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CONTENT
1. Introduction

Global energy demand is set to increase drastically during

the 21st century due to change of lifestyles in line with
continuously growing industrial needs, all over the world.
Today's most consumed energy is taken from fossil fuels such as
oil, coal, and gas. But there are a couple of issues arisen with
this. The foremost one is that the resources are rapidly getting
decreased while a significant part of living and production plants'
cost is allocated by energy in industrial and developing societies.
Therefore, shifting to clean, renewable sources of energies such
as solar, wind energy enabling to cope with the aforementioned
problems is inevitable. Solar energy regarded as the most
sustainable energy, could play a significant role in solar and
passive solar energy utilizations in building, gained through the
parts such as walls, floors, windows, exterior building elements
and landscaping to control heat generated by sun. Solar heating
designs try to trap and store thermal energy from sunlight
directly. Using three basic heat transfer mechanisms exclusively
incorporated into the architectural design of the building, we
provide reduction in heating and cooling loads and comfort in
every season.
2.Literature Review
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since
ancient times using a range of ever evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary
solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass accounts
for most of the available renewable energy on earth. Only a minuscule fraction of the available
solar energy is being used. Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and
photovoltaic. Solar energy's uses are limited only by human ingenuity. A partial list of solar
applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via
distillation and disinfection, day lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking and high temperature
process heat for industrial purposes. To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to
use solar panels. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active
solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar
techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the
energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with
favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally
circulate air. Sunlight, in the broad sense, is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic
radiation given off by the Sun on earth. The sunlight is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere
and solar radiation is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon. When the direct
solar radiation is not blocked by the clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, a combination of
bright light and radiant heat. When it is blocked by the clouds or reflects off of other objects, it
is experienced as diffused light.

Energy From The Sun

The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (insolation) at the
upper atmosphere [1]. Approximately 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by
clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth's surface is mostly spread
across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet [2]. Earth's land
surface, oceans and atmosphere absorb solar radiation, and this raises their temperature. Warm air
containing evaporated water from the oceans rises, causing atmospheric circulation or convection.
When the air reaches a high altitude, where the temperature is low, water vapor condenses into
clouds, which rain onto the Earth's surface, completing the water cycle. The latent heat of water
condensation amplifies convection, producing atmospheric phenomena such as wind, cyclones and
anticyclones. Sunlight absorbed by the oceans and

land masses keeps the surface at

an average temperature of 140C
[3]. By photosynthesis green plants
convert solar energy into chemical
energy, which produces food,
wood and the biomass from which
fossil fuels are derived [4].
Application of Solar Technology
Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the
way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels,
pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting
materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and
referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the supply of
energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need
for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies [5].

Architecture and Urban Planning

Sunlight has influenced building design since the beginning of architectural history [6].
Advanced solar architecture and urban planning methods were first employed by the Greeks and
Chinese, who oriented their buildings toward the south to provide light and warmth [7]. The common
features of passive solar architecture are orientation relative to the Sun, compact proportion (a low
surface area to volume ratio), selective shading (overhangs) and thermal mass. When these features
are tailored to the local climate and environment they can produce well-lit spaces that stay in a
comfortable temperature range. Socrates’ Meg aron House is a classic example of passive solar
design. The most recent approaches to solar design use computer modeling tying together solar
lighting, heating and ventilation systems in an integrated solar design package [8]. Active solar
equipment such as pumps, fans and switchable windows can complement passive design and improve
system performance. Urban heat islands (UHI) are metropolitan areas with higher temperatures than
that of the surrounding environment. The higher temperatures are a result of increased absorption of
the Solar light by urban materials such as asphalt and concrete, which have lower albedos and higher
heat capacities than those in the natural environment. A straightforward method of counteracting the
UHI effect is to pain buildings and roads white and plant trees. Using these methods, a hypothetical
"cool communities" program in Los Angeles has projected that urban temperatures could be reduced
by approximately 3 °C at an estimated cost of US$1 billion, giving estimated total annual benefits of
US$530 million from reduced air conditioning costs and healthcare savings [9].

Previous Research
Serkanet.al (2003) concluded that the energy-efficiency design strategies by passive solar
components having the additional cost of about 9% of the total building cost, it is possible to save the
total annual energy used in this specific residential building by 18%. It will save three types of energy
need for the space conditioning and visual comfort (i. e., heating, cooling and lighting), 61% energy
use reduction in heating is the maximum energy saving, lighting energy use is also decreased by 40%.
However, in cooling energy need, there is an increase of 34%.

Andreas Athienitiset. al (2008) stated that Based on the design of the houses, it is expected that
homes with low and near net-zero energy use can be designed in a cost-effective manner within a
period of about
5 years, provided a heat pump-based system is used for heating and heat is recovered from the PV
system and efficiently utilized in the house.

