Design, Project, and Realization of a Prototype of an Energy-efficient Prefabricated House IDA I. using Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

In this paper, we describe our experience with the design, project, and implementation of a prototype of an energy-efficient prefabricated house IDA I. using renewable energy sources (RES). This prototype is the result of our research in the field of energy (solar) roofs, ground heat storages, and active thermal protection. The client of the applied research, the owner of the prefabricated plant, has purchased the license for the patented ISOMAX system. Experience from the implementation of buildings according to this system shows the high potential using of RES but also the shortcomings caused by the variable, unstable, hardly predictable solar and geothermic energy stored in ground heat storages. The production of panels ISOMAX in the lost form from expanded polystyrene was too complicated, time-consuming, and often showed problems from a static point of view. Our research aimed to design an innovative, original, and reliable mode of operation for the IDA I. prefabricated house prototype under development, which in synergy with the building management system, will optimize the mode of operation of all heat/cooling sources and energy systems. Another task was to innovate the design of the envelope panel with active thermal protection, eliminate the shortcomings of the technical design of the ISOMAX panel, and adapt as many components as possible to prefabrication. The prototype of the energy-efficient prefabricated house IDA I. using RES represents an innovative energy-secure and self-sufficient construction option compared to buildings with fossil fuel-based heating/cooling sources.