Analyzing, Evaluating, and Quantifying the Thermal Energy Contributions of the Passive Solar-Heating Elements Incorporated in the Design and Construction of the Plumblee Residence Located in Alamance County, NC
Abstract:
Currently, nationwide efforts are being made to help policymakers, construction professionals and consumers become more aware of the benefits of incorporating sustainable energy principles in residential building design and construction Miller 1996. Any success in applying these principles is the result of effective communication by design professionals to builders and homeowners in understanding cost benefit tradeoffs for using sustainable energies in homes. The Gordon and Janice Plumblee Residence, located on 1742 Routh Road in Burlington, NC, is an example of how passive solar-heating design elements, along with simple conventional construction techniques, have created a comfortable, affordable, and low-energy consumption home. This report evaluates the passive solar and energy conservative elements incorporated in the Plumblee Home and quantifies the significance of each element energy contribution. A model of the thermal performance of the home is compared to the actual performance. The accuracy of the model is verified. The modeling software is used to perform a sensitivity study of the thermal performance. An analysis of the construction methods and materials used is presented.