Page 61 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 2

when someone enters the room. Users frequently entered these general-use rooms for very short periods and automatic startup of the systems resulted in excessive operation time. Manual control eliminated these periods of operation that are essentially unnecessary and not desired by the intermittent user.
The window actuator for the openable ventilating windows proved to be excessively noisy. Op- eration was changed from several setpoints of openness to one or two, as well as adjusting every half hour rather than more frequently, in order to minimize the disruption caused by the noisy actuators.
Post Occupancy: Lighting
Simple motion detectors using ultrasound technology were found to react to the automatic open- ing of the ventilating windows as well as outside noise when the windows were open. Infrared motion sensors were added to correct such signals if the space was not actually being used.
Post Occupancy: On-Site Renewable Energy Systems
Because the height of the wind turbines is low, their functionality and operation is compromised by turbulence that occurs naturally near the ground and as influenced by the building and its roof monitor structures. The benefit of this system remains limited to its educational value for the stu- dents as well as for the symbolism and branding of the Zero Net Energy Center, as the building has been named by its owner organization.
The Tracking Solar Tree® essentially has the same limited but important value because of its small contribution to the renewable energy supply compared to the flat-plate PV arrays, its initial cost per installed watt and the maintenance issue associated with its inverter. While this tracking solar equipment collects more energy per unit area of collector, it is still not as cost effective as the simple fixed flat-plate system. It is interesting to note that these two renewable energy sys- tems were chosen in part for educational reasons and, even though they are not cost effective with regard to energy production, the project is still net positive in its energy performance.
Post Occupancy: Occupant Behavior
Like many new ZNE buildings, building users show exemplary consciousness of the vision and goals for the facility’s low-energy design. Users take ownership of the building’s performance and contribute to a higher level of performance than design analyses indicate as a reasonable target. Also common to many first-time ZNE projects, both client and design team strongly publi- cize the project and seek to promulgate the information among peer organizations.
Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings, Volume 2
49
IBEW-NECA JATC TRAINING FACILITY
CASE STUDY NO. 8