solar heating

The introduction describes the principle of SVP (Solar Ventilation Pre-heating) and then reviews a number of current related topics. Heat recovery is considered. Work on other devices which produce solar heated air is reviewed. The main driving forces of natural ventilation are wind pressure and thermal buoyancy. One of the problems is that the magnitude of these forces is very variable. The basis of SVP demands a thorough knowledge of airflow through buildings.

Aims to inform on the basic principles of passive solar design and describes some passive design options. Sections include the basics of passive solar (collection, storage), and design options for the homeowner (direct gain, indirect gain, isolated gain, thermosiphon air panels, double wall envelope).

A multiple tracer gas method for following air movement in buildings has been developed and demonstrated at the Polytechnic of Central London. This paper describes the method and shows how it is being used to investigate: 1. the whole house inf

In this paper, an empirical method is proposed which qualifies the thermal performance of buildings through the entire year. The thermal quality parameter (BTPI) is intended to be an instrument for the implementation of new energy regulations for buildings, especially for those that are located in areas with mild climate and no heating or air conditioning systems. Portuguese climatic zones are typified for summer and winter and predominance factors for seasonal loads are defined.

This paper deals with the concept of energy efficient houses as integrated systems. Quantitative analysis is used to show that evenly distributed insulation is more effective than excessive insulation applied to only one element of a house and that ventilation rates are a critical factor in determining the magnitude of energy loss. For a new approach to be adopted on a large scale, it is suggested that a means to implement Planned Change is required. Various models to bring about this change are discussed with an indication of the final recipe used for a demonstration project.

Studies the direct coupling of ventilation heat and solar gains to increase the performance of passive solar systems. Examples of particularly suitable buildings are described. The thermal model FRED, based on a thermal resistance network representing a three-zone building, is modified to include a simple airflow model driven by wind speed and temperature difference. The simulated building is ascribed symmetric permeabilities, then asymmetric permeabilities.

Measurements of radon and radon daughters in 11 buildings in five states, using active or passive solar heating showed no significant increase in concentration over the levels measured in buildings with conventional heating systems. Radon levels in two buildings using rock storage in their active solar systems exceeded the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 10 CFR 20 limit of 3 pCi/l for continuous exposure. In the remainder of the buildings, radon concentrations were found to be at levels considered to be normal.