YEAH is a circular concept where multiple systems work together to make modern homes entirely self-sufficient in energy, water, and sewage. The goal is to find ways for communities and cities to grow without adding a load onto already strained shared networks.
Watching the video is the best way to understand how these systems interact. Below, we’ve also gathered brief information in bullet points about the concept’s various functions, and there’s a possibility to book a presentation of the concept.
The foundation of energy supply is solar panels placed on both roofs and facades. The harvested energy is stored in batteries that power the house. Some of the house’s functions can be run on low voltage, i.e., direct current (DC), while others require 230V alternating current (AC). The solar panels are liquid cooled to maintain efficiency and longevity. When the liquid is heated by the sun, the thermal energy can be used for other functions in the house.
To cope through winter, energy is stored in hydrogen, which is converted into electricity and heat in a fuel cell. In times of excess energy, vehicles can be charged with electricity and fueled with hydrogen from the energy system.
To minimize the size of battery and hydrogen storage, energy consumption is optimized in the following ways:
Water supply comes from precipitation to the extent of 80–90%. All rainwater from the buildings and the property is collected in a pond, which serves as a water reservoir. From the pond, the water is directed through a sand filter and into the house’s purification system.
According to preliminary calculations, the supply should work in a dry and warm year, similar to 2018, provided that the water reservoirs are 390–410 m3 in size. This can sustain the consumption of 120–150 people for up to three months without rain.
For drinking water in the kitchen and bathroom, a temperature cooler than 30 degrees is desired, and cooling purified greywater is a waste of energy. Therefore, cold drinking water is obtained from a private well, which can also serve as a backup if there’s a lack of precipitation.
In addition to rainwater from the pond, the warm greywater is also purified in the house’s purification system. Mechanical filters that remove particles down to 0.01 microns are used in the purification, along with Advanced Oxidation Process and UV light treatment. This provides the house with recirculated clean water at a temperature of 30 degrees. The conductivity of the greywater is continuously measured, and water that’s too dirty is directed to the toilet drain.
By purifying and recycling greywater, up to 90% of water consumption is saved. To achieve a comfortable water temperature, the heat pump heats the water to about 45 degrees, saving approximately 75% of energy for hot water heating. The water’s purity prevents biofilm formation in the pipes, avoiding Legionella even though it’s not heated warmer than 45 degrees.
Blackwater treatment is based on biomimetics, similar to the natural cycle. Toilet wastewater is transported to a biological, chemical-free treatment plant, along with the dirtiest greywater. The first stage in the treatment is an oxygen-depleted tank where microbes purify the water so effectively that no sludge removal is required.
The water is then pumped into an oxygen-rich tank, where flow, plants, root systems, and insects complete the purification. Unlike nature, the process only takes 12 hours. The result is clear and drinkable water, but it is only used for flushing, again and again.
The heat pump is the heart of the heating system, as the house generates large flows of thermal fluid-borne energy. Solar panels provide a flow that maintains between 20 and 40 degrees in the summer. During the summer months, the electrolyzer provides 65 degrees, and during the cold season, the fuel cell provides 55 degrees. Recirculation of greywater maintains around 30 degrees. The amount of heat energy makes fluid-based heating the obvious choice for the apartments.
In the summer, there is an excess of thermal energy stored for the winter. Through seasonal heat storage, the building can be heated with solar and waste heat throughout the year. Energy is stored in fine gravel in an ASES heat storage under the house, and is extracted through a liquid loop.
Termites have developed a natural ventilation system over millions of years, which has been an inspiration in the project. Outdoor air comes by self-draft through a large, slow flow underground duct in to the house. During winter, the cold air is heated by the ground, and in summer, the hot outdoor air is instead cooled by the ground. This provides a constant flow of air into the house at around 14–16 degrees Celsius.
The tempered air is directed through separated channels to each apartment. The apartment’s temperature is regulated by incoming air, people, and appliances generating heat, as well as the fluid-based floor heating. The constant temperature of incoming air at 14–16 degrees means that cooling is never needed in the summer. The relative humidity automatically stays at a healthy 30–70%. This hybrid Termite air conditioning system prevents dry air in winter, providing a healthy indoor climate.
The used heated air exits the apartment through natural self-draft. Smart bathroom and kitchen fans can be used where air needs to be forced. Compared to modern high-efficiency FTX ventilation, the energy load is halved.
The underground air duct is about 2 meters in diameter. This provides a slow flow, and all small particles down to 0.4 microns settle at the bottom of the duct. Gravity naturally filters out dirt and allergens. The duct only needs to be vacuumed every other year, and to ensure a constant slow flow, there is an axial fan where the air enters the basement.
Exciting, isn't it? And yet, we haven't told you everything. If you want a presentation of the concept, digitally, at your place, or at ours, you can send an inquiry here. After you've submitted the form, we will contact you to determine the details of the presentation.
