The self-sufficient solar house Freiburg

Abstract

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has built a Self-Sufficient Solar House (SSSH) in Freiburg, Germany. The aim of the project is to provide the entire energy demand for heating, domestic hot water, electricity and cooking by the sun. The combination of highly efficient solar systems with conventional means to save energy is the key to the successful operation of the house. With transparent insulation of building walls utilizing winter insulation the heating demand of the building is almost zero. Small size seasonal high energy storage is accomplished by electrolysis of water and pressurized storage of hydrogen and oxygen. The energy for electricity and hydrogen generation is supplied by solar cells. Hydrogen can be reconverted to electricity with a fuel cell or used for cooking. It also serves as a back-up for low temperature heat. There are provisions for short-term storage of electricity and optimal routing of energy. The SSSH is occupied by a family. An intensive measurement program is being carried out. The data are used for the validation of the dynamic simulation calculations, which formed the basis for planning the SSSH. 28 refs., 42 figs., 9 tabs.