Energy House Study, Year 10
The challenge of making our energy consumption more sustainable is at the heart of how we live today. In this concept study, we present an innovative approach to how a house with a living space of 420 square meters and an initial energy requirement of 9,800 kilowatt hours per year can be gradually developed to provide its own energy. Through the clever combination of solar cells, photovoltaics and geothermal energy, we strive for a self-sufficient energy supply in order to achieve not only ecological but also economic advantages.
Step 1: Increasing energy efficiency and laying the foundations (year 1-2)
In the first two years the focus was on reducing energy requirements. Through a comprehensive energy renovation and the use of efficient building technology, we aimed to significantly reduce energy requirements. This includes improving building insulation, using energy-efficient windows and doors, and replacing old heating systems with modern floor and wall heating systems as resource-saving alternatives. For this purpose, a ventilation system with heat recovery was installed. The project was undertaken with the support of KfW.
Step 2: Integration of solar cells (year 3-4)
In the following years, we implemented the integration of solar cells on the roof to convert solar energy into electrical energy. By gradually expanding the solar cell area, the house's own energy supply was optimized. Modern storage systems make it possible to store excess energy and thus ensure a continuous supply even when the energy supply fluctuates.
Step 3: Photovoltaic Integration (Year 5)
In order to further increase the energy yield, photovoltaic modules were integrated. The use of photovoltaics can not only generate additional electricity, but also increase the versatility of energy generation. Intelligent energy management systems have been implemented to ensure optimal use of the energy generated and to efficiently reduce the energy needs of the house.
Step 4: Integration of geothermal energy (year 6)
The next step was to incorporate geothermal energy as another sustainable heat source. A geothermal heat exchanger was installed to use the energy stored in the ground for heating and hot water preparation. This geothermal solution helps to further minimize the home's overall energy consumption and increase independence from external energy sources, especially in the months of November to March.
Step 5: Optimization and self-sufficiency (years 7-10)
In years 7-10, the focus was on optimization and fine-tuning. Technological energy production is continuously monitored by AI in order to achieve more efficient use. Through the gradual combination of solar cells, photovoltaics and geothermal energy, the house finally became self-sufficient in year 10 of the project study, achieved an independent energy supply and actively contributes to reducing the ecological footprint. Our concept study shows how, through the clever integration of various sustainable technologies, a step-by-step path to the self-energy supply of a house with a size of 420 square meters and an initial energy requirement of 9,800 kilowatt hours per year is possible. The vision of sustainable and self-sufficient living thus becomes tangible and illustrates the potential of energy production that is in harmony with nature. The continuation of the concept study focuses on intelligent organization and energy production and use management as well as new approaches to intelligent storage of excess solar and photovoltaic energy from May to September.