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operation:operation_and_experience:measurement_results:minneapolis_minnesota_usa

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operation:operation_and_experience:measurement_results:minneapolis_minnesota_usa [2024/11/05 13:41] – speperoperation:operation_and_experience:measurement_results:minneapolis_minnesota_usa [2024/11/05 16:12] (current) – [Modifications and improvements] yaling.hsiao@passiv.de
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 The single-family house in Minnesota, USA, was designed as a Passive House and residents moved into it in 2020. So far it has been occupied by four people and is heated and cooled monovalently with a heat pump. A second heat pump is used for domestic hot water supply with ‘ambient air’ as the heat source. This building is suitable for a more exact investigation of the consumption values due to its being well-equipped with measurement technology for the different electricity loads and the indoor air conditions, as well as the prepared PHPP energy balance. The single-family house in Minnesota, USA, was designed as a Passive House and residents moved into it in 2020. So far it has been occupied by four people and is heated and cooled monovalently with a heat pump. A second heat pump is used for domestic hot water supply with ‘ambient air’ as the heat source. This building is suitable for a more exact investigation of the consumption values due to its being well-equipped with measurement technology for the different electricity loads and the indoor air conditions, as well as the prepared PHPP energy balance.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_1.jpg?300|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_2.jpg?300|Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}]+[{{:picopen:monitor_1.png?550 |Fotos: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}]
  
 ===== Introducing the building ===== ===== Introducing the building =====
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 Tim Delhey Eian is the founder of Passive House Minnesota, which is part of the Passive House Network. The Passive House Network is an affiliate of the International Passive House Association (iPHA). Tim Delhey Eian is the founder of Passive House Minnesota, which is part of the Passive House Network. The Passive House Network is an affiliate of the International Passive House Association (iPHA).
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_3.jpg?300|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_4.jpg?300|Pictures: Tim Eian/ TE Studio}}]+[{{ :picopen:monitor_2.png?600 |Pictures: Tim Eian/ TE Studio}}] 
 + 
  
 ===== Impressions from the construction period 2019/2020 ===== ===== Impressions from the construction period 2019/2020 =====
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 In total, the house offers about 197 m² of living space on two floors and a 60 m² large adjacent climate-controlled garage. Both the front and back yards have generous covered outdoor spaces for enjoyment, entertaining, projects, and to keep snow and debris out of the barrier-free ground-level entrances. The ground floor has been designed keeping growing old in mind. In total, the house offers about 197 m² of living space on two floors and a 60 m² large adjacent climate-controlled garage. Both the front and back yards have generous covered outdoor spaces for enjoyment, entertaining, projects, and to keep snow and debris out of the barrier-free ground-level entrances. The ground floor has been designed keeping growing old in mind.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_5.png?300|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_6.png?300|}}]+{{ :picopen:monitor_3.png?600 |}}
  
 ===== Layout of the ground and upper floors ===== ===== Layout of the ground and upper floors =====
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 The ground floor of the Good Energy House is barrier-free and offers an open-plan living area, a kitchen, a storage room with access to the attached 2.5-car garage, a guest room/home office and a ¾ bathroom. On the second floor, there are two smaller bedrooms with a shared bathroom. A generous hallway connects a vertical space near the stairs with an interior balcony overlooking the living room on the ground floor. A centrally located laundry room, which also serves as a storage room, is located on the north side of this floor. The master suite completes the floor plan on the west side with a generous bedroom, a walk-in closet and a bathroom. The ground floor of the Good Energy House is barrier-free and offers an open-plan living area, a kitchen, a storage room with access to the attached 2.5-car garage, a guest room/home office and a ¾ bathroom. On the second floor, there are two smaller bedrooms with a shared bathroom. A generous hallway connects a vertical space near the stairs with an interior balcony overlooking the living room on the ground floor. A centrally located laundry room, which also serves as a storage room, is located on the north side of this floor. The master suite completes the floor plan on the west side with a generous bedroom, a walk-in closet and a bathroom.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_7.jpg?300|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_8.jpg?300|Ground floor with living/dining area. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_9.jpg?300|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_10.jpg?300|Staircase to the upper floor and indoor balcony seating area on the upper floor. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}]+[{{ :picopen:monitor_4.png?600 |Ground floor with living/dining area. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}] 
 +[{{ :picopen:monitor_5.png?600 |Staircase to the upper floor and indoor balcony seating area on the upper floor. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}] 
  
