysis of the home will be performed during the first year the owners occupy the home. This will include information collected from devices which read thermal (temperature) changes through building enclosures, information from utility meter readings and bills, as well as user comfort evaluations.
Walls, r-25
Roof/Ceilings, r-31