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"The Solar Decathlon brings together 18 teams
of college and university students from around the globe to participate
in this unparalleled solar competition to design, build, and operate
the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home."
The
U.S Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy
The solar decathalon is open from the 7th-16th
of October on the City Mall in Washington DC, just near the Washington
Memorial. Certainly worth the trip to check out these innovative
housing designs.
The University
of Maryland house, certainly one of the most attractive house
designs, features two Apricus AP-30 solar collectors, installed
by Earth Sun Energy of MD. The Apricus collectors provide heating
for both hot water and underfloor heating, with electric boosting
as required.
Apricus congratulates the team from the Uni of Maryland on doing
a fastastic job and wish them the best of luck throughout the competition!
University of Maryland Sustainable House Design
Photos:
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Electric Boosted Storage Tank
Providing hot water and underfloor heating.
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Click on image
to enlarge |
Please note:
The AP solar collector should ideally be installed at an angle
of 20-70o. Due the the footprint
limitations of the house, the collectors had to be installed vertically.
The collectors will still work, but the heat pipe performance
is not optimal. Installing on the wall (with the angle adjusted
to 70-80o is certainly a good
option in areas that have snowfall in the winter, as the snow
reflects the sunlight. Also snow buildup on the tubes is minimised.
For systems that are sized for optimum Spring and Autumn (Fall)
heat output, such an angle has reduced summer heat output, thus
preventing excessive heat output.
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