Solar energy, low exergy and zero emission building concept

Wansdronk develops a solar energy, low exergy and zero emission building concept Emporium, with an integrated seasonal storage system, without energy losses, supplying indoor heating and hot tap water. The building concept is suitable for free-standing, connected, or high-rise residential and utility buildings in all climate zones.

Seasonal solar heat storage

The Emporium concept is characterized as a seasonal heat storage with the smallest exergy loss (low-exergy), and without any energy loss. In this case exergy (applicability or quality of energy) stands for the temperatures which are used in the Emporium system, and which are as close as possible to the demand temperatures (20 ˚C indoor and 45 ˚C shower).

Local learn to deliver process

The project conditions are a southern facade for the solar collector, a water column in the core of the building, and a team being able to deliver the local design, construction and installation, and willing to participate in a local learn to deliver process. Solar collector and storage cylinder suppliers, to deliver the Emporium elements, are available.

AR/VR/XR AI-avatar support

The building concept knowledge development, and its dissemination and implementation, will be supported by a virtual reality showing the design, by an augmented reality addressing its characteristics, and by an artificial intelligent multi-language avatar that both guides around and responds questions. Citizens and communities may be involved by an interactive map, to address potential locations.

Carbon credits blockchain wallet

Emporium zero emission buildings need investments in solar heating and seasonal storage, which can be co-financed by carbon credits. A blockchain carbon credits wallet for individuals is a small-scale solution to facilitate this, house by house. The wallet may be used as a reliable carrier for alternative values as well, such as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) values.

Infrared radiating cooling collector

The worldwide floor space doubling in the coming decades, built in warmer continents where indoor cooling is required, will impact global carbon emissions. An Emporium low-exergy infrared cooling collector avoids carbon emissions, by using space temperature instead of electricity. An infrared transparent embodiment, insulating the radiator from the outdoor air temperature, will improve the required performance.

Redox flow electricity storage

To multiply the functionality of the seasonal solar heat storage and its required investments, the integration of a redox flow battery can be considered. Redox flow batteries perform better at higher electrolyte temperatures, requiring R&D on either membranes or electrolytes, able to operate at 50-90 °C for example.