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Energy Efficient House

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Are you interested in energy efficient house? This on-line interactive 3D model contains educational descriptions and specifications, discover everything from Calandria to Feeder pipes.

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Thermal insulation reduces heat loss and keeps indoor temperatures stable. Materials like mineral wool, cellulose, or PIR boards are commonly used. High-quality insulation of walls and roofs reduces the need for heating and cooling. Well-insulated buildings typically have a U-value (Heat transfer coefficient) below 0.2 W/(m²K).

Triple-glazed windows

Modern triple-glazed windows significantly reduce heat loss compared to conventional double glazing. The spaces between the panes are usually filled with gas like argon or krypton, improving thermal insulation performance. A revolutionary solution is the use of vacuum glazing, achieving the insulating properties of triple glazing while being four times thinner and one third lighter. Well-designed window infills contribute not only to energy savings but also to acoustic comfort.

Passive solar energy use

The house is designed to make the most of natural sunlight, primarily through large south-facing windows. During winter, the sun naturally contributes to heating the interior, reducing the need for active heating. In summer, shading elements help prevent overheating. This approach requires no active systems and helps lower energy consumption in the long term.

Exterior artificial shading

External venetian blinds provide effective protection against summer overheating of the interior. They are usually automated and can respond to changes in sunlight intensity or follow a timed programme. The blinds block direct sunlight while allowing diffuse daylight to pass through, improving comfort without darkening the room. In winter, they can be raised to maximise passive solar gains.

Pergola with deciduous climbing plants

A pergola with deciduous climbing plants provides natural shading in summer, protecting the interior from overheating. In winter, when the leaves fall, sunlight can once again reach the house and contribute to passive heating. The pergola enhances comfort on the terrace and represents a simple yet effective way of passively regulating the building’s thermal balance.

Heat pump

Heat pump draws thermal energy from the surrounding air, water, or ground and uses it to heat the building. Its coefficient of performance (COP) usually ranges from 2.5 to 5, depending on operating conditions. In summer, some models can run in reverse to cool the house. The system also provides domestic hot water and ranks among the most efficient heating methods available.

Biomass boiler

Biomass boiler burns renewable fuels such as wood pellets, chips, or logs. Modern automatic models with fuel hoppers and advanced combustion control achieve high efficiency with low emissions. Burning biomass is considered carbon neutral. It represents an effective and environmentally responsible way of heating using renewable resources.

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating distributes warmth evenly across the entire room. With a lower operating temperature of around 30–40 °C, it is ideal for use with a heat pump, which works more efficiently and economically when heating water to lower temperatures. It provides a high level of comfort, as it warms the floor surface and objects directly, gently heating the air from the ground up. In addition, it stirs up far less dust than conventional radiators.

Wall cooling

Wall cooling uses pipes embedded in the wall structure to circulate cool water. It operates mainly through radiant heat exchange, providing quiet and gentle cooling without draughts. It is particularly suitable for bedrooms and offices and can be connected to a heat pump system operating in reverse mode, which provides cooling instead of heating.

Air conditioning unit (split system)

Air conditioning unit consists of two connected parts – an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit with a heat exchanger. It offers quiet and efficient cooling by transferring heat to the outside through a refrigerant cycle. Equipped with air filters, it also improves indoor air quality. Some models can operate in reverse to provide heating. The system is ideal for rooms where passive cooling is not sufficient.

Hot water storage tank

A hot water storage tank (200–300 litres) stores heated water for domestic use. It usually has two zones – the lower one connected to the heating system and the upper one supplying domestic hot water. Heat is provided by a heat pump, solar collectors, or a boiler. Good insulation reduces heat losses and increases system efficiency.

Evacuated tube solar collector

An evacuated tube solar collector uses a series of glass tubes with a vacuum insulation layer inside, which minimises heat losses. Thanks to this design, the collector remains highly efficient even in colder climates or under cloudy conditions. The absorbed solar energy is transferred to a heat-transfer fluid either through a direct-flow U-tube or via heat pipes.

Flat plate solar collector

A flat-plate solar collector consists of an insulated casing containing a dark absorber plate with a network of tubes through which a heat-transfer fluid circulates. The collector is covered with transparent glass. Solar radiation heats the absorber, which transfers the captured energy to the circulating fluid. It is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective technology, most efficient in regions with consistent solar radiation.

