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

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.