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The Zero Energy (ZØE) Research Laboratory is a unique kind of building in Texas – designed specifically to test and demonstrate various alternative energy generation technologies in order to achieve a net-zero consumption of energy. The net-zero energy philosophy is based on a combination of different renewable energy technologies in a building (such as solar, geothermal, and wind systems) which leads to produce enough energy to power a building and in many cases even create excess energy to return back to the power grid and thus the net energy consumption over a period or a year becomes zero. The lab is over 1,200 square feet and has an open flexible work/laboratory space along with an attached workshop area. There is a living quarter with a bathroom and a small kitchen with a refrigerator. Steel columns/beams were used for building as well as structural insulated panels for the walls and roof. It has a centered utility core for easy operation and remodeling. The sustainability features include: bamboo flooring and millwork, local materials, a recycled glass counter top and back splash, a rain-harvesting water system, and renewable solar and wind power for energy.

Capabilities

The Zero Energy Research Laboratory offers an opportunity for the following research to be completed:

  • The whole-building integration modeling and calibration (modeling and simulation of whole building with different technologies)
  • Benchmark for energy efficiency
  • Social aspects of sustainability: productivity and thermal comforts
  • Sustainable building design, construction, and operation
  • Human occupant behavior and comfort analysis
  • Smart building energy monitoring and control system
  • Energy simulation model validation
  • Expansion to smart-grid and alternative fuel vehicle research
  • Building control system analysis and improvements
  • Performance analysis of radiant floor heating system, ground source heat pump (GSHP), photovoltaic power generation system, wind turbine, rain water harvesting system, energy recovery ventilator, solar chimney
  • Study on the LEED compatibility of the building
  • Study on the best thermal and electricity storage options for the building
  • Cost analysis of the existing building

Weather Station Data​

Data Since 2011:

Facility

  • Geothermal heat pumps
    1. Water to Water HP
      Cooling capacity: 2.33 RT(Refrigeration Tons)
      Heating capacity: 28.2 (MBtu/h)
    2. Water to Air HP
      Cooling capacity: 2.08 RT(Refrigeration Tons)
      Heating capacity: 32.6 (MBtu/h)
    3. 6 wells of 225 ft depth each
  • Radiant heating/cooling tubes in slab

Diagram of cooling and heating pipes

  • Photovoltaic panels
    1. Total System Capacity: 5.6 KW
    2. Total Module on roof: 24 pieces

Solar Panel

  • A building energy monitoring and control system: control system based on more than 90 sensors
  • A rainwater collection system and storage tank: tank capacity is 3,000 gallons
  • Rainwater harvesting/filtration system for portable water
  • Be-Wind - Wind turbine
    1. 8 foot EOW 200
    2. Rated Power: 3Kw/hr

Wind Turbine

  • Solar array to provide hot water
  • Energy recovery ventilator
  • Operable windows and solar chimney for passive cooling
  • Structural insulated panels (SIP's) for walls and roof
  • Low-e insulated glazing with ceramic frit
  • LED lights
  • Day lighting sensors
  • Extensive metering to monitor energy consumption
  • Build conduit for future solar devices
  • Bamboo flooring and millwork
  • Local materials - brick manufactured in Denton - Acme
  • Recycled glass countertop

Structure

  • Address: 3920 N. Elm St., Discovery Park Campus
  • Floor area: 1200 square feet
  • Open flexible work/laboratory space and an attached covered loading/work shop area
  • A living quarter with a bathroom & a small kitchen with refrigerator
  • Steel column/beams, brick façade/SIP panels/glass
  • Structural insulated panels (SIP) for walls/roof
  • Centered utility core for easy operation and remodeling
  • Advanced energy efficient cooling and heating systems
  • Sustainability features include bamboo flooring and millwork, local materials, recycled glass countertop and backsplash, rain-harvesting water system, and renewable energy power (solar and wind)

Construction Project Information

  • Architect:  Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
  • Contractor: Nouveau Construction (E&I)
  • In-kind donations from Schneider Electric, NuconSteel, Axium Solar, H2Options/BlueScope Water, Benchmark Precision Buildings and Acme Brick