Analysis of Off-Grid, Off-Pipe Housing for Hot-Humid and Hot-Arid Climates

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of off-grid, off-pipe housing in hot-humid and hot-arid climates in the U.S. The study aims to eliminate the need for non-renewable sources of energy and municipal water in residences by using off-grid, off-pipe design approach. To accomplish this, a 2001 International Energy Conservation Code compliant house in Houston, TX and Phoenix, AZ was simulated to determine the base-case energy and water use. Based on the availability of on-site renewable energy and water sources (i.e., solar, wind and biomass and rainfall) in these locations, energy and water efficiency measures were selected in order to reduce the energy and water use to a level that could be met solely by on-site renewable resources. Finally, the sizing of the renewable energy and rainwater harvesting systems was performed to provide for daily needs as well as cumulative needs during the critical periods, in order to achieve complete self sufficiency in terms of energy and water use. The analysis was performed by integrating the results of DOE-2.1e, F-Chart and PV F-Chart programs, and cumulative rainwater supply and water demand analysis. The simulation results demonstrate the differences between the priorities for energy efficiency, water-efficiency and renewable energy measures in hot-humid and hot-arid climates.