Oct 13 2009
Virginia Tech Entry Manages Sun's Energy Sustainably with APOGEE® Building Automation from Siemens Industry's Building Technologies Division
Through contributions of technology and engineering know-how from Siemens, Virginia Tech's entry is more competitive than ever at this year's Solar Decathlon, now underway on the National Mall in Washington DC. Virginia Tech's entry will be among 20 solar-powered, zero energy homes on display from colleges and universities across the country and Europe. The Solar Decathlon is an international event in which the Department of Energy (DOE) challenges teams from architecture and engineering schools to design and build homes that use energy derived entirely from the sun.
"LUMENHAUS is a living laboratory," said Jack Davis, Virginia Tech's dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. "For students, this is an opportunity for the hands-on application of what they learn in the classroom and carry it fourth into their careers. Virginia Tech's entry is funded entirely from external contributors, including the DOE and companies like Siemens, and we wouldn't be here without their help and support."
Virginia Tech is competing in the Decathlon for the third time and this year's entry is considered to be very competitive. LUMENHAUS uses current technology to make the homeowner of the future's life more energy efficient, less expensive and above all, sustainable. A comprehensive energy and resource management strategy is implemented through technology and this allows LUMENHAUS to take advantage of ambient environmental conditions no matter what the season. Architecturally, LUMENHAUS incorporates open, free-flowing spaces linking occupants to the natural environment outside as well as with each other within the space. At its heart technologically is APOGEE Insight®, the building automation system from the Building Technologies Division of Siemens Industry, Inc. The system allows for sophisticated, integrated control schemes that optimize energy efficiency and monitor and manage all aspects of the building's heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
In all, the Building Technologies Division contributed more than $150,000 in technology and engineering know-how, including hands-on mentoring by Siemens engineer John Hamilton to help guide architect/engineering and computer technology students during both the design and construction phases of the project. As the deadlines for the exhibition approached, Virginia Tech's students pulled a few all-nighters with Hamilton, learning first-hand how to solve real-world technical challenges.
LUMENHAUS is competing in the Decathlon's 10 contests including architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort, appliances, water heating, lighting, home entertainment, as well as a special two-part net metering competition, where teams are rated on their energy generating capabilities and can win a bonus for having house that produces more energy than it consumes. Other sustainable features include the use of passive energy systems, radiant heating and building materials that are from renewable and/or recyclable sources.
Source: http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry/us/en/