Tanbiruj et.al (2010) finalized that the solar energy that receive naturally by a building can be used to
heat the building without special devices to capture or collect sunlight in direct gain passive solar
system. Passive solar heating can be apply by using of large sun-facing windows (south-facing in the
Northern Hemisphere) and building materials. A well-insulated building with such construction
element can absorb the sun’s energy and reduce heating bills around 50 percent.
According to U.S Department of energy a special builder-friendly computer program called BuUder
GWd.e has been developed to automate the calculations involved in telling out the four worksheets. The
program operates like a spreadsheet: the user fills in values for the building and the computer completes
the calculations. Including all table lookups, And prints out the answers. The results are the same as if
you completed the worksheets manually but it is much faster more convenient and less prone to
arithmetic error. Many design variations can be evaluated very quickly.

Javad Sadegh saberi et.al (2013) observed the different methods which use in passive solar energy
building like direct gain, indirect gain, isolated gain etc.

NajmehNajafiet.al (2013) studied the experience in conventional architecture of Shiraz, it is

possible to create an environmental and sustainable architecture.

Anil kumar (2013) concluded that concept of appliance of solar energy distribution through the use of a
sun path diagram and the multiple ways in which this can be used for energy efficient buildings and
also for evolving passive solutions possible in buildings and also provides an overview of the sun based
passive solutions and design approaches possible in the case of buildings especially with reference to
tropical countries.

A bdolvahid Kahoor zadeh et.al (2014) shows passive solar elements like shading devices. Additional
elements wo uld keep the interior space at a more comfortable and stable temperature. Similarly, the
indoor humidity can be controlled. Open the building up at night to ventilate and cool interior
thermal mass. Close the buildings up during the daytime to keep the heat out. Therefore, with a
standard passive solar system, dwellers feel more comfortable in terms of any conditions either cold
weather or hot weather. It also has financial benefits. In fact, buildings require relatively small cooling
or heating systems.

Singh et.al (2016) research that the height to width ratio of the built mass with each other and
other physical features like trees, streets etc. can help not only in desirable thermal indoor
conditions but, can also reduce the use of valuable land for other purposes.

According to design of P J Trade Centre (2016) observed that the shading device, orientation,
vegetation, natural ventilation, concrete vent blocks and material act as effective passive design that
plays an important role in achieving thermal comfort. The garden plaza and trees planted around the
building acts as filtration to cool the heated air. The uses of concrete vent blocks on parts of the
building improve the space quality and enhance the ventilation for user’s comfort. The concrete vent
block also act as shading device that allows air to flow in thus making the building naturally
ventilated. The natural ventilation and
stack effect system used in PJ Trade Centre also help to enhance the ventilation system and fasten the
time for the air to ventilate through the building. The orientation of the building helps support the
design of the concrete vent block as natural cooling strategy. The brick material on the building also
helps to absorb heat to achieve an average temperate of the surrounding for thermal comfort.
 Characteristics of Passive Solar Houses
Depending to the location and weather, passive solar houses range from those heated almost
entirely by the sun to those with south-facing windows that provide some fraction of the heating load.
For instance the one which is located at a very cold area near the North or South Pole could not be
heated completely by the sun. The difference between a passive solar house and a conventional house is
design. The key is designing a passive solar house to best take advantage of local climate. [1] As a
fundamental law, heat moves from warmer materials to cooler ones until there is no longer a
temperature difference between the two. To distribute heat throughout the living space, a passive solar
house design makes use of this law through heat-movement and heat-storage mechanisms: conduction,
convection and radiation. [1]

Generally the opaque objects absorb 40%–95% of incoming solar radiation from the sun,
depending on their color—darker colors typically absorb a greater percentage than lighter colors. This
is why
solar absorber surfaces tend to be dark colored. Bright-white materials or objects reflect 80%–98%

incoming solar energy. Clear glass transmits 80%–90% of solar radiation, absorbing or reflecting only
10%–20%. After solar radiation is transmitted through the glass and absorbed by the house, it is radiated
again from the interior surfaces as infrared radiation. Although glass allows solar radiation to pass through,
it absorbs the infrared radiation. The glass then radiates part of that heat back to the house's interior. In
this way, glass traps solar heat entering the house. [1]
 A cardinal rule in passive solar design is to set one’s sights properly—do not expect more than
the sun can deliver. Robert L. Fehr et al [2] believe that many well-designed passive solar homes
provide their owners with low energy bills and year-round comfort, as well as natural daylight and
visual connection with the outdoors. However, poorly designed passive solar homes may actually
have uncomfortable temperature swings both in summer and in winter. James A. Mathias et al [3]
proposed that there is a 50% decrease in total electrical use of the actual passive-solar house
compared to the same sized house built to the International Energy Code Council.

