Improvement of self-sufficiency for an innovative nearly zero energy building by photovoltaic generators

In the present work, a case study of an innovative nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) for academic purposes is investigated. In particular, its primary energy vector is electrical, i.e. a Photovoltaic (PV) generator is coupled with storage units and supplies the electrical loads and the thermal demand, which is converted into electrical by heat pumps. The system is designed to maximize the self-sufficiency and minimize the absorption from the grid. Moreover, the nZEB is equipped with sensors that are oriented to smart metering in order to monitor the energy exchange between the rooms of the building. An energy simulation is performed on a yearly basis, evaluating the size of the batteries, to reach the optimal compromise between benefits, in terms of self-sufficiency, and costs.