ENERGY ANALYSIS UTILIZING BIM FOR ZERO NET ENERGY TEST HOME

This paper presents the results of a theoretical energy analysis of a research test bed called the Zero Net Energy Test House (ZNETH) in Omaha, Nebraska in U.S.A. The ZNETH project is being designed and built with the goal of consuming a negligible amount of energy by offsetting remaining usage after energy conservation. The theoretically consumed and generated energy levels were analyzed using energy modeling software programs. By integrating a highly graphical and intuitive analysis with a Building Information Model(BIM) of the house, this investigation introduces strategies to include sustainable materials and systems to predict energy generation with a case study of ZNETH. In addition, this paper introduces parametric analyses for better envelope design and construction material selection by analyzing simulated energy consumption with various parametric inputs, e.g., material types, location, and size. It was found that the current design of ZNETH does not meet its goal of zero net energy. Sugeestions are presented to assist ZHETH in meeting its net zero energy goal.