 The design is simple and well-proportioned, with an emphasis on function and providing adequate space without being overly large. From cork floors to reclaimed ash wood ceilings and stairs, the materials and surfaces were chosen taking into consideration their impact on the environment and people. The home's exterior is durable, with metal panels installed where the house is difficult to reach for maintenance, and locally-sourced rough-sawn cedar within arm's reach for later upkeep. The design is simple and well-proportioned, with an emphasis on function and providing adequate space without being overly large. From cork floors to reclaimed ash wood ceilings and stairs, the materials and surfaces were chosen taking into consideration their impact on the environment and people. The home's exterior is durable, with metal panels installed where the house is difficult to reach for maintenance, and locally-sourced rough-sawn cedar within arm's reach for later upkeep.
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 The windows were sourced from Germany, which is typical for Passive House projects in cold climates in the US, as they offer quality and performance in Central Europe that has not yet been matched by locally manufactured products at the time of this writing. The windows facing east, west and south have motorised external blinds for sun protection. The windows were sourced from Germany, which is typical for Passive House projects in cold climates in the US, as they offer quality and performance in Central Europe that has not yet been matched by locally manufactured products at the time of this writing. The windows facing east, west and south have motorised external blinds for sun protection.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_11.jpg?400|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_12.jpg?400|Upstairs bedroom and downstairs kitchen. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}]+[{{ :picopen:monitor_6.png?600 |Upstairs bedroom and downstairs kitchen. Pictures: Corey Gaffer, Gaffer Photography}}] 
  
 The house is built as a timber frame construction with supports at a distance of 61cm (two feet) to reduce the structural wood proportion and optimise insulation values. The double/cavity wall is about 51 cm thick from the inside to the outside and is filled with compressed cellulose insulation. All of the wall cladding is ventilated. The building foundation consists of insulated concrete formwork blocks installed at a frost depth of approximately 1.10 m below grade, set on fully insulated strip footings. The roof has a slight slope and is covered with EPDM roofing membrane. Downpipes are directed into a garden area on the site, so that almost 100% of the rainwater seeps into the ground on the premises. The house is built as a timber frame construction with supports at a distance of 61cm (two feet) to reduce the structural wood proportion and optimise insulation values. The double/cavity wall is about 51 cm thick from the inside to the outside and is filled with compressed cellulose insulation. All of the wall cladding is ventilated. The building foundation consists of insulated concrete formwork blocks installed at a frost depth of approximately 1.10 m below grade, set on fully insulated strip footings. The roof has a slight slope and is covered with EPDM roofing membrane. Downpipes are directed into a garden area on the site, so that almost 100% of the rainwater seeps into the ground on the premises.
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 After dividing the electricity consumption values between the house and garage, it can be seen that a total amount of just 12.4 kWh/(m²a) of electricity was used for the entire heating and cooling of the house (without the garage) each year. This demonstrates the success of the efficient building with a heat pump. Only 4.1 kWh/(m²a) of electricity was required by the hot water heat pump for hot water generation. For this measurement, extraction of heat from the room air for hot water generation is included in the 12.4 kWh/(m²a). The figure below provides an overview of the distribution of the total electricity consumption: After dividing the electricity consumption values between the house and garage, it can be seen that a total amount of just 12.4 kWh/(m²a) of electricity was used for the entire heating and cooling of the house (without the garage) each year. This demonstrates the success of the efficient building with a heat pump. Only 4.1 kWh/(m²a) of electricity was required by the hot water heat pump for hot water generation. For this measurement, extraction of heat from the room air for hot water generation is included in the 12.4 kWh/(m²a). The figure below provides an overview of the distribution of the total electricity consumption:
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_13.png?600|}}]+ 
 +{{ :picopen:gemessener_stromverbrauch_2023_1.png?600 |}}
  