The Key Features of Passive Solar Houses

Key features of passive solar houses are [2]:

Energy conservation measures—energy efficiency is always the most cost effective way and
should be the first step in designing any home, including a passive solar home.
Glass concentrated on the south—south windows let sunlight into the building in winter and can
be shaded in summer. Low-emissivity coatings will reduce heat loss at night and heat gain in
summer. Meanwhile it is believed that lower east and west glass areas, reduce summer cooling
needs because it prevents unwanted sun from entering the home in the morning and afternoon.
[4]
Window shading—overhangs, blinds, shade screens, curtains, and landscaping shade unwanted
sunlight in summer.
Thermal storage mass—tile-covered slab floors, masonry walls, and water-filled containers store
solar heat and save energy all year.
Ventilation—natural breezes, ceiling fans, whole house fans, and space fans can provide comfort
during warmer weather.
 Orientation—Orientation and site selection are critical in passive solar design. The passive
solar windows must be installed in a way to maximize solar gain in winter and minimize
overheating in summer. [4]

Types of Passive Solar Designs

There are four common types of passive solar designs as follows: [4]

 Direct Gain: Direct gain system, the most common and simple designs, are houses in which the
living areas themselves act as collectors of solar energy by using south-facing windows which
allow sunlight directly enter the home (Figure 1). Thermal mass in the form of concrete or
masonry walls or floors capture and store the sun’s energy.
 Passive Solar Sunspaces: Sunspaces, rooms independent of the home’s heating and cooling
system, capture the sun’s energy and transfer the heat generated to the house (Figure 2).
Sunspaces are also used often but are usually not connected to the central heating and cooling
system of the rest of the home. They are comfortable during much of the year, but are not
intended as living space year round.

 Thermal Storage Wall: Thermal storage walls (Figure 3), also known as Trombe wall, require
construction of two exterior walls – one made of concrete or concrete-filled block and the other
made
of glass are more expensive than other passive solar designs. Thermal storage walls store solar heat
and let it radiate into the living area. They also do not provide as much savings on heating bills
during the cloudy winters.

 Solar Air Collector: Solar air collectors absorb incoming solar energy, vent through the back of the
air collector, and transfer heated air into the house (Figure 4). They are similar to thermal storage
walls but use a conventionally framed wall and function primarily during the day. Eliminating the
mass reduces the cost.

Andreas K. Athienitis [5] measured the temperature of the south and north of a house
located in Montreal which used an ordinary direct gain passive solar system showing that there is a
deference of 20 temperature in the south and north part of the house due to the fact that direct
gain heats the southern part. It used an auxiliary floor heating system integrated in the floor mass of
the direct gain zone with photovoltaic thermal system and a two-stage ground-source heat pump
with ECM (electronically commutated motor) fan used to heat/cool air in the house and achieved a
good result to normalize the temperature of the whole building. Feng Jiang et al [6] applied phase
change material (PCM) as interior thermal mass and proved by simulation that the passive solar
room with the estimated optimal PCM can reach indoor thermal comfort.
 Helder Gonçalves et al [7] studied the usage of sunspaces in Portugal and proved that their
usage in living spaces is very problematic. When proper solar protection is not used, overheating
problems can occur in that type of climate, mainly in summertime. Particular problems in the
ventilation of some sunspaces were also found. Ben Cox et al [8] argued that in order to achieve best
result with sunspaces, heavy furnishings and rugs must be avoided to prevent shading of the thermal
storage mass and shading and venting are important to avoid summertime overheating.

Ben Cox et al [8] criticized the usage of the thermal storage wall or Trombe wall for the following reasons:

 Walls or Floors capture and store the sun’s energy.

 South-facing view and natural daylight is almost lost.
 Vented Trombe walls must be closed at night to prevent reverse cycling of heated air.
 The inside of the south-facing glass in a vented Trombe wall will also need to be cleaned from
time to time, so access to the glass needs to be considered.
 The Trombe wall may take up too much wall space in a smaller home.
 Furniture and objects placed against or on the Trombe wall affect its efficiency in heating the
living space.
 Because the Trombe wall heats only the room it is connected to, the cost of labor and materials in
its construction may be high relative to the contribution it makes to the overall heating needs of the
house.
 In the summer or on winter days without sunshine, the Trombe wall acts as a very poorly insulated
wall.
Exterior moveable insulation would improve its effect on comfort and energy
use.

Ion V. Ion et al [9] believed that the amount of solar-energy absorbed by a solar energy air heater depends
largely on:

 The level of insulation and the solar collector orientation;

 The absorbance of the absorber surface;
 The transmittance of the cover material.
Piotr Matuszewski et al [10] emphasized that solar air collectors has very small heat capacity in comparison
with water (air=0.0003 3 KWh m K / ; water=1.16 3 KWh m K / ) and a lot of air should be supplied to a
building to obtain a higher temperature inside.

