Construction system

There are several options for building a passive house. In this article we will look at a house, which is built on the basis of a wooden skeleton-beam structure with integrated combined elements of expanded polystyrene foam EPS between the columns — 18-20kg/m3 with a thickness of 32cm and wood boards with a thermal conductivity coefficient of less than 0.035 W/mK for the facades and with a thickness of 20 cm. cm on the inner walls within a common certified thermal insulation system.
This type of construction is type “TSESH” and represents an advanced innovative technology from France for multi-storey prefabricated construction of low-energy buildings. This method complies with the requirements of Ordinance RD-02-20-19 of 29 December 2011 for the design of the building structures of the constructions by applying the European system for the design of building structures.
This type of construction provides a number of advantages such as high thermal insulation characteristics, independent heating volumes for the different rooms in the building, construction without thermal bridges, short construction times, exceptional resistance to wind and earthquake, environmentally friendly materials, no waste technology of the construction process, dry construction and finishing processes

Price parameters

The approximate price parameters for the realization of an energy plus project varies within 1000 to 1400 euros for one square meter of expanded built-up area (built-up area). For a building of 300m2 of total area with a structure of the TSESH type and its own RES with a power of 10kW/h, with a heat pump installation with COP=8.4 and purchased energy from RES at preferential prices of BGN 0.64 BGN/kW/h, the return for a 30-year operating period amounts to BGN 915,000, with only BGN 690 000 invested this. In terms of value, the main construction costs for the building account for only 40% of the total value. The largest investment share is allocated to the innovative elements used in it, without which it is impossible to achieve the goal.

Facade

The facade for a similar type of house is maximally simplified and complies with the basic principles of energy efficiency. It is covered with decorative polymer plasters, treated in a color specified by the customer. As an option, the installation of an additional facade system is possible, which, however, will make the project more expensive.

Standards and norms

The quality and type of building materials are fundamental to the creation of an energy-efficient passive home. They are assessed in accordance with the Ordinance on Essential Requirements for Construction and Conformity Assessment of Construction Products accompanied by a “Declaration of Conformity”.

Elements

A bulk layer is laid under the foundation slab and is performed by compacted unsorted crushed stone pavement with a fraction of 0-63mm. It implements and provides the modules of elasticity of the substrate required by the project. The reverse embankments around the building are executed with suitable earthen soils, ensuring the design requirements in terms of subsidence and subsidence.

Formwork reinforcement and concrete works are carried out according to the project and PIPSMR. When implemented in winter conditions, the specific requirements of the PIPSMR are observed. The specifics of the building provides for formwork, reinforcement and execution only of the foundation slab.

Heating and air conditioning heat pump installation

An environmentally friendly heat pump installation with an additional passive cooling kit is the fundamental technology for reducing the energy consumed. It is designed for recuperation and air conditioning with energy from groundwater at a transformation factor COP=8.4, which allows for every 1kWh of electricity spent to drive the heat pump to obtain from it 8 to 10 times more heat energy.

Electricity storage system

An electricity storage system is a battery or batteries that store solar energy for a later time when it will be used, solving a key problem. The obvious problem with collecting solar energy is that the sun does not shine in the evening. This means that power grids that use solar energy need backup power sources. The system must accumulate and store electricity in order to achieve the desired effect.

System for the use of energy from own renewable energy sources
The energy system from own renewable energy sources should be built on the basis of a combination of photovoltaic and hybrid PVT panels and modules. They interact with the national electricity grid and the energy storage system. PVT modules simultaneously perform two functions, produce electricity and heat water. This combination constitutes a photovoltaic module for power generation and a solar thermal collector.
The front of the PVT panel absorbs solar radiation, simultaneously producing electricity and heat. A highly efficient absorber, properly integrated on the back of the solar cells, takes away the heat by means of a heat carrier and heats water in the combined boiler installation. Thanks to the heat removal, the photovoltaic cells are constantly cooled, increase their conductivity and work with optimal efficiency.

Joinery, doors and waterproofing

Joinery is one of the most important factors for a passive house. It is glass window thermal panels with a total width of 30 cm, including two pieces of glass. Automatic sun protection devices controlled by the air conditioning system are designed on the external and internal parts along the glass window thermal panels. The doors in the building comply with regulation N2 for PSTN. Waterproofing, another important performance factor especially for roofs, must be completed with bitumen shingles according to the approved project and PIPSMR.

Automated ventilation system with decentralized recuperators

The automated ventilation system with decentralized recuperators solves many problems at once. It supplies the room with fresh air from the external environment, replacing the polluted air from the premises, simultaneously returning the heat to the exhaust air. It also performs the function of a heat curtain. When emergency fire situations occur, it does not spread smoke and removes carbon dioxide. The coefficient of energy storage in winter and coolness in summer in decentralized recuperators is up to 83%.

Sun protection and automation system

The automated sun protection system performs the important function of preventing unnecessary warming on hot summer days. For this purpose, in addition to external aluminum blinds, an automation system and autonomous control will be needed. They allow easy control of light access, a high degree of stability and maximum shading. This prevents excessive warming of the passive house.

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