The objective of this paper is to show the importance of the solar passive design principles in Antonio Gaudi’s Architectural Work from the analysis of one of his domestic buildings constructed in Barcelona in the turn of the XX century: The Batlló House.
In the last years, the terms “ecological, sustainable, green” have been used and abused, also in buildings and settlements design. Further, usually, “ecological” aspects are not yet effectively integrated in the design laboratories of architecture and tec
During the summer, the materials, which are used in the “skin” of Greek cities display very elevated surface temperatures. These high temperatures largely affect thermal comfort conditions in the urban open spaces and the development of the urban heat isl
Urban areas tend to have higher air temperatures than their rural surroundings as a result of gradual surface modifications that include replacing the natural vegetation with buildings and roads. The term Urban Heat Island describes this phenomenon. The surfaces of buildings and pavements absorb solar radiation and become extremely hot, which in turn warm the surrounding air. Cities that have been paved over do not receive the benefit of the natural cooling effect of vegetation. As the air temperature rises, so does the demand for air-conditioning (a/c).
The aim of this work is to present a simulation programme for PCs which is easy to use and yields quick results of daylighting along the day in an indoor environment provided with a lightshelf, and solar irradiation levels on the external faade of a building. The programme was developed aiming simulations for hot humid climate conditions. The calculations are performed under three sky conditions for a selected site, albedo, surface orientation and inclination, window and lightshelf characteristics, room dimensions and wall surface reflectances.
This paper is aimed to present the analysis made over scale models for a calid climate region on simulated conditions (heliodon, wind tunnel). We analyzed different settings of windows areas proportions, shading devices, and materials at global building designs. The objective of this research was to consider the architecture user as the main element of the lightning design, preserving his quality of life as a member of a society, and offering an integral comfort where he can perform his visual activities.
A considerable potential exists for energy conservation in buildings, by means of reducing the heating loads and especially the cooling loads. This necessity emerges strong, given the fact that internal loads are continually increasing, due to the propagation of electric and electronic appliances. In that sense, insulating materials are the most powerful tool for the designer and the constructor to achieve high energy efficiency in buildings by improving the buildings shell thermal protection and hence control the transmissivity of the shell.
Urban settlements bring about variations of the local meteorological characteristics. One of the most important effects is the increase of the temperature in urban areas in comparison with the neighbouring rural environment. This phenomenon is known as urban heat island. This work presents the results of a research activity carried out by researchers of the CNR LARA (Laboratorio Aereo Ricerche Ambientali Airborne Laboratory for Environmental Research).
This paper considers a double facade for preheating of fresh air, generation of electricity with integrated photovoltaic panels and storage of solar energy in phase-change material - butyl stearate absorbed in gypsum board. A simple transient numerical control volume model is developed for the heat transfer in the PCM. Different facade systems are studied with computer simulations and full scale experiments. Combinations with photovoltaics are then considered. Solar utilization efficiencies of up to 70% are obtained.
Integration of solar energy systems in architecture is becoming more important in order to achieve energy savings and optimize the introduction of RES in the real estate sector. The role of the public institutions must be seen as a leader for the private customers by demonstrating the effectiveness and feasibility of energy projects with real and exemplary interventions.
Login