Common Elements of Passive Solar Systems [8]

 Collection – To collect solar energy, double-glazed windows are used on the south-facing side of
the house.
 Storage – After the sun’s energy has been collected, some heat is immediately used in the living
spaces and some is stored for later use. The storage, called thermal mass, is usually built into the
floors and/or interior walls. Mass is characterized by its ability to absorb heat, store it, and release
it slowly as the temperature inside the house falls. Concrete, stone, brick, and water can be used
as mass.
 Distribution – Heat stored in floors and walls is slowly released by radiation, convection and
conduction.
In a hybrid system, fans, vents, and blowers may be used to distribute the heat.
3. Methodology
Guidelines for Passive Solar Design and Construction
The home's windows, walls, and floors can be designed to collect, store,
and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the
summer.

Adequate Solar Access

The longest wall of the home should face within 15° or minus, of true south to receive maximum
winter heat gain and minimum summer heat gain. Within 30° east or west of south, the results are
reduced
15 percent from the optimum. Facing solar surfaces to the south is not enough to ensure their
performance; It is significant also to make sure that the area to the south is clear of obstructions.
However, Bekkouche et al [10] quote as an indication that preventing the overheating of building
requires a
reduction in solar gain from incoming solar radiation. However, the answer is not simply to use
smaller areas of glazing as there is a need for day lighting and views out, and the appearance of the
building has to be considered. In this situation we will require to change the orientation of the
building to determine the direction that favors minimizing solar gain. They are calculated by (1):

where QS is the solar heat gain[W.h], the sum is over all directions j, sj I is the solar irradiation
[W/m2 ], sj S is the receiving surface of j orientation [m2 ] and is computed by (2):

S is the solar factor, the ratio of the total solar energy flux entering the premises through the
glass to the incident solar energy flux. A is the surface opening [m2].

South-facing windows and thermal mass

In houses with no internal mass, the maximum allowable area of south-facing glass
is 7 percent of the floor area.

Minimizing East and west windows

During the summer, the east and west sides of the house are exposed to the sun’s rays at a low
angle for long periods of the day. Reducing windows on these sides can greatly decrease summer heat
gain. Unlike the summer sun, the winter sun is low and stays primarily to the south, so east and west
windows receive little solar benefit during cold months. A reduction of east and west windows can
significantly reduce winter heat loss through the glass.

Matching the solar heating system to lifestyles

Consider occupancy patterns when choosing a system. What are the
heating, lighting and privacy needs after sunset?

Size of The Overhangs

Overhang should be designed in a way that provides shade (Figure. 5) well into summer and full
sun through the winter. Donald Watson et al [14] believed that size of overhang can approximately be
calculated according to (3):
 where W is size of overhang, H is the height from the beneath of the overhang to the bottom of
the window and SLF is coefficient which is obtained according to the Table 1

Table 1. Calculating the size of overhang according to latitude

Planning the room layout to take advantage of the sun's path

Rooms should match solar gain to the time of day the room is used. It’s a good idea to place
rooms with low heating, lighting and use requirements on the north side of the building to reduce the
effect of winter heat loads. Areas that are not consistently occupied, such as utility rooms, storage
rooms, hallways, closets and garages, are good choices. Also, rooms that generate high internal heat
gain levels, such as the kitchen or laundry room, work well on the north side. This can reduce the
normally higher heat loss through north walls while not interfering with solar access.

Lightweight materials should be lighter in color

When light energy strikes a surface, it is absorbed and converted into heat energy. If the
material does not have sufficient storage mass, the material will release heat it cannot store to the
room air, causing overheating. Lighter colors are more reflective so they absorb less energy from
sunlight.
Masonry walls can be any color in direct gain systems
Actually, it is best to use colors in the middle range of the absorptivity scale to diffuse the light
energy over the entire storage mass in the room. These colors need to be somewhat darker than the
lightweight materials. (The absorption range of natural or colored concrete masonry falls in this range
without paints or special treatment being necessary). If the storage mass is too dark in color, there will
be high surface temperature at surfaces exposed to the direct rays of the sun while other locations on
the same wall may be storing very little of the day’s solar energy. Masonry in Trombe walls should
always be dark colors to increase absorption. Rugs and wall tapestries also can reduce the effect of
storage mass to a great degree. It is wise to plan in advance to match the type of thermal storage to the
room’s use.

