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CROWDED SOLAR DECATHLON
I regret that I could not cover all the entries.
Even on a Tuesday, the Solar Decathlon was very crowded.For example, the entry from the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany) was so crowded that I could not get in for a tour. The line was very long, and I had to go back to Crystal City to return to work. The Unversity of Darmstadt won the architecture award. For more information on this house click here. - Bob Goozner Contests and Scoring Just like the well-known Olympic decathlon, the Solar Decathlon consists of ten contests. To compete, the teams must design and build energy-efficient homes that are powered exclusively by the sun. The homes must be attractive and easy to live in. They must maintain a comfortable temperature, provide attractive and adequate lighting, power household appliances for cooking and cleaning, power home electronics, and provide hot water. These houses must also power an electric vehicle to meet household transportation needs. Below are the ten Solar Decathlon Contests:
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For more information please see solarmontreal.ca LINKS
Last modified November 11, 2007 |
LEAF HOUSE University of Maryland students presented the LEAF house. LEAF stands for "Leading Everyone to an Abundant Future." The LEAF house makes solar power central to the high quality environmentally sustainable lifestyle of the 21st century. Man-made photovoltaic (PV) panels convert current solar income into usable energy. The 7.1 Kw photovoltaic (PV) power system will generate about 770 kWh per month, enough clean power to comfortably run the household. Solar water heating tubes provide all the hot water for the house, including the hot water for the radiant floor. An interesting feature of the LEAF house is a salt water waterfall, which functions for both heat transfer and humidity control.  LEAF House Waterfall To learn more about the LEAF house see Solarteam.org Canada House The Canadian team included students from McGill, the Universite du Quebec and the Universite de Montreal. The house was specially designed for cold climates. Fourty 205 W panels produced 8.2 kW of electricity at a roof angle of 30 degrees. Two solar hot water panels produced hot water necessary for heating and use, including radiant floor panels. Control was by a touch panel on the central computer.  Like many entries, the walls were lined with plants.  |
