ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the design, simulation, and performance evaluation of three ZERO-PLUS dwellings in the UK. The design phase focused on simulation and optimization to balance the selection of energy generation, storage and management technologies, energy consumption/generation, and cost targets. Cost limitations, local planning permissions, and modeled energy savings and production predictions resulted in the exclusion of several technologies. However, the process, which involved technology providers, the researcher team (authors), the housing developer, and the planning authorities, resulted in designs that worked best given the constraints of the site and local restrictions. The design and construction phases were followed by pre-occupancy testing to assess the thermal performance of the fabric to ensure that as-built performance was in line with intended performance. Monitoring of indoor environment and energy use was undertaken during the in-use stage cross-related with repeated post-occupancy evaluation surveys. Results from pre-occupancy testing revealed air leakage in several locations and higher than expected thermal conductivity through the fabric and air permeability. The in-use evaluation revealed that a settlement scale approach helped the dwellings meet the project targets. Though winter heating varied widely between the dwellings, PV and batteries combined reduced peak electricity demand from the grid by 90%.