Distribution of the mass through the room

In direct gain systems, performance is fairly insensitive to the locations of the mass in the room.
It is relatively the same whether the mass is located on the floor or on the east, west or north walls. It is
important to put some mass in direct sun, but rarely is it possible to expose all the required thermal
mass because of furniture and floor coverings. Comfort is improved if the mass is distributed evenly
around the room because there is less chance of localized hot or cold spots. Light colored, lightweight
materials bounce the sun to more massive materials as long as they are in a room with lots of sun. Also,
massive materials in walls that are not in direct sunlight can act as a heat sink, absorbing excess heat
from the air and serving to reduce temperature swings.

Considering night window insulation

Generally, R–9 night insulation over double-pane windows provides an approximate 20 percent
to
30 percent increase in annual solar performance over systems using double-pane windows without
night insulation. Window insulation can be heavy drapes, quilted shades or accordion blinds.

Sun Path
Sun path refers to the apparent significant seasonal-and-hourly positional changes of the sun as
the Earth rotates, and orbits around the sun. The relative position of the sun is a major factor in the
heat gain of buildings and in the performance of solar energy systems. Accurate location-specific
knowledge of sun path and climatic conditions is essential for economic decisions about solar collector
area, orientation, landscaping, summer shading, and the cost effecƟve use of solar trackers.

Passive Solar Thermodynamic Principle

Personal thermal comfort is a function of personal health factors (medical, psychological,
sociological and situation), ambient air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air movement and
relative heat transfer in buildings occurs through convection, conduction, and thermal radiation
through roof, walls, floor and windows [10].
Convective Heat Transfer
Convective heat transfer can be beneficial or detrimental. Uncontrolled air infiltration from poor
weatherisation / weather-stripping / draft-proofing can contribute up to 40% of heat loss during winter
[11], however strategic placement of operable windows or vents can enhance convecƟon, cross
venƟlaƟon, and summer cooling when the outside air is of a comfortable temperature and relative
humidity [12]. Filtered energy recovery ventilation systems may be useful to eliminate undesirable
humidity, dust, pollen, and microorganisms in unfiltered ventilation air.

Natural convection causing rising warm air and falling cooler air can result in an uneven
stratification of heat. This may cause uncomfortable variations in temperature in the upper and lower
conditioned space, serve as a method of venting hot air, or be designed in as a natural-convection air-
flow loop for passive solar heat distribution and temperature equalization. Natural human cooling by
perspiration and evaporation may be facilitated through natural or forced convective air movement by
fans, but ceiling fans can disturb the stratified insulating air layers at the top of a room, and accelerate
heat transfer from a hot attic, or through nearby windows. In addition, high relative humidity inhibits
evaporative cooling by humans.

Radiative Heat Transfer

The main source of heat transfer is radiant energy, and the primary source is the sun. Solar
radiation occurs predominantly through the roof and windows (but also through walls). Thermal
radiation moves from a warmer surface to a cooler one. Roofs receive the majority of the solar radiation
delivered to a house. A cool roof or green roof in addition to a radiant barrier can help prevent your attic
from becoming hotter than the peak summer outdoor air temperature [13]. Windows are a ready and
predictable site for thermal radiation Energy from radiation can move into a window in the day time and
out of the same window at night. Radiation uses photons to transmit electromagnetic waves through a
vacuum or translucent medium. Solar heat gain can be significant even on cold clear days. Solar heat
gain through windows can be reduced
by insulated glazing, shading, and orientation. Windows are particularly difficult to insulate compared to
roof and walls. Convective heat transfer through and around window coverings also degrade its
insulation properties [14]. When shading windows, external shading is more effective at reducing heat
gain than internal window coverings.

Western and eastern sun can provide warmth and lighting, but are vulnerable to overheating in
summer if not shaded. In contrast, the low midday sun readily admits light and warmth during the
winter, but can be easily shaded with appropriate length overhangs or angled louvers during summer.
The amount of radiant heat received is related to the location latitude, altitude, cloud cover, and
seasonal / hourly angle of incidence.
Discussion
SITE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS DURING DESIGN
Latitude, sun path and insolation (sunshine)

Seasonal variations in solar gain e.g. cooling or heating degree days, solar insolation, humidity

Diurnal variations in temperature

Micro-climate details related to breezes, humidity, vegetation and land contour

Obstructions / Over-shadowing - to solar gain or local cross-winds

Design Elements for In Temperate Climate

Placement of room-types, internal doors & walls, & equipment in the house.

Orienting the building to face the equator (or a few degrees to the East to capture the morning sun)

Extending the building dimension along the east/west axis

Adequately sizing windows to face the midday sun in the winter, and be shaded in the summer.

Minimising windows on other sides, especially western windows

Erecting correctly sized, latitude-specific roof overhangs, or shading elements (shrubbery,

trees, trellises, fences, shutters, etc.)

Using the appropriate amount and type of insulation including radiant barriers and bulk
insulation to minimise seasonal excessive heat gain or loss

Using thermal mass to store excess solar energy during the winter day (which is then re-radiated
during the night)

The precise amount of equator-facing glass and thermal mass should be based on
careful consideration of latitude, altitude, climatic conditions, and heating/cooling degree day
requirements.

