History
The Show-Me House consists of a single module that is 15 by 50 ft (4.6 by 15.3 m). It is capped by a hinged roof, which is roughly 14.5 ft (4.4 m) at its highest point. Structural insulated panels in both the roof and walls provide an impressive R-40 insulation value.
The roof supports an 8-kW array of photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity for the house. Also, on top the roof is an evacuated-tube solar water heating system for a variety of home uses, including radiant floor heating.
Technology
The Chameleon Home Automation System, designed by the Missouri team, controls the interior environment. Residents program the system with an interface that is accessible via touch screens throughout the house. Sensors within the structure of the house activate heating or air conditioning to ensure indoor comfort. Chameleon can also control humidity, automatically run appliances at the most efficient time of day (solar noon in a solar-powered house), turn lights on and off, and even open and close windows.
For more information, check out the Department of Energy’s article about our entry in this competition at Team Missouri | Solar Decathlon 2009!
The Team
The 2009 Show-Me Home was developed by the Missouri S&T Solar House Design Team in collaboration with the University of Missouri.
Despite Missouri S&T’s past involvement with the Solar Decathlon, all of the team members from the 2009 team were new to the competition. Their decision to form a partnership with MU was based on a determination to broaden the perspective of the project and make the house better represent the entire state.
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