Modelling of Predictive Control Strategies in a Net Zero Energy House with Active and Passive Thermal Storage J. Candanedo 1* and A. K. Athienitis 2 1 Solar Laboratory, Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University * Corresponding Author, j_candan@encs.concordia.ca Abstract This paper presents the results of simulations used in the design of predictive control strategies for the Alstonvale Net Zero Energy House (ANZEH), an advanced demonstration solar house to be built near Montréal, Canada. A description of the ANZEH is presented. Predictive control was used for managing the interaction of the energy resources with passive and active thermal storage. This action has significant impact on the overall energy consumption, peak demand and comfort. It has been found that, in this house, a properly designed control strategy can achieve free space heating over two consecutive cloudy days, if preceded by three sunny days, relying solely on the solar resource. Keywords: active storage, passive storage, net-zero energy house, passive solar house 1. Introduction The Alstonvale Net Zero Energy House (ANZEH) is one of the winners of the EQuilibrium Initiative, a design competition organized by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) between 2006 and 2007 [1]. This house is currently under construction in the town of Hudson, in the metropolitan region of Montréal. Numerical models were used to study the response of the house under several control strategies. A description of this house, as well as the results of these simulations, is presented here. Figure 1. Alstonvale Net Zero House: south façade (left) and street view (right) (Images courtesy of Sevag Pogharian) 2. Description of the Alstonvale Net Zero House 2.1. General features The ANZEH is a two storey, wood-frame, detached building, with 210 m 2 of inhabitable area. The insulation values selected for the building envelope are higher than conventional Canadian homes: walls with 5.6 RSI (U = 0.18 W/m 2 K), ceiling with 12 RSI (U = 0.08 W/m 2 K) and floor insulation of 4.6 RSI (U = 0.22 W/m 2 K). This house relies heavily on passive solar design to satisfy its energy needs. It has been designed with advanced (low-e, triple-glazed, argon-filled) south-facing