Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(4), 1515-1529; doi:10.3390/ijerph6041515
Article

The Autonomous House: A Bio-Hydrogen Based Energy Self-Sufficient Approach

Shang-Yuan Chen 1,* email, Chen-Yeon Chu 2 email, Ming-jen Cheng 3 email and Chiu-Yue Lin 4 email
1 Department of Architecture, Feng Chia University, No. 100 Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, Taiwan 40724, R.O.C. 2 Research Center for Energy & Resources, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, Province of China 3 Department of Architecture, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, Province of China 4 Department of Environmental Engineering & Science, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, Province of China
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 1 February 2009 / Accepted: 17 April 2009 / Published: 21 April 2009
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability: Environmental Studies and Public Health)
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Abstract: In the wake of the greenhouse effect and global energy crisis, finding sources of clean, alternative energy and developing everyday life applications have become urgent tasks. This study proposes the development of an "autonomous house" emphasizing the use of modern green energy technology to reduce environmental load, achieve energy autonomy and use energy intelligently in order to create a sustainable, comfortable living environment. The houses' two attributes are: (1) a self-sufficient energy cycle and (2) autonomous energy control to maintain environmental comfort. The autonomous house thus combines energy-conserving, carbon emission-reducing passive design with active elements needed to maintain a comfortable environment.
Keywords: Hydrogen production by dark fermentation; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; passive design; active equipment; green energy technology

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

Chen, S.-Y.; Chu, C.-Y.; Cheng, M.-J.; Lin, C.-Y. The Autonomous House: A Bio-Hydrogen Based Energy Self-Sufficient Approach. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 1515-1529.

AMA Style

Chen S-Y, Chu C-Y, Cheng M-J, Lin C-Y. The Autonomous House: A Bio-Hydrogen Based Energy Self-Sufficient Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2009; 6(4):1515-1529.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chen, Shang-Yuan; Chu, Chen-Yeon; Cheng, Ming-jen; Lin, Chiu-Yue. 2009. "The Autonomous House: A Bio-Hydrogen Based Energy Self-Sufficient Approach." Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 6, no. 4: 1515-1529.

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