 A total of 65% of electricity is consumed in the residential building and 35% is used for the garage, including charging of the two electric cars. The PV system generated as much electricity in 2023 as the amount consumed in the house, i.e. excluding the garage and car charging (PV generation 11.409 kWh/a, building consumption 11.035 kWh/a). Of course, electricity generation by the PV system is characterised by the typical summer peak and a winter low. Directly offsetting generation and consumption would disregard the question of long-term seasonal storage. A total of 65% of electricity is consumed in the residential building and 35% is used for the garage, including charging of the two electric cars. The PV system generated as much electricity in 2023 as the amount consumed in the house, i.e. excluding the garage and car charging (PV generation 11.409 kWh/a, building consumption 11.035 kWh/a). Of course, electricity generation by the PV system is characterised by the typical summer peak and a winter low. Directly offsetting generation and consumption would disregard the question of long-term seasonal storage.
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 If one considers the calculated heating demand of the building according to the PHPP, the significant influence of the actual internal heat sources (electricity consumption, people) and the actual weather as well as the actual room temperature becomes apparent. According to the PHPP, with the usual standardised approaches (average Minneapolis weather, 20 °C indoor temperature in winter), the house has a heating demand of 14.2 kWh/(m²a) (PHPP calculation for the certification). If the actual electricity consumption and weather in 2023 are taken into account, the heating demand drops to just 6.2 kWh/(m²a). If one then takes into account the measured room temperature of 21.5 °C in winter, this increases slightly to 8.3 kWh/(m²a). This is the order of magnitude that can be expected for the measurement of consumption. It should be taken into that an accuracy of ± 3 kWh/(m²a) can be assumed for calculating the balance. The large relative influence of the boundary conditions is typical for such energy-efficient buildings. If one considers the calculated heating demand of the building according to the PHPP, the significant influence of the actual internal heat sources (electricity consumption, people) and the actual weather as well as the actual room temperature becomes apparent. According to the PHPP, with the usual standardised approaches (average Minneapolis weather, 20 °C indoor temperature in winter), the house has a heating demand of 14.2 kWh/(m²a) (PHPP calculation for the certification). If the actual electricity consumption and weather in 2023 are taken into account, the heating demand drops to just 6.2 kWh/(m²a). If one then takes into account the measured room temperature of 21.5 °C in winter, this increases slightly to 8.3 kWh/(m²a). This is the order of magnitude that can be expected for the measurement of consumption. It should be taken into that an accuracy of ± 3 kWh/(m²a) can be assumed for calculating the balance. The large relative influence of the boundary conditions is typical for such energy-efficient buildings.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_14.png?600|}}]+ 
 +{{ :picopen:phpp_2.png?600 |}}
  
 ==== Heat consumption ==== ==== Heat consumption ====
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 A comparison between the heating demand from the PHPP energy balance and the measurement of the actual consumption is now of interest. In order to obtain a measured value that can be meaningfully compared with the PHPP result, a few additional steps are necessary. This procedure is outlined in the illustration. A comparison between the heating demand from the PHPP energy balance and the measurement of the actual consumption is now of interest. In order to obtain a measured value that can be meaningfully compared with the PHPP result, a few additional steps are necessary. This procedure is outlined in the illustration.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_15.png?600|Schematic representation of the data evaluation process for ‘heating energy’.}}]+[{{ :picopen:ablaufschema-engl_3.png?600 |Schematic representation of the data evaluation process for ‘heating energy’.}}]
  
 First of all, the electricity consumption must be divided between ‘heating’ (winter) and ‘cooling’ (summer). In the next step, it is necessary to divide the electricity consumption of the multi-split heat pump between the two parts of the building with the help of a PHPP calculation for the residential building and another PHPP calculation for the garage. For this, the two PHPP calculations must be updated with the measured room temperatures, the weather conditions during the evaluation period (2023) and the measured domestic electricity consumption (IHG). With this information, the electricity consumption of the heat pump for space heating of the house can then be determined. First of all, the electricity consumption must be divided between ‘heating’ (winter) and ‘cooling’ (summer). In the next step, it is necessary to divide the electricity consumption of the multi-split heat pump between the two parts of the building with the help of a PHPP calculation for the residential building and another PHPP calculation for the garage. For this, the two PHPP calculations must be updated with the measured room temperatures, the weather conditions during the evaluation period (2023) and the measured domestic electricity consumption (IHG). With this information, the electricity consumption of the heat pump for space heating of the house can then be determined.
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 Taking into account the accuracy of the somewhat complicated balance calculation (PHPP) and the accuracy of the measurement including the distribution of consumption across the various uses, there is a convincing correlation between the measured values and the PHPP calculation. Taking into account the accuracy of the somewhat complicated balance calculation (PHPP) and the accuracy of the measurement including the distribution of consumption across the various uses, there is a convincing correlation between the measured values and the PHPP calculation.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_16.png?600|}}]+{{ :picopen:heating_4.png?600 |}}
  
