#Power utility automation install

To overcome this challenge, innovative design planning was required, and a building-integrated system was conceived. This was a lofty goal as high-rises are particularly challenging for PV to meet energy demand since roof space is limited compared to energy consumption. However, for high-rise office buildings and apartment buildings this can be more difficult.ĭesign flexibility enabled TU Wien to create what is believed to be the first energy-plus commercial high-rise building.įor instance, the University of Technology Vienna (TU Wien), as part of its green building initiative, renovated its former chemistry building with the goal of becoming the first energy-plus commercial high-rise building. For commercial buildings with large rooftops, as well as homes, adding a photovoltaic (PV) system can be an excellent way to produce the amount of energy that is consumed on-site.

It truly places power into the hands of the people.

#Power utility automation install

Almost anybody with a roof has the potential to install their very own energy generation system. One of the most promising aspects of solar energy, versus other types of renewable energy, is that it is designed to be a distributed power source. However, the building can become its own energy generator. Yet, no matter how much a home or a commercial building is able to reduce its energy requirements, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate energy demand. There are many other areas in which building designs can decrease the energy requirements of a building, from energy-efficient lighting, passive lighting, water conservation, and more. One of the ways to better manage energy is to design buildings that require less energy, for example by using passive ventilation techniques, passive solar energy, double/triple pane glass and thermal mass material so that the requirement for HVAC units is reduced and sometimes even eliminated. This has opened the way towards managing energy in a more efficient manner. In parallel, commercial buildings are becoming smarter. More frequently we are seeing net-zero buildings and green building rating systems, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Adding solar energy to a building’s energy mix is a crucial aspect in making a building more energy independent however, it is only the first step.Īs the world is moving towards sustainability and energy independence, so too is building architecture beginning to change to incorporate these values.