Pre-cast Net-zero Building Modules with Integrated PV Tiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction methods for net-zero energy buildings face challenges such as lack of scalability, inefficiencies in energy consumption, and difficulties in achieving zero energy targets due to poor quality control and high costs, especially when using pre-cast building systems which lack established mechanisms for minimizing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for designing and constructing net-zero energy buildings using pre-cast concrete elements, integrated photovoltaic tiles, and organic photovoltaic windows, with a focus on optimizing insulation, airtightness, and ventilation to estimate and manage energy consumption, incorporating programmable thermostats and renewable energy systems to achieve zero or negative energy balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional build-on-site approaches are used, then construction flexibility is maintained, but construction time, cost, and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into pre-fabricated modules that are constructed separately in controlled environments and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows parallel production of multiple modules, significantly reducing overall construction time while maintaining design flexibility through modular configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
Building modules are pre-fabricated in advance in factory settings before being transported to the construction site. This preliminary action enables quality control measures to be applied under controlled conditions and allows site preparation to occur simultaneously with module manufacturing, reducing total project duration.
2Productivity
If pre-cast building systems are used, then construction speed and quality control improve, but energy consumption optimization mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-cast building modules are designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both structural elements and energy optimization features such as integrated insulation layers, airtight sealing systems, and provisions for renewable energy integration. This universal design approach enables fast construction while built-in energy optimization capabilities address the previously lacking energy management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-cast modules utilize composite construction techniques combining concrete with high-performance insulation materials and airtight membranes. These composite structures provide both the structural integrity needed for rapid assembly and the thermal performance necessary for energy consumption optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If building elements are customized on-site, then design adaptability is maintained, but material waste and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building design is segmented into standardized modular units that can be configured in various arrangements to meet different client requirements. This modular segmentation maintains design adaptability while enabling precise material utilization in factory production, minimizing waste through optimized cutting and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in module configuration, orientation, and arrangement to achieve design adaptability without requiring custom fabrication. By changing the parameters of how standardized modules are assembled rather than the modules themselves, the system maintains versatility while preserving the material efficiency benefits of standardized production.
4Loss of energy
If conventional construction methods are used to improve thermal resistance and airtightness, then energy consumption can be reduced, but additional cost and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of structural support, thermal insulation, and airtight sealing are merged into the pre-cast module itself during factory fabrication. This integration eliminates the need for separate additional installations of insulation and sealing systems that would be required with conventional construction methods, reducing both complexity and on-site time while achieving superior thermal efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the construction of energy-efficient buildings with reduced energy consumption, increased on-site energy supply, and lower construction costs, while maintaining thermal comfort and indoor air quality, achieving zero or negative external energy supply and generating revenue from excess energy production.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more building elements include one or more photovoltaic (PV) tiles and one or more organic PV (OPV) windows
Implementation Method 2
The one or more air-ventilation elements include at least one heat pump with a programmable thermostat for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Implementation Method 3
The NZEB includes one or more building elements and one or more air-ventilation elements, and at least one of the one or more building elements includes pre-cast concrete
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing and constructing a net-zero energy building (NZEB) includes generating a design model for the NZEB based on a requirement of a user. The design model is for estimating energy consumption for the NZEB over a predetermined period of time. Further, the NZEB includes one or more building elements and one or more air-ventilation elements, and at least one of the one or more building elements includes pre-cast concrete. The method further includes selecting a characteristic for a building parameter of the one or more building elements such that the estimated energy consumption for the NZEB is within a predetermined range. The one or more air-ventilation elements include at least one heat pump with a programmable thermostat for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and the one or more building elements include one or more photovoltaic (PV) tiles, and one or more organic PV (OPV) windows.