The self-sufficient Solar House Freiburg

The Frauhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has built a completely Self-Sufficient Solar House (SSSH) in Freiburg Germany. The entire energy demand for heating, domestic hot water, electricity and cooking is supplied by the sun. The combination of highly efficient solar systems with conventional means to save energy is the key to the successful operation of the house. Seasonal energy storage is accomplished by electrolysis of water and pressurized storage of hydrogen and oxygen. The energy for electricity and hydrogen generation is supplied by solar 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 optimal routing of energy. The SSSH is occupied by a family. An intensive measurement program is being carried out. The data are used for the validation of the dynamic simulation calculations, which formed the basis for planning the SSSH.