Webinar: Testing a Modular Prototype at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Thursday, September 15, 2022 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory focuses on creative answers to today's energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the world uses energy.
NREL recently showcased a new partnership and capability at its Energy Systems Integration Facility where a 380-square-foot modular studio prototype apartment created by Denver, Colorado developer iUnit is on display. The unit is being tested using hardware-in-the-loop research capabilities and energy modeling tools. The draw for learning about advances in modular construction is multipronged.
- Growing Multifamily Housing Needs: Roughly 38 million people in the United States live in buildings that contain five or more units, totaling almost 18.5 million households, increasing the demand for multifamily construction
- Faster Construction, Occupancy: It’s much faster to build modular multifamily residences as the modular construction allows fully furnished units to be assembled and shipped to the site, ready to install, leading to faster occupancy
- Off-Grid and Efficient: The iUnit microgrid-ready display integrates technologies required to achieve a decentralized grid, while energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily housing like this module could save $3.4 billion annually
The ESIF at NREL provides a unique contained and controlled platform to identify and resolve the technical, operational, and financial risks of integrating emerging energy technologies into today’s energy system. While the iUnit team is focusing on enhanced energy efficiency and creating a modular, zero-energy apartment technology, NREL is also testing other new innovations before they are incorporated into planned communities.
In this webinar, free to MBI members, join iUnit founder Brice Leconte as he discusses sustainability in modular construction, its importance, and how NREL is working to help realize that ambition