Deep Energy Retrofit Solution for Residences in Cold/Very Cold Climates

Overview

The Syracuse University project demonstrates a transformative solution for whole-building energy efficiency retrofits of single-family attached residences in cold/very cold climates. The solution integrates a prefabricated panel system, a high-efficiency mechanical pod solution, and 3D information capture to model and configure the retrofit system.

Project Goals

Retrofit components will be fabricated, delivered, and installed on two occupied buildings to demonstrate a whole-building retrofit solution that is fast to implement, minimizes disruption to occupants, improves comfort and indoor air quality, and delivers 75% thermal energy savings.

Impacts

This project is addressing the pressing need for innovation in retrofit processes. It maximizes energy performance while emphasizing health and comfort by integrating design, analysis, monitoring, fabrication, and installation.

Technology Impact

The integrated retrofit solution is designed from the outside in, minimizing time on-site and disruption to residents. It leverages a 3D scanning workflow for building assessment and retrofit configuration. The insulated panel system will provide airtightness of 1.05 air changes per hour at a 50 Pa pressure differential. Combined with high-efficiency mechanical pods for heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water, the solution promises improvements in thermal comfort and ventilation, with a 75% reduction in thermal energy consumption.

Market Impact

The approach holds the potential for annual thermal energy savings of 114.45 TBtu for single-family housing alone. This extends to solutions for single-family detached and multifamily (two- to four-unit) buildings, resulting in an overall potential energy savings of 1,812 TBtu/year.