Residential Densification for Positive Energy Districts

The energy footprint of houses can be reduced by replacing the aging stock with higher density and more efficient homes equipped on-site renewable production. In this study, a “double density” simulation scenario is considered where each existing detached house in community replaced two equal living area on same land lot. new were assumed to several efficiency measures (envelope, HVAC, domestic hot water) building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof. TRNSYS software was used simulate annual performance buildings Montreal, Québec, Canada (45.5°N). It found that houses, which accommodate twice number people lot, consumed 30% less than house. Individually, required 65% electricity (reduced from 22,560 7,850 kWh yr −1 ). addition, BIPV roof installed could generate nearly three times (44,000 ) they (15,700 Annually, half (44%) house's directly supplied system. A significant portion solar generation (84%), cannot utilized stored for later use increase self-consumption (e.g., power-to-thermal or charging electric vehicles) exported grid support decarbonization elsewhere production hydrogen fuel transportation). combined effect construction would enable occupants shift consuming 5,640 producing 3,540 . Residential densification significantly contribute toward retrofitting communities into resilient positive districts.