Factors that can degrade thermal performance:

Deviation from ideal orientation and north/south/east/west aspect ratio

Excessive glass area ('over-glazing') resulting in overheating (also resulting in glare and fading of
soft furnishings) and heat loss when ambient air temperatures fall

Installing glazing where solar gain during the day and thermal losses during the night
cannot be controlled easily e.g. West-facing, angled glazing, skylights

Thermal losses through non-insulated or unprotected glazing

Lack of adequate shading during seasonal periods of high solar gain (especially on the West wall)

Incorrect application of thermal mass to modulate daily temperature variations

Open staircases leading to unequal distribution of warm air between upper and lower floors as
warm air rises

High building surface area to volume - Too many corners

Downloaded by Dharmendra Vishwakarma ([email protected])

Inadequate weatherisation leading to high air infiltration

Downloaded by Dharmendra Vishwakarma ([email protected])

 Lack of, or incorrectly installed, radiant barriers during the hot season.

Insulation materials that are not matched to the main mode of heat transfer (e.g.
undesirable convective/conductive/radiant heat transfer).

Efficiency and Economics of Passive

Solar Heating

Technically, PSH is highly efficient. Direct gain systems can uƟlise (i.e. convert into "useful" heat)
65-
70% of the energy of solar radiation that strikes the aperture or collector. To put this in
perspective relative to another energy conversion process, the photosynthetic efficiency
theoretical limit is around
11%.

Passive solar fraction (PSF) is the percentage of the required heat load met by PSH and hence
represents potential reduction in heating costs. RETScreen International has reported a PSF of 20-
50%. Within the field of sustainability, energy conservation even of the order of 15% is considered
substantial.

Other sources report the following PSFs:

5-25% for modest systems

40% for "highly optimized" systems

Up to 75% for "very intense" systems In favorable climates such as the southwest United
States, highly optimized systems can exceed 75% PSF.

Design Concept
There are six primary passive solar energy configurations [15]:

direct solar gain

indirect solar gain

isolated solar gain

heat storage

insulation and glazing

Landscaping and gardens

Direct Solar Gain

Direct gain attempts to control the amount of direct solar radiation reaching the living space.
This direct solar gain is a critical part of passive solar house design as it imparts to a direct gain.

The cost
effectiveness of these
configurations is currently
being investigated in great
detail and is
demonstrating
promising results.
Downloaded by Dharmendra Vishwakarma ([email protected])
Indirect Solar
Gain Indirect gain attempts to control solar radiation reaching an area adjacent but not part of
the living space. Heat enters the building through windows and is captured and stored in thermal mass
(e.g. water tank, masonry wall) and slowly transmitted indirectly to the building through conduction
and convection. Efficiency can suffer from slow response (thermal lag) and heat losses at night. Other
issues include the cost of insulated glazing and developing effective systems to redistribute heat
throughout the living area.

Isolated Solar
Gain Isolated gain involves utilizing solar energy to passively move heat from or to the living
space using a fluid, such as water or air by natural convection or forced convection. Heat gain can occur
through a sunspace, solarium or solar closet. These areas may also be employed usefully as a
greenhouse or drying cabinet. An equator side sun room may have its exterior windows higher than
the windows between the sun room and the interior living space, to allow the low winter sun to
penetrate to the cold side of adjacent rooms. Glass placement and overhangs prevent solar gain during
the summer. Earth cooling tubes or other passive cooling techniques can keep a solarium cool in the
summer.

Measures should be taken to reduce heat loss at night e.g. window coverings or movable
window insulation.

Examples:

Thermo-siphon

Barra system

Double envelop house

Thermal buffer zone

Solar space heating system

Solar chimney

Heat Storage The sun doesn't shine all the time. Heat storage or thermal mass keeps the building
warm when the sun can't heat it.

In diurnal solar houses, the storage is designed for one or a few days. The usual method is a
custom- constructed thermal mass. These include a Trombe wall, a ventilated concrete floor, a cistern,
water wall or roof pond.

In subarctic areas, or areas that have long terms without solar gain (e.g. weeks of freezing fog),
purpose- built thermal mass is very expensive. Don Stephens pioneered an experimental technique to
use the ground as thermal mass large enough for annualized heat storage. His designs run an isolated
thermo-siphon 3m under a house, and insulate the ground with a 6m waterproof skirt [16].

Insulation
Thermal insulation or super-insulation (type, placement and amount) reduces unwanted
leakage of heat. Some passive buildings are actually constructed of insulation.

