Design and optimization of the layout, energy systems, and district energy plant for a Mothership in a UK case study

The ‘Mothership’ concept aims to provide a holistic alternative to urban sprawl. A ‘Mothership’ is a large (more expansive than tall) building or cluster of buildings with high residential density plus a mix of others use types. The idea is that this building will encompass all the necessities of a typical suburb into a compact footprint. This could potentially free up large areas that would otherwise be taken up by the alternative forms of buildings such as single detached homes. It is also an excellent platform for district energy systems, and renewable energy integration. The project will investigate the application of the Mothership in a UK context, accounting for the different energy generation mix, climate, resource availability and development scenarios. The tasks will include optimization of the Mothership layout and massing for energy efficiency, and design and optimization of the energy system and district energy plant.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ralph Evins

Student:

Partner:

Loughborough University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Green/Alternative Energy; Sustainability & the Environment; Construction

University:

University of Victoria

Program: