Passive solar architecture is the use of sun’s energy for heating and cooling of living spaces. It takes advantage of natural energy characterized by use of material, orientation, and designing, Passive system have minimal maintenance and requires no mechanical systems. Practiced throughout the world to produce low energy costs, reduced maintenance and superior comfort. All passive cooling strategies rely on daily changes in temperature and relative humidity. The applicability of each system depends on the climatic conditions. These design strategies reduce heat gains to internal spaces-Natural Ventilation Earth Air Tunnels Shading Evaporative Cooling Wind Towers- Passive Downdraught Cooling- Courtyard Effect Roof Sprays.
Why it is necessary?
The energy consumed by a building depends on its use (whether residential, commercial or industrial), the type of building (air-conditioned or otherwise), the interaction of spaces, and the climate. Architects have to ensure that the design of the built form suits the intended use of the building and the specific needs of the client within the framework of the prevailing climatic conditions. Appropriate combinations of context, form and need parameters lead to savings of energy required for maintaining healthy and comfortable indoor conditions.
Advantages of passive system
• Energy performance: Lower energy bills all year-round
• Attractive living environment: large windows and views, sunny interiors, open floor plans
• Comfort: quiet (no operating noise), solid construction, warmer in winter, cooler in summer (even during a power failure)
• Value: high owner satisfaction, high resale value
• Low Maintenance: durable, reduced operation and repairs
• Investment: independence from future rises in fuel costs, will continue to save money long after any initial costs have been recovered
• Environmental Concerns: clean, renewable energy to combat growing concerns over global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion
Active solar architecture
Active solar architecture converts sun’s energy by mechanical ways. One example of an active solar system is a photovoltaic solar array. In a solar PV array, it doesn’t matter how hot the sun is by the time its light and warmth reach your home, as long as some of the sun’s rays are hitting the solar panels. The photovoltaic panel made from silicon or something the solar industry calls thin-film technology (a variety of elements shown to effectively conduct electricity) convert the sun’s rays into electricity, which is used to power building.
The angle of the sun changes throughout the year, so a well-designed home can let in the sun in the winter while blocking it in the summer.
AR Details 