Informed decision making via an integrative design process
and iterative energy simulations (early and often) is crucial
during the development of a building design. We report the
process and results of energy simulations for the 2009 Penn
State Solar Decathlon home, Natural Fusion. The team’s
home entered the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition
organized by the U.S. Department of Energy. According to
design criteria of the Decathlon and team concept, we show
how iterative modeling can inform decisions throughout the
design and build process. Unique systems integrated into the
home include a green roof integrated photovoltaic system
(GRIPV), a pump-less solar hot water system, a large
southern façade for maximum solar gain, a phase change
material integrated into the walls and ceilings with a water
filled floor system for high thermal capacitance throughout
the building while maintaining a low transportation weight,
and a close evaluation of loads and demand side
management integrated with a user feedback system.