Photovoltaic panels

Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are usually installed on roofs and oriented towards the south for maximum output. The generated power can be used in the home, stored in batteries, or fed into the grid. Solar panels are emission-free, durable (lasting 20–30 years), and require very little maintenance.

Battery storage

Home battery storage system stores electricity generated by photovoltaic panels for later use. It increases the home’s energy self-sufficiency by supplying power during periods of low solar production, peak demand, or grid outages. Modern lithium batteries are compact, efficient, and long-lasting. They help stabilise the energy supply and make better use of renewable sources.

Smart control system

The smart control system manages all energy-related components in the house – from heating and cooling to lighting and EV charging. It responds to factors such as electricity prices, weather forecasts, and user habits to minimise energy consumption. Users can monitor and adjust settings via smartphone or tablet apps. The system enhances comfort, reduces costs, and supports energy self-sufficiency.

Rainwater tank

Rainwater storage tank collects and stores rainwater runoff, usually from roofs. The tanks typically have a capacity of 2–5 m³ and are equipped with debris filters and pumps. The collected water can be used for garden irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, or car washing, reducing the consumption of mains (drinking) water.

Greywater recycling system

Greywater comes from bathtubs, showers, and washbasins. It contains no faecal matter but includes organic substances that require biological treatment. The system works like a small wastewater plant, where microorganisms break down impurities using oxygen. The treated “white water” can be reused for toilet flushing or garden irrigation through a separate piping system, reducing household consumption of drinking water.

Air-to-Air heat recovery ventilation

A decentralised wall-mounted heat recovery unit provides air exchange in a room while recovering part of the heat from the exhaust air. The warm outgoing air transfers its heat to the incoming fresh air, reducing the losses typical of window ventilation. The efficiency of heat recovery usually ranges from about 30% to 90%, meaning only part of the heat is returned indoors. The system improves indoor air quality and helps reduce heating energy consumption.

Fuel cell (hydrogen) boiler

A hydrogen fuel cell generates both electricity and heat through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen – without combustion. The only by-product is water, making it an exceptionally clean energy source, although still relatively expensive. In residential applications, it primarily serves as a heating system that also produces electricity, functioning as a micro-cogeneration unit. These systems are already used to supply homes with heat and power.

Small wind turbine

A micro wind turbine installed on a building can significantly complement solar systems, particularly in windy locations. Both vertical and horizontal designs are common, typically with power outputs of a few kilowatts. Actual performance depends on local wind conditions and installation height. They are mainly used in rural or off-grid areas.

Home cogeneration

A combined heat and power (CHP) unit produces both heat and electricity within a single system, achieving high overall efficiency. Micro-CHP systems are suitable for residential buildings, where they can replace a conventional boiler while covering part of the household’s electricity demand. They are most commonly fuelled by natural gas, LPG, or biogas. By combining heat and power generation, these systems make better use of fuel, save energy, and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Emerging technologies

Promising future technologies include thermophotovoltaics, which convert thermal radiation into electricity, and phase-change materials that store heat as they melt and solidify. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels can generate both power and heat from the same surface. Biotechnological systems using algae or microorganisms may help purify water or produce energy. New smart materials such as electrochromic glass or aerogels promise better insulation and climate control. Advanced greywater recycling and local energy-sharing networks will further increase household efficiency and independence. These systems hold great potential to improve household energy self-sufficiency. They represent a step toward nearly zero or even fully off-grid energy use.

Wallbox (Home EV charger)

A wallbox is a useful feature for households with electric vehicles, typically installed on a garage wall or an exterior façade. It serves as a compact charging station that enables fast, safe, and efficient vehicle charging. All wallbox functions can be controlled via a mobile app or a smart home system. Wallboxes can be advantageously combined with rooftop photovoltaic panels for efficient use of solar energy.

Electric vehicle (EV)

Electric vehicles have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine and produce no direct emissions while driving. They are quiet, energy-efficient, and have lower operating costs than conventional cars. When combined with rooftop solar panels and home battery storage, an EV becomes part of a self-sufficient energy system. Some models can even supply electricity back to the home (V2H – vehicle-to-home).

Photovoltaic Panels

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Photovoltaic Panels

Solar string

A solar string consists of several photovoltaic modules connected together. To achieve a higher output voltage, the panels are connected in series. In this configuration, the voltages of the modules add up, while the output current is limited by the least powerful panel. When modules are connected in parallel, the PV system’s current capacity increases.

