Energy and Environment Strategies of a Chinese Prototype of Solar House: Introduction of an Entry of the SDE 2010 Competition

A Chinese prototype, namely the 'Sunflower' solar house, was proposed by Tianjin University as an entry of the 2010 'Solar Decathlon Europe (SDE)' international competition. The paper focuses on its major concept, which is to integrate the aesthetic and spatial aspects of architectural designing with appropriate solar energy techniques. First, the passive strategies initiated from the traditional courtyard house are introduced. Then the active solar system, which combines PV panels, radiation panels, PV/T system and automatic controlling system are elaborated. The marketing viability and industrialization of the prototype are also discussed. Finally, the key points of the prototype are concluded and the measures of improving its environmental performance are suggested.