The Passivhaus standard is a voluntary construction standard for energy efficiency in buildings. It aims to make buildings as energy efficient as possible and to reduce the ecological footprint of the building. The result is a building that requires minimal energy for space heating and cooling. It is similar to the Swiss MINERGIE-P standard.
High-efficiency heat recovery ventilators
High-efficiency heat recovery ventilators are essential in buildings that meet the Passivhaus standard. They help buildings keep their interior temperatures as close to the outside temperature as possible, while also ensuring excellent comfort. The system’s efficiency is measured in terms of exhaust and supply efficiency. The exhaust efficiency measures the temperature of the air leaving the building, while the supply efficiency measures the temperature of air supplied to rooms. MVHRs are particularly effective in Passivhaus buildings because they can reduce energy use and noise pollution.
The key component of energy recovery ventilation is a membrane heat exchanger. The heat exchanger allows moisture to be moved between channels in the heat exchanger, allowing the system to maintain the inside humidity in winter and decrease indoor air moisture in summer. This means that the system can reduce energy costs while maintaining indoor air quality.
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) is another option to increase the efficiency of a Passivhaus building. It uses a heat exchanger to transfer moisture from the exhaust air stream to the outside air. It can also keep the interior air moist, reducing the burden on air-conditioning systems.
The COP ratios of heat recovery ventilators are relatively well known. A COP of three or higher is considered highly efficient. A Passivhaus-certified MVHR with 80% efficiency can achieve COPs of up to 15! It’s important to note that manufacturers generally state the supply efficiency and not the exhaust efficiency.
Superinsulation
Superinsulation in Passivhaus refers to the addition of airtight barriers to reduce the energy loss in a building. This material is considered a form of natural insulation, and can reduce the overall energy bills by up to 30%. The principles behind the Passivhaus standard were developed by Bo Adamson and Dr Wolfgang Feist in the late 1980s. They were influenced by the pioneering work of solar house pioneers William Shurcliff and Harold Orr.
The Passivhaus program also specifies the insulation levels of walls and roofs. These levels are designed to reduce heat in the summer and maintain stable temperatures in the winter. Passivhaus buildings can be constructed using both lightweight and dense materials. However, they must have internal thermal mass to prevent overheating in other seasons. It is possible to choose the colour of external walls, but this must be matched to the temperature of the surrounding environment.
The superinsulation layer is a crucial part of passive design. Standard build insulation is inadequate and can lead to air leakage and thermal bridging. Because of this, it is not possible to achieve the passivhaus standard using standard build insulation. Thermal bridging occurs when two different insulators come into contact, creating a path for heat to travel. Using super insulation in a passivhaus construction eliminates this problem and allows for a comfortable indoor temperature regardless of weather conditions.
Passivhaus construction is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, Austria, and the Scandinavian countries. According to the Passive House Institut, there are now over 15,000 buildings built to the Passive House standard in Europe, including single-family homes, multi-family apartment buildings, and a range of commercial buildings.
Non-recirculating heating system
Passivhaus-certified homes require a significant reduction in heating energy consumption, a change in construction and design. The use of a computer simulation package can help architects and designers achieve the Passivhaus standard. The software can help them calculate the heating load for the house, determine the best location for the heating system, and even calculate the energy costs of various components.
Passivhaus buildings make extensive use of internal heat sources, such as waste heat from electrical equipment and human body heat. Each human being produces approximately 100 watts of thermal energy, which can be used to heat a home. These buildings use these sources in order to create more comfortable interior temperatures.
Passivhaus buildings are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. As of August 2010, there are about 25,000 certified Passivhaus homes in Europe. The numbers are growing quickly in the United States. The concept was first developed in the late 1980s by Dr Wolfgang Feist and Prof. Bo Adamson, who were influenced by the pioneers of super-insulated houses and the solar-powered house.
Passivhaus buildings have been the subject of many studies in the last two decades. These buildings are highly energy efficient, but they do have certain downsides. They are considered to have higher costs than traditional homes. Additionally, they have been shown to be more susceptible to overheating. However, these negative aspects are not necessarily indicative of the overall performance of Passivhaus homes.
To reach the Passivhaus standard, homes must be equipped with a heat pump. A heat pump works by extracting heat from exterior air and transferring it to the inside. Moreover, heat pumps can dehumidify the home.
Thermal bridging
Thermal bridging is an important aspect of Passivhaus. It can have a real impact on thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Luckily, building regulations are beginning to recognize the impact of thermal bridging and some even require the mitigation of thermal bridges. This article will provide you with an overview of the effects of thermal bridging, how it can be reduced, and what it means for your design.
Thermal bridging occurs when insulation layers meet at points in the building envelope. Thermal bridges can lead to draughts, condensation, and mould. These conditions can affect the quality of indoor air, and they are not good for the health of the occupants. Thermal bridges also reduce the effectiveness of a building’s thermal envelope, and introduce unnecessary risks. Whenever possible, thermal bridges should be avoided by designing a thermal envelope that is seamless.
Thermal bridging can also occur in pipe systems that penetrate a building’s shell. This can include plumbing lines, electrical conduits, and interior outlets. To minimize these problems, Passive House architects design their pipes outside the building envelope. By identifying and avoiding these types of pipes, thermal bridging can be eliminated or reduced to a minimum.
The Passivhaus standard aims to create a robust, repeatable approach to energy efficiency. The standard imposes stringent performance standards that require accurate and reliable calculations of energy use. Thermal bridging is one of these challenges, and the Passivhaus standard aims to eliminate thermal bridges in buildings.
Thermal bridging is the main culprit of condensation and is particularly troublesome where the insulation strategy changes. The most common place for thermal bridging is the window/wall junction. This can result in a significant loss of heat and condensation. Passivhaus designers pay close attention to this detail and position windows within the insulation zone.
Cost of building a Passivhaus
The cost of building a Passivhaus depends on a number of factors. The shape of the building plays a key role in keeping costs low. Complex buildings that have more than one wing and outlying parts are more costly to build. However, square-box-shaped houses are easier to construct.
Passivhaus homes are very energy efficient, using up to 90% less energy than the average home. The design demands high levels of insulation and high-performance windows, with a U-value of 0.8 or less. It also requires mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. These features allow for a constant supply of fresh air.
Passivhaus buildings must adhere to rigorous quality assurance standards and building regulations, which can add to the cost. However, the overall cost of building a Passivhaus is just three to eight per cent higher than the cost of building a conventional building. While it is an expensive construction method, it could change your lifestyle for the better.
The cost of building a Passivhaus depends on several factors. First, the form factor needs to be decided early on. The form factor determines the size of the internal floor in relation to the wall and roof surfaces. This should be considered carefully, as a tiny change may impact the Passivhaus standards. Another key factor is the use of a Passivhaus Planning Package, a software developed by the Passivhaus Institute. This software can calculate the energy usage and carbon emissions of a building.
A Passivhaus has many advantages. Its air is more breathable than standard home air, and a high-efficiency heating and cooling system reduces energy bills. The air inside a Passivhaus house also filters pollen and air pollution, making it safer for occupants with respiratory conditions. It also has mechanical ventilation that reduces moisture levels inside the building.