THE SELF-SUFFICIENT SOLAR HOUSE IN FREIBURG

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has built a complete ly self-sufficient solar house (SSSH) in Freiburg, Germany. The entire energy demand for heating, domestic hot water, electricity, and cooki ng is supplied by the sun. The combination of highly efficient solar s ystems with conventional means to save energy is the key to the succes sful operation of the house. Seasonal energy storage is accomplished b y electrolysis of water and pressurized storage of hydrogen and oxygen . The energy for electricity and hydrogen generation is supplied by so lar cells. Hydrogen can be reconverted to electricity with a fuel cell or used for cooking. It also serves as a back-up for low temperature heat. There are provisions for short term storage of electricity and o ptimal routing of energy. The SSSH is occupied by a family. An intensi ve measurement program is being carried out. The data are used for the validation of the dynamic simulation calculations, which formed the b asis for planning the SSSH.