Mechanical and Utility Systems
Mechanical Core
The mechanical core is the working space of the home. It will contain the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as the control area for the state-of-the-art sensory feedback system used to monitor indoor air quality and temperature.
The rainwater collection cistern will be located in the crawlspace below the kitchen and bathroom. Other systems will be located on the main floor for accessibility.
- PV Panels - The photovoltaic panels will be responsible for electric power generation. With proper orientation, they will provide some portion of the electric power during the winter months, and an excess of power during the summer months. This power excess will be sold back to the local electric utility. The net use/production will be monitored, so that during the winter months when production is lower and the needs are higher, the home will be able to draw from this net use/production "account."
- Solar Hot Water - This system will assist production of hot water for normal residential use, year round. However, in order to provide water hot enough for most applications, an "instantaneous" hot water heater will be part of the system.