Modularized Self-sustaining Building System

Abstract

A self-sustaining modularized building system comprised of prefabricated components. The self-sustaining utilities are fully integrated into the modules, allowing service and protection agencies to operate in remote areas in an eco-friendly manner.

1 . A shop manufactured modularized, self-sustaining building system where the basic module options comprise a general sleeping/working module, a living module with kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities, and a service bay module where each module is itself self-sustaining and operates independent of any connected modules in regards to power, water, heating, and cooling. 
   
   
       2 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the general sleeping/working module is comprised of structural insulated panels used to frame the walls, roof, and floor, and where openings for doors, windows, and other building systems are added to the panels when fabricated in the shop; where the interior and exterior finishes are also applied in the shop; and where the module is self-sustaining in regards to power, water, heating, and cooling. 
   
   
       3 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the living module is comprised of structural insulated panels used to frame the walls, roof, and floor; where openings for doors, windows, and other building systems are added to the panels when fabricated in the shop; where the interior and exterior finishes are also applied in the shop; and where the module is self-sustaining in regards to power, water, heating, and cooling, especially in regards to water usage. 
   
   
       4 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the service bay module is comprised of structural insulated panels used to frame the walls and roof; where openings for doors, windows, and other building systems are added to the panels when fabricated in the shop; where the interior and exterior finishes are also applied in the shop; where the floor is vehicle-grade concrete, pavers, rock beds, or other options; and where the module is self-sustaining in regards to power, water, heating, and cooling. 
   
   
       5 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the module foundation system is comprised of micropile helical piers. 
   
   
       6 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the modules are configured to operate on DC power that is derived from a roof-mounted photovoltaic array and stored in storage batteries for dark hours usage. 
   
   
       7 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the modules are also configured to operate on DC power that is derived from a wind turbine generator and stored in storage batteries for later usage. 
   
   
       8 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system powered from a DC power source as in  claim 6  wherein the power distribution throughout each module is to DC outlets and LED lighting. 
   
   
       9 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system powered from a DC power source as in  claim 6  wherein there is a biodiesel generator outputting DC power as an emergency back-up power source. 
   
   
       10 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the water is pumped in or transported in to fill fresh water storage tanks where it is used by the building inhabitants and then the water is filtered and purified for reuse until it is unusable at which point it is either distributed as gray water irrigation water or sent to a septic tank and associated leach field. 
   
   
       11 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system where water is pumped in or transported in to fill fresh water storage tanks as in  claim 10  wherein the module is equipped with existing low water using devices such as toilets, showers, sinks, and laundry equipment. 
   
   
       12 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system where water is pumped in or transported in to fill fresh water storage tanks as in  claim 10  wherein all water in the system is tasked to the fire suppression system when called. 
   
   
       13 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the modules are heated using hot water collected from roof mounted solar collectors and collector tubing in south-facing walls and then stored in the insulated crawl space as in-floor radiant heating that is re-circulated for maximum efficiency; and where the same hot water collection system provides the hot water for domestic use. 
   
   
       14 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the modules are cooled using structural features that include shading on the south, east, west, and roof of the module so that the sun does not strike the buildings surface. 
   
   
       15 . A modularized, self-sustaining building system as in  claim 1  wherein the modules are also cooled using low voltage remote condensers to remove heat from module interiors and re-circulate the cooled air using wall-mounted air handling units.