Simulation enhanced prototying of an experimental solar house

This paper reports the design analysis process undertaken by the Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon 2007 team for an 800 sq.ft. solar-powered house. It presents the simulation process engaged over the entire design development cycle of the house (from conceptual to built), and demonstrates why, when, and how particular tools were deployed or developed on the basis of queries coming from diverse design team over several design iterations. Through this project, the paper purports a need-based and tool independent analysis process that not only supports design from its conceptual development to incremental evaluations, but is also usable for final testing and fine-tuning of building components as they are brought on site, as well for optimal control of energy management when the house is fully  operational.