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Glazing Selection
Equator-Facing Glass
The requirement for vertical equator-facing glass is different from the other three sides of a
building. Reflective window coatings and multiple panes of glass can reduce useful solar gain.
However, direct-gain systems are more dependent on double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss.
Indirect-gain and isolated gain configuraƟons may sƟll be able to funcƟon effecƟvely with only
single-pane glazing. Nevertheless, the opƟmal cost effecƟve soluƟon is both locaƟon and system
dependent.

Roof-Angle Glass / Skylights

Skylights admit harsh direct overhead sunlight and glare [18] either horizontally (a flat roof) or
pitched at the same angle as the roof slope. In some cases, horizontal skylights are used with reflectors
to increase the intensity of solar radiation (and harsh glare), depending on the roof angle of incidence.
When the winter sun is low on the horizon, most solar radiation reflects off of roof angled glass (the
angle of incidence is nearly parallel to roof-angled glass morning and afternoon). When the summer sun
is high, it is nearly perpendicular to roof-angled glass, which maximizes solar gain at the wrong time of
year, and acts like a solar furnace. Skylights should be covered and well-insulated to reduce natural
convection (warm air rising) heat loss on cold winter nights, and intense solar heat gain during hot
spring/summer/fall days.

The equator-facing side of a building is south in the northern hemisphere, and north in the
southern hemisphere. Skylights on roofs that face away from the equator provide mostly indirect
illuminaƟon, except for summer days when the sun rises on the non-equator side of the building
(depending on latitude). Skylights on east-facing roofs provide maximum direct light and solar heat gain
in the summer morning.
West-facing skylights provide afternoon sunlight and heat gain during the hottest part of the day.

Some skylights have expensive glazing that partially reduces summer solar heat gain, while
still allowing some visible light transmission. However, if visible light can pass through it, so can
some radiant heat gain (they are both electromagnetic and radiation waves).

You can partially reduce some of the unwanted roof-angled-glazing summer solar heat gain by
installing a skylight in the shade of deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees, or by adding a movable insulated
opaque window covering on the inside or outside of the skylight. This would eliminate the daylight
benefit in the summer. If tree limbs hang over a roof, they will increase problems with leaves in rain
gutters, possibly cause roof damaging ice dams, shorten roof life, and provide an easier path for pests to
enter your aƫc. Leaves and twigs on skylights are unappealing, difficult to clean, and can increase the
glazing breakage risk in wind storms.

"Saw-tooth roof glazing" with vertical-glass only can bring some of the passive solar building
design benefits into the core of a commercial or industrial building, without the need for any roof-
angled glass or skylights.

Skylights provide daylight. The only view they provide is essentially straight up in most
applications. Well-insulated light tubes can bring daylight into northern rooms, without using a
skylight. A passive-solar greenhouse provides abundant daylight for the equator side of the building.

Infrared thermography color thermal imaging cameras (used in formal energy audits) can
quickly document the negative thermal impact of roof-angled glass or a skylight on a cold winter
night or hot summer day.

The U.S. Department of Energy states: "vertical glazing is the overall best option for
sunspaces." Roof-angled glass and sidewall glass are not recommended for passive solar sunspaces.

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 The U.S. DOE explains drawbacks to roof angled glazing: Glass and plasƟc have liƩle structural
strength. When installed vertically, glass (or plastic) bears its own weight because only a small area (the
top edge of the glazing) is subject to gravity. As the glass tilts off the vertical axis, however, an
increased area (now the sloped cross-section) of the glazing has to bear the force of gravity. Glass is
also brittle; it does not

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flex much before breaking. To counteract this, you usually must increase the thickness of the glazing or
increase the number of structural supports to hold the glazing. Both increase overall cost, and the latter
will reduce the amount of solar gain into the sunspace.

Another common problem with sloped glazing is its increased exposure to the weather. It is
difficult to maintain a good seal on roof-angled glass in intense sunlight. Hail, sleet, snow, and wind may
cause material failure. For occupant safety, regulatory agencies usually require sloped glass to be made
of safety glass, laminated, or a combination thereof, which reduce solar gain potential. Most of the
roof-angled glass on the Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando Airport sunspace was destroyed in a single
windstorm. Roof-angled glass increases construction cost, and can increase insurance premiums.
Vertical glass is less susceptible to weather damage than roof-angled glass.

It is difficult to control solar heat gain in a sunspace with sloped glazing during the summer and
even during the middle of a mild and sunny winter day. Skylights are the antithesis of zero energy
building Passive Solar Cooling in climates with an air conditioning requirement.

Angle Of Incident Radiation

The amount of solar gain transmitted through glass is also affected by the angle of the incident
solar radiation. Sunlight striking glass within 20 degrees of perpendicular is mostly transmitted through
the glass, whereas sunlight at more than 35 degrees from perpendicular is mostly reflected [19]. All of
these factors can be modeled more precisely with a photographic light meter and a heliodon or optical
bench, which can quantify the ratio of reflectivity to transmissivity, based on angle of incidence.

