Title: Performance evaluation of multi-passive solar applications of a non air-conditioned building

Authors: Rakesh Kumar, S.N. Garg, S.C. Kaushik

Addresses: Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi – 110016, India. ' Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi – 110016, India. ' Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi – 110016, India

Abstract: This paper describes the performance evaluation of solar passive cooling techniques such as solar shading insulation of building components and air exchange rate. Thermal performance of the non air-conditioned building is predicted by analysing a one-dimensional numerical model. Numerical calculation has been made corresponding to three different climates, viz. composite, hot and dry and warm and humid. A decrease in the indoor temperature by about 2.5°C to 4.5°C is noticed for solar shading. Results modified with insulation and controlled air exchange rate show a further decrease of 4.4°C to 6.8°C in room temperature. For a shaded and selectively ventilated building, 2 cm of thermal insulation gives the same result as 8-10 cm of insulation for a conventional building, which is non-shaded and not ventilated. The analysis suggests that solar shading along with other two options is quite useful to development of passive cooling system to maintain indoor room air temperature lower than the conventional building.

Keywords: solar shading insulation; ACH; composite; hot dry climates; warm humid climates; performance evaluation; solar passive cooling; thermal cooling; air exchange rate; building elements; thermal performance; room air temperature.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2005.006507

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.1, pp.60 - 75

Published online: 17 Mar 2005 *

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