LIVE Challenges
LIVE Challenges
Sustainable Solar Building Design
Questions? Please contact Jenny Brinker: Email: jenny. brinker @ nwtc. edu Phone: 920-498-7100
TRADES & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
Student capacity: 24 students; can work alone, or in groups up to four students
In groups of 1-3 students, design and model home with the goal of maximizing the model home’ s energy efficiency and solar energy production. Students will use a free, downloadable ENERGY 3D software tool to design a home with a low energy footprint. ENERGY 3D provides options for optimizing building characteristics such as infiltration, insulation, window location, awning and tree shading, and accommodates the use of solar photovoltaic( electric) systems. The Tech Challenge competition will be organized so that students will have time to learn about the ENERGY 3D software and create a building design. Models will be judged based on annual energy use, design, and cost.
Here is a summary of the judging criteria. A more descriptive set of instructions is provided before the competition. Criteria Poor Satisfactory Commendable
Design components
Annual energy use
Solar component
Realistic, livable and affordable design
Judging Interview
Missing one or more of the home design requirements 1 Point
Energy use is more than 22kWh / ft 2( 237 kWh / m 3)
0 Points
Missing solar installation.
0 Points
The home does not appear livable. The home’ s cost is in the top 25 % of the competitions’ home costs. 1 Point Missing one or more Judging Interview reports
1 Point
All home design requirements are present
2 Points
Energy use is less than 22kWh / ft 2( 237 kWh / m 3), but greater than a Zero Net Energy home 3 Points Solar contribution to the home’ s energy production is minimal. Solar panels could have better placement for solar production and / or aesthetics. 3 Points
The home is livable. The home’ s cost is in the middle 50 $ of the competitions’ home costs.
2 Points
All Judging Interview reports are provided, but unable to answer questions about the reports and design.
2 Points
All home design requirements are present in a well-organized design
3 Points
Design is near net-zero or generates more energy than it uses
6 Points
Solar provides most or all of the home’ s energy needs. Solar panels are placed in an area that receives maximum sunlight and look aesthetically pleasing.
6 Points
The home is livable and aesthetically pleasing. The home’ s cost is in the lower 25 % of the competitions’ home costs.
3 Points
All Judging Interview reports are provided, and judges’ questions about the reports and design are answered in a way that demonstrates understanding of home energy efficient design. 3 Points
11