Alternatively passive solar computer software can determine the impact of sun path, and
cooling- and-heating degree days on energyperformance. Regional climatic conditions are often
available from local weather services.

Operable Shading And Insulation Devices

A design with too much equator-facing glass can result in excessive winter, spring, or fall
day heating, uncomfortably bright living spaces at certain times of the year, and excessive heat
transfer on winter nights and summer days.

Although the sun is at the same altitude 6- weeks before and after the solstice, the heating
and cooling requirements before and after the solstice are significantly different. Heat storage on the
Earth's surface causes "thermal lag." Variable cloud cover influences solar gain potential. This means
that latitude- specific fixed window overhangs, while important, are not a complete seasonal solar
gain control solution

Control mechanisms (such as manual-or motorized interior insulated drapes, shuƩers, exterior
roll- down shade screens, or retractable awnings) can compensate for differences caused by thermal lag
or cloud cover, and help control daily / hourly solar gain requirement variations.

Home automation systems that monitor temperature, sunlight, time of day, and room
occupancy can precisely control motorized window-shading-and-insulation devices.

Exterior Colours Reflecting – Absorbing

Materials and colors can be chosen to reflect or absorb solar thermal energy. Using information
on a colour for electromagnetic radiation to determine its thermal radiation properties of reflection or
absorption can assist the choices.

Materials and colors can be chosen to reflect or absorb solar thermal energy. Using information
on a colour for electromagnetic radiation to determine its thermal radiation properties of reflection or
absorption can assist the choices. and drought tolerant plants, drip irrigation, mulching, and
organicgardening practices reduce or eliminate the need for energy-and water-intensive irrigation, gas
powered garden equipment, and reduces the landfill waste footprint. Solar powered landscape lighting
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and fountain pumps, and covered swimming pools and plunge pools with solar water heaters can reduce
the impact of such amenities.

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LANDSCAPING AND GAEDENS

Energy-efficient landscaping materials for careful passive solar choices include hardscape
building material and “softscape” plants. The use of landscape design principles for selection of trees,
hedges and trellis-pergola features with vines; all can be used to create summer shading. For winter
solar gain it is desirable to use deciduous plants that drop their leaves in the autumn gives year round
passive solar benefits. Non deciduous evergreen shrubs and trees can be windbreaks, at variable
heights and distances, to create protection and shelter from winter wind chill.

Widespread tree planting and climate appropriate landscaping offer substantial

environmental benefits. Trees and vegetation control erosion, protect water supplies, provide
food, create habitat for wildlife, and clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing
oxygen.

Advantages of a well-designed landscape are:

Cut your summer and winter energy costs dramatically

Protect your home from winter wind and summer sun.

Reduce consumption of water , pesticides, and fuel for landscaping and lawn maintenance

Help control noise and air pollution.

Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and
cooling. Some of the landscaping strategies are listed by region and in order of importance Below [20]:

Temperate

• Maximize warming effects of the sun in the winter.

• Maximize shade during the summer,

• Deflect winter winds away from buildings.

• Funnel summer breezes toward the home

Hot-Arid

• Provide shade to cool roofs, walls, and windows.

• Cool the air around the home by plant evaporation and transpiration.

• Allow summer winds to access naturally cooled homes.

• Block or deflect winds away from air condiƟoned homes.

Hot-Humid

• Channel summer breezes toward the home.

• Maximize summer shade with trees that still allow penetration of low-angle winter sun.

• Avoid locating planting beds close to the home if they require frequent watering.

Cool

• Use dense windbreaks to protect the home from cold winter winds.

• Allow the winter sun to reach south facing windows.

• Shade south and west windows and walls from the direct summer sun, if summer overheating
is a problem.

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A well-designed landscape provides enough energy savings to return your initial investment in < 8 years.

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Conclusion
Energy saving by using solar energy is well-established research area. However, the focus of
this paper is to survey passive solar houses, and to point out the unique characteristics and
constraints that differentiate passively design building from other types. We present an
overview of common types of such houses in several research areas. Discussing many
concerns of the types, we elaborate the climate consideration and guidelines for passive
solar design. Most of the related literatures show that well-designed passive solar homes
provide their owners with low energy bills and year-round comfort, as well as natural
daylight and visual connection with the outdoors.
The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation and only a minuscule
fraction of the available solar energy is being presently used. Attempt should be made to
use freely available solar energy to compensate for dwindling biomass source of energy.
Passive Solar Heating is highly efficient. Direct-gain systems can utilise 65-70% of the energy
of solar radiation that strikes the aperture or collector.

A well-designed landscape provides enough energy saving to return your initial investment
in less than 8 years.

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Reference

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