Energy performance of a residential zero energy building energy system – R-CELLS at solar decathlon China 2022

The energy system and its energy performance of R-CELLS, a residential zero energy building from team Tianjin U+ in the Solar Decathlon China 2022, is introduced in this paper. When designing and constructing the R-CELLS energy system, two sets of challenges are encountered. Firstly, from an architectural perspective, the limited construction timeframe (only 21 days) and constrained space for housing the equipment, also ease of maintenance should be taken into account. Secondly, from an operational perspective, a constrained period for tests before the competition, a large number of devices dependent on electricity, heat and hot water supply should be considered. In consideration of the ease of assembly and maintenance of the energy system components and the aesthetic requirements of R-CELLS, an improved “photovoltaics, energy storage, direct current, flexibility” based energy system is utilized in R-CELLS. The R-CELLS energy system integrates various renewable energy sources (building integrated photovoltaics, photovoltaic-thermal, and building integrated wind turbines). Furthermore, it incorporates energy storage systems such as battery energy storage system, hot water tank, and phase change material thermal storage. In order to satisfy user requirements in grid-connected, off-grid and outage scenarios, including electricity, heat and domestic hot water, a tri-period energy management strategy based on optimized scheduling and rule-based control is proposed to achieve weekly, daily, and hourly net zero goals. Furthermore, the energy performance of R-CELLS is simulated for a whole year, including typical days in winter and summer, as well as the competition period. During the Solar Decathlon China 2022 competition, R-CELLS was subjected to testing by the committee. The results demonstrated that R-CELLS can be operated off-grid and with zero energy consumption, while meeting the test requirements for indoor environment, heating and cooling, and home life. •An improved PEDF based energy system of residential ZEB is utilized in R-CELLS, the champion competition entry from team Tianjin U+ in the Solar Decathlon China 2022.•A three-period EMS based on optimized scheduling and rule-based control is proposed.•Simulation data demonstrate that R-CELLS meets the ZEB standards.•The actual operation during the competition validates the reliable performance of the energy system, the effectiveness of the EMS, and the fulfillment of various energy needs of the residents