 ==== Cooling energy ==== ==== Cooling energy ====
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 Overall, there is also a fairly good correlation between the PHPP balance calculation and the measured values also for cooling. Overall, there is also a fairly good correlation between the PHPP balance calculation and the measured values also for cooling.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_17.png?600|}}]+{{ :picopen:cooling_5.png?600 |}}
  
 ===== Experience gained with operation and improvements during the first few years ===== ===== Experience gained with operation and improvements during the first few years =====
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 The unit was operated with its standard configuration for a year. Measures were then taken to reduce the noise level: a 45º foam material elbow left over from the ventilation system installation was affixed to the extract air opening and a silencer was mounted on the air inlet (see picture). With this combination, a noise reduction of almost 50% was measured at a distance of about 3 m. This setup has been kept in place ever since. The unit was operated with its standard configuration for a year. Measures were then taken to reduce the noise level: a 45º foam material elbow left over from the ventilation system installation was affixed to the extract air opening and a silencer was mounted on the air inlet (see picture). With this combination, a noise reduction of almost 50% was measured at a distance of about 3 m. This setup has been kept in place ever since.
  
-[{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_18.jpg?180|}}][{{:picopen:geh_minnesota_fig_19.jpg?180|Air-water heat pump (DHW-HP). For optimisation, retrofitting with 45º foam elbow at the exhaust air opening (bottom) and intake manifold with pipe silencer (top). Pictures: Tim Eian/ TE Studio}}]+[{{ :picopen:monitor_12.png?600 |Air-water heat pump (DHW-HP). For optimisation, retrofitting with 45º foam elbow at the exhaust air opening (bottom) and intake manifold with pipe silencer (top). Pictures: Tim Eian/ TE Studio}}]
  
 The cold extract air from the unit flows from the installation room through the living room. This was perceived as particularly disturbing in winter. After about three years of operation, an improvement was therefore sought. The central ventilation system is used for the entire house. This system is controlled by an intelligent home automation system that processes several inputs from sensors and other devices. The extract air opening of the hot water heat pump was equipped with a temperature probe and the ventilation system was set up so that it always circulates air when the extract air temperature of the water heater is below 17 °C. In summer, this means that the cooled and dehumidified extract air from the water heater is circulated throughout the house to achieve ‘free’ air conditioning and dehumidification. In winter, this recirculation of the indoor air ‘sucks in’ cold extract air and conducts more warm air into the storage room and thus to the hot water heat pump. This shortens the operating time of the hot water HP and the cold air from the hot water HP is distributed throughout the house more quickly. The cold extract air from the unit flows from the installation room through the living room. This was perceived as particularly disturbing in winter. After about three years of operation, an improvement was therefore sought. The central ventilation system is used for the entire house. This system is controlled by an intelligent home automation system that processes several inputs from sensors and other devices. The extract air opening of the hot water heat pump was equipped with a temperature probe and the ventilation system was set up so that it always circulates air when the extract air temperature of the water heater is below 17 °C. In summer, this means that the cooled and dehumidified extract air from the water heater is circulated throughout the house to achieve ‘free’ air conditioning and dehumidification. In winter, this recirculation of the indoor air ‘sucks in’ cold extract air and conducts more warm air into the storage room and thus to the hot water heat pump. This shortens the operating time of the hot water HP and the cold air from the hot water HP is distributed throughout the house more quickly.
operation/operation_and_experience/measurement_results/minneapolis_minnesota_usa.1730810482.txt.gz · Last modified: by speper