Aluminium frame

The primary function of the aluminium frame is to protect the solar panel from mechanical stress. It provides standard mounting points for easy installation and ensures the panel’s structural stability. The aluminium surfaces also act as heat sinks, dissipating excess heat away from the solar cells.

Protective cover

The transparent protective cover forming the top layer of the solar panel must have excellent optical properties while being strong and weather-resistant, particularly against hail. It is most commonly made of tempered, polished glass with an anti-reflective coating.

Encapsulant

In solar panels, the thin layer of solar cells is sealed on both sides by a protective encapsulant. Various polymer materials are most commonly used to ensure the panel’s long service life and resistance to weathering and external influences.

Solar cells

Photovoltaic cells convert solar radiation directly into electricity and form the basic building blocks of any solar panel. Each cell is essentially a P–N junction of a large semiconductor diode, cut from thin wafers of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. PV panels most commonly use 5- or 6-inch cells.

Back sheet

The back sheet forms the outer bottom protective layer of a solar panel, shielding the cells from harsh environmental conditions such as dust, moisture, and UV radiation throughout the panel’s service life. It also provides electrical insulation, prevents overheating, and protects the PV cells from mechanical stress.

Junction box

The junction box on the back of the solar panel serves as the electrical output interface. Using short cables terminated with MC4 connectors, the module is connected to the rest of the PV system. Both the cables and connectors are fully weatherproof.

Metal stand

Solar panels in PV installations are mounted on metal stands or supporting structures consisting of anchor points, support beams, and panel brackets. These stands ensure a stable installation of the panels at the correct tilt angle and can be mounted on sloping roofs or on the ground in the case of solar farms.

Frame Sealing

The rubber seal around the frame protects the photovoltaic panel from moisture, dust, and dirt. It seals the space between the cover glass and the back sheet, keeping the solar cells dry and safe. Although it may not be visible at first glance, the sealing plays a key role in extending the panel’s lifespan and ensuring reliable performance for many years.

Flat Plate Solar Collector

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Flat Plate Solar Collector

Collector housing

The housing, made of aluminium alloy or galvanised steel, forms the outer frame of the collector. It holds the inlet and outlet manifolds, the absorber plate, and the cover glass securely in place.

Thermal insulation

To reduce heat loss from the collector to the surrounding environment, the space between the absorber plate and the bottom of the aluminium housing is filled with insulating material, most commonly mineral wool. This increases efficiency by reducing thermal losses and retaining heat within the collector.

Tempered clear glass cover

One or more sheets of tempered glass protect the absorber plate from adverse weather conditions, create an insulating air layer inside the collector, and reduce heat loss.

Absorber plate

The core of any flat plate solar collector is a large absorber plate, usually made from copper or aluminium sheet. The plate is coated with a selective black surface that absorbs as much of the sun’s radiation as possible.

Black coating

The absorber plate is covered with a selective black coating that absorbs as much of the sun’s radiation as possible.

Flow tubes (Riser pipes)

The surface of the absorber plate incorporates several parallel copper tubes through which the heat transfer fluid flows. To ensure good thermal contact and maximise heat transfer, the tubes are firmly attached or soldered to the plate.

Inlet water connection

The inlet connection links the flat plate collector to the heating water system. After entering the collector, the water is evenly distributed among the longitudinal copper tubes on the absorber plate, where it is heated as it flows through.

Hot water outlet

The water heated in the collector is returned to the heating water circuit through the outlet pipe. It can then be used for various purposes, such as space heating or domestic hot water production. The outlet temperature depends mainly on the collector’s area and type, as well as on the flow rate through the system.

Solar radiation

The heat gain of a flat plate collector from incident solar radiation depends on the duration of insolation, the characteristics of the absorber plate, and the correct orientation of the collector. Maximum efficiency is achieved when the collector surface is perpendicular to the incoming sunlight.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collector

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Evacuated Tube Solar Collector

Vacuum tube

Each collector tube consists of an outer and an inner glass tube with a vacuum between them, forming a kind of thermos-flask that minimises heat loss to the surrounding atmosphere. The tubes are usually made of durable borosilicate glass, which has high solar transmittance.

Cooper heat pipe

Heat pipes operate on the principle of phase change. They contain a small amount of liquid that evaporates in the lower part of the tube due to solar heat. The vapour rises to the condenser section, where it condenses and releases its latent heat. The condensed liquid then returns by gravity to the lower part of the collector, where it evaporates again and the cycle repeats continuously.

Heat pipe condenser

The upper, extended part of the heat pipe where the vapour of the working fluid condenses. The latent heat released in this heat exchanger is transferred to the water flowing through the manifold.

Heat transfer fin

When the absorbent coating on the inside of the vacuum tube heats up by absorbing solar radiation, this thin aluminium fin transfers the captured heat to the heat pipe located in the centre of the glass tube. The fin is in full contact with the absorber surface and tightly wraps around the heat pipe to ensure efficient heat transfer.

Absorber coating

The selective, high-efficiency coating on the inner surface of the glass vacuum tube optimises the absorption of solar radiation and enables its immediate conversion into heat. This coating forms anti-reflective and transfer layers that minimise the reflection of infrared radiation and maximise heat gain.

Heat transfer fluid

The working fluid (e.g. propylene glycol or ethanol) is a key component of the heat pipe. Although only a small quantity is present inside the evacuated tube, its thermophysical properties have a decisive influence on the pipe’s performance. The thermal characteristics of the fluid can be enhanced by adding various metallic nano-additives.

Heat exchanger

The upper condensing parts of the closed heat pipes are connected to a common manifold – the heat exchanger – where the heat is transferred to the service water. The thermally insulated manifold may form an integral part of the hot water storage tank or be connected to the solar heating circulation circuit.

Frame

A supporting metal structure used to fix the vacuum glass tubes at an angle of approximately 45°. The frame is usually made of 2–3 mm thick aluminium alloy and is suitable for installing evacuated tube collectors on both flat and sloped roofs.

Air to Water Heat Pump

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Air to Water Heat Pump

Fan

The fan drives airflow through the evaporator. It draws in ambient air, which passes over the heat exchanger and leaves the unit cooled. This continuous air movement allows the heat pump to extract heat energy from the outdoor air. The fan is designed for quiet, efficient operation and plays a key role in the performance of an air-source heat pump.

Compressor

The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas. It is the heart of the heat pump, enabling the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside. Although it consumes electricity, modern compressors are highly efficient and typically operate at variable speeds for optimal performance.

Condenser

The condenser, along with the evaporator and compressor, is located in the outdoor unit. The hot gaseous refrigerant flowing from the compressor condenses here, releasing its latent heat into the closed heating water circuit, which leads indoors to the storage tank. The condenser acts as a heat exchanger where the two systems – the refrigerant circuit and the heating circuit – meet and transfer energy.

Expansion valve

The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator. This sudden pressure drop causes the refrigerant to cool significantly, preparing it to absorb heat from the air once again. The valve precisely regulates the refrigerant flow to maintain optimal system efficiency.

Evaporator

The evaporator is part of the outdoor unit, located directly behind the fan. Inside, the cold liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the incoming air. This heat causes the refrigerant to evaporate and change into its gaseous phase. The refrigerant type and its corresponding evaporation temperature are selected so that even at low outdoor temperatures, the heat pump can capture enough energy to operate efficiently.

Electrical cabinet

The electrical cabinet houses the control electronics of the heat pump, including circuit boards, sensors, and communication interfaces. It processes signals from temperature and pressure sensors, manages compressor and fan operation, and provides diagnostic and protection functions. Access to the cabinet is restricted to qualified technicians.

Control electronics

Located inside the building, this module controls the entire operation of the heat pump. It regulates temperatures, fan speed, and compressor output based on sensor data and user settings. The electronics also communicate with thermostats, mobile apps, or building energy management systems. Intelligent control is essential for achieving high efficiency and indoor comfort.

Pump housing (enclosure)

The outer casing protects all internal components from weather and mechanical damage. It is usually made of galvanised steel or weather-resistant plastic. Proper housing also contributes to sound insulation, while its design often combines durability with a modern appearance.

Heating circuit

The heating circuit forms the final link in the chain that transfers heat from the outdoor environment into the building interior. It typically includes a storage tank, along with a circulation pump and a system of water-based heating pipes ending in radiators or underfloor heating. The heating circuit ensures reliable and even distribution of heat throughout the home.

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