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After considering the efficiencies of different renewable energy sources, we chose a two-system approach to power the building. Solar collectors, located in a double-skin cavity, will provide hot water for domestic needs as well as to heat and cool the building. Photovoltaic panels will also be used to provide electricity for the lighting system, plug loads, and the miscellaneous pumps and fans associated with the HVAC system. Because the solar collectors are more efficient at converting solar radiation to heat than PV panels to electricity, this approach gave us more freedom on the exterior of the structure.

This scenario provides a building situated on a corner site in a downtown area. Raking back at an angle of fifteen degrees, the southern façade forms a surface for absorption of the sun’s energy while maintaining an adequate building volume for people to function. Round PV modules are integrated into the cladding system in varying densities providing both shade and views for the occupants inside. To adequately diminish electric lighting loads, workspaces are designed for a daylight factor of 4-8 percent. Working in tandem with a centralized sky lighting atrium, densities of photo voltaic panels change to provide this light level while still maximizing p.v. square footage.

This southern façade’s panel system is a multi faceted system with integrated functions. Initially confronting the sun’s rays is a layer of glass with an integrated grid work of photovoltaic panels. Next is a metallic mesh embedded in glass which diffuses light and reduces any harsh shadows created by the PV grid. Within this double skin is a cavity where solar radiation is trapped and begins to heat the air. Following this system to the upper portion of that same façade leads to flat plate solar collectors trapped within this same double skin. Any hot air generated within is exhausted up and away from the building within this system, supplementing any heat gathered by the solar absorption components of the system. These complementary energies increase the maximum temperature and flow of hot water. This hot water is served to occupants domestically as well as a solar thermal absorption chiller which provides cool air when necessary. When conditions do not call for mechanically conditioned air, the lower part of this cladding system is operable, providing a system for natural ventilation and cooling.

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