The Science Museum of Minnesota designed Science
House to operate as a zero-emissions building — producing
as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. This is
made possible by combining energy conservation and passive solar
design with geothermal ground-source heat pump and solar electric
technologies. The roof of Science House is clad with an integrated
solar electric system that produces its own electricity. A ground-source
heat pump, powered by the solar electric system, sucks heat from
the ground and circulates it through the building's interior. In
winter, south-facing windows let in solar heat, and an air exchanger
warms incoming fresh air with stale air going out.
System Components
•
Ground-source heat pumps
•
Photovoltaic standing seam
metal roof
•
High R-value with minimal infiltration
•
Energy-efficient windows, lighting fixtures,
and controls
