1) Container made of parallel glass walls set in metal frame.

2) Thermal storage liquid, which is generally water.

3) A partially absorbing plate, set at the centre of the transwall, parallel to the glass walls.

These modules stacked to form a wall on the south side of the building (in the northern
are
hemisphere), located directly behind double glazing. To prevent the growth of micro-organisms in the
storage, an inhibiting agent may be added.

Variations and controls:

The dimensions of the storage module are dictated by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the
liquid. Also important are the considerations of transportation, the method of installation, the ways of
filling and draining the module, and attaching the modules to each other and integrating with the building.

Storage being a convective body of water, the transfer of heat is rapid. This can be regulated by
providing baffles and adding a gelling compound. Baffles are transparent plates which connect the module
walls with the absorbing plate and prevent water movement. The gelling compound increases the general
flow resistance.

4.3.3 Thermal storage Roof / Roof Pond/ Skytherm

A roof pond system works well both in summer as well as in winter. While it is
mostly appropriate
for cooling, for winter heating purposes it is better suited to lower 1latitudes with high winter sun.

In this system, a mass of water is stored

on the roof of the building. During summer days, the
pond
is protected and insulated by an external, movable and reflective insulation. The insulation prevents solar
radiation from reaching the water mass and keeps it cool. This cool water then absorbs heat from the rooms
below and cools the air inside. At night the insulation is removed and the water cools by convection and
radiation. The effectiveness of the roof pond may be gauged from the fact that an indoor temperature of
21'C can be maintained when the outside temperature is as high as 35°C [15].

In winter, the panel positions are reversed. During the day the insulation is removed so that heat is
absorbed by water for heating the interior. During the night, the insulation cover reduces the heat loss. The
effectiveness of the roof pond in winter is no less than in summer: indoor temperature can be maintained at
about 21°C while the outside is as low as -1.1'C [15]. The principles involved in this technique are
schematically represented in Fig 4.10.

Water in transparent bagsfin waterproof structural metal/fibreglass anks is kept on the roof, the
depth ranging from 150 to 300 mm. The top of the container/bag needs to be transparent to solar radiation
whereas its bottom (inside surface) should be made of dark colour. If both sides of the container are
transparent, then the top surface of the roof needs to be blackened for absorbing solar radiation. A clear top
and black bottom helps in minimising temperature stratification in the pond water. Otherwise hot water at
the top would lose its heat to the exterior, and the cold water at the bottom would inhibit the heat transfer
to the interior of the building. The movable insulation is usually of 50 mm thick polyurethane foam,
reinforced with fibreglass strands and sandwiched between aluminium skins. The water-proofing layer of
the roof should be

31
 WATER BYCONVECTION
HEAT LOSS FROM
COOLER NIGH
ANDRADIATION WINDS TAKE
AWAY HEAT

NSALATION.
REFLECTVE
COVER

4
HEAT

DAY NIGHT

SUMMER cONDITION

HEAT ABSORPTION INSULATION REDUCES

MOVABLE
AND STORAGE B Y

INSULATION
WATER AND ROOF
PANELS HEAT LOSS

WATER
MASS

N
EAT HEAL

DAY NIGHT

WINTER CONDITION

Fig. 4.10 Working principle of roof pond

such that the heat transfer from the pond to the interior is not inhibited [15]. The details of a roof pond are
shown in Fig. 4.11. Radiation is responsible for the thermal interaction between the roof and living space
Therefore the ceiling of the room must not be very high, as the intensity of the radiation reduces with
tn
height or distance. This technique is effective for one or two storeyed buildings.

32
 SLIDING RIGID
INSULATON
PANELS

STRUCTURAL
BEAM

AR CAVITY

PVC BAGS FILLED

WITH WATER, USED
AS STORAGE

WATERPROOFING
LAYER

ROOF TO BE
DESIGNED TO
TAKE HEAVY
LOADING DUE
TO WATER

Fig. 4.11 Detail of roof pond

Variations and controls:

Variations may be achieved by altering the ratios of heat transfer surfaces to thermal mass. The
larger the storage volume, the greater and longer the heat storage. Smaller containers provide greater heat
exchange as the surface area increases, resulting in faster distribution. During winter, a transparent cover
may be provided over the water bags leaving a gap. Air is blown through these gaps forming an insulation
cover to reduce heat loss. During summer these gaps are flooded with water and the transparent cover is
removed.

4.3.4 Roof Radiation Trap

In this technique, the incident solar radiation is trapped and is used for heating the air inside the
trap. Some amount of energy is also absorbed by the roof and is conducted through it to be radiated into the
living space.
In the northern hemisphere, the trap consists of an inclined south-facing glazing and a north
sloping insulated surface on the roof. The latter projects over the glazing to shade it during the summer.
Between the roof and the insulation, an air-pocket is formed which is heated by solar radiation. A shutter is
used to cover the glazing when desired. Figure 4.12 shows a roof radiation trap schematically. The whole
roof can have one such unit or multiples of it.

In winter (Fig. 4.12a), solar radiation penetrates the glazing and is absorbed by the black roof
surface. The typical design limits the heat loss to the ambient. Also, a movable insulation can reduce the
heat loss through glazed plane during nighus. Part of the absorbed energy is conducted and radiated into the
living
33
 INSULATING
wV

WHITE PAINTED M
ROOF ww
SLAB

w w

w w
INSULATED
w
REFLECTVE
SHUTTER
w
ww

ww
wwwM SOUTH FACING
GLAZING
DUCT
BLACK PAINTED
SURFACE
HEAT

HEATED
AIR

LIMNG SPACE

EA

WINTER cONDITION
THERMAL MASS
(a)
(GRAVEL)
WHITE WIND
PAINTED w
ROOF www

www
INSULATINC
SLAB
SKY
wwMww
RADIATION
TO oVERHANG FOR
www
SHADING IN
N I G H T

w
SUMMER

wwwwwwwww INSULATED
REFLECTIVE
SHUTTER
D U C T

(CLOSED)
sOUTH FACING
GLAZING

LVING SPACE
cOOL AIR HEAT

333
SUMMER CONDITION
THERMAL MASS (GRAVEL)
(b)
USED FOR STORING COLD
ON SUMMER NIGHTS

Fig. 4.12 Roof radiation trap

34
area through the roof, while the rest is transferred to the air-pocket. This hot air can be drawn to a thermal
storage unit (rockbed / water mass) to be used on cold nights or cloudy days.

The system can also be used for summer cooling purposes. The insulating plane is covered with
white metal sheet to increase its emissivity. On summer nights, the sheet gets cooled by nocturnal radiation
