15-04-2017, 03:22 PM
In the design of passive solar buildings, windows, walls and floors are made to collect, store and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in winter and reject solar heat in the summer. This is known as passive solar design because, unlike active solar heating systems, it does not involve the use of mechanical and electrical devices.
The key to designing a passive solar building is to make the most of the local climate by performing an accurate site analysis. Elements to consider include placement and size of windows and type of glazing, thermal insulation, thermal mass and shading. Passive solar design techniques can be more easily applied to new buildings, but existing buildings can be adapted or "adapted".
Passive solar technologies use sunlight without active mechanical systems (in contrast to active solar energy). These technologies convert sunlight into usable heat (in water, air and thermal mass), cause air movement for ventilation, or future use, with little use of other sources of energy. A common example is a solarium on the side of the equator of a building. Passive cooling is the use of the same design principles to reduce summer cooling requirements.
Some passive systems use a small amount of conventional energy to control dampers, blinds, night insulation and other devices that improve the collection, storage and use of solar energy and reduce undesirable heat transfer.
Passive solar technologies include direct and indirect solar gain for space heating, solar heating systems based on the thermosyphon, use of thermal and phase change materials to lower indoor air temperature, solar cookers, Solar chimney to enhance natural ventilation and earth protection.
More broadly, passive solar technologies include the solar oven, but this typically requires some external power to line up its concentrating mirrors or receivers, and historically they have not proven to be practical or cost effective for widespread use. "Low-grade" energy needs, such as space and water heating, have shown over time to be better applications for the passive use of solar energy.
The key to designing a passive solar building is to make the most of the local climate by performing an accurate site analysis. Elements to consider include placement and size of windows and type of glazing, thermal insulation, thermal mass and shading. Passive solar design techniques can be more easily applied to new buildings, but existing buildings can be adapted or "adapted".
Passive solar technologies use sunlight without active mechanical systems (in contrast to active solar energy). These technologies convert sunlight into usable heat (in water, air and thermal mass), cause air movement for ventilation, or future use, with little use of other sources of energy. A common example is a solarium on the side of the equator of a building. Passive cooling is the use of the same design principles to reduce summer cooling requirements.
Some passive systems use a small amount of conventional energy to control dampers, blinds, night insulation and other devices that improve the collection, storage and use of solar energy and reduce undesirable heat transfer.
Passive solar technologies include direct and indirect solar gain for space heating, solar heating systems based on the thermosyphon, use of thermal and phase change materials to lower indoor air temperature, solar cookers, Solar chimney to enhance natural ventilation and earth protection.
More broadly, passive solar technologies include the solar oven, but this typically requires some external power to line up its concentrating mirrors or receivers, and historically they have not proven to be practical or cost effective for widespread use. "Low-grade" energy needs, such as space and water heating, have shown over time to be better applications for the passive use of solar energy.