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temperature in order to support the air fluxes. The opening modalities of the opening
systems are the same described above for the sunspace.
The building can be equipped with shading systems. Their automated control can be
applied at different complexity levels: from the motorized action simple of the shading
system to the complex control of smart shading systems, able to change properly the
position of brise-soleil in according to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions
(temperature and illuminance level). In this way, by means of the automation control
system, it is possible to adjust both the slope level (angle of descent) of the elements
brise-soleil and their movement speed (or step by step or up and down).
The heating system of the building can be controlled by the automation system. An
integrated control of the heating system can be prefigured. This means it is possible a
simultaneous use of a radiant heating, solar panels and, eventually, of a pellets boiler
with high efficiency (the so called “integrated fireplace”).
The whole system can be regulated using a supervision system with seasonal mode. It is
based on the subdivision in thermal zones of the radiant heating system. The smart
functionalities of the control system for this specific application involves the integration of
the radiant heating with the solar panel, the proportional opening in continuous of the
thermal valves of each single zone, the separate and differentiated activation of each
defined thermal zone and in addition, the possibility to get, a remote control of the whole
system by smart phone.
The photovoltaic panels are connected to the automation system only for what concerns
the data related to the hourly production of photovoltaic energy. It could be useful a
comparison of these data in relation with the weather conditions through the values
recorded by the outdoor weather station, correlated with the sun position and the sky
conditions.
The smart system can be also included as tool to guarantee the users’ safety in the
house, because it is able to monitor the domestic environment for what concerns faults
and malfunctions of the systems or fire dangers. Moreover the automation system could
help the normal manage of the domestic environment, for example by the automated
opening of heavy shading systems.
With smart systems it is possible to have, as well by remote position using a smart
phone, a constant security control of the building, through detection systems outside and
alarm. At the same time it is possible to visualize the visitors’ identity using the
connection with video-phone or smart-phone. For this issue, could be used the same
magnetic contacts on the windows and occupancy detectors installed for the energy
saving management.
Conclusion
CasaZeroEnergy in Udine is not only a simple ZEB, but it is also a prototype, with which
we want to demonstrate that it is possible to build a building able to respect the
environment in terms of impacts reduction and improvement in the inhabitants lifestyle.
Indeed aim of the project was not only the construction of a low impacting and low
energy building, but the construction of a building in which the role and the wellbeing of
the users has a relevant importance. For such reason the design of the building was
oriented to ensure the contact with the nature, guaranteeing a new and better living
dimension for the people.
Until now, we completed the first part of our work: the project, the simulations and the
general monitoring of the house behavior.
Now, we will go ahead with a more detailed monitoring, related to understanding the
energy consumption and the behavior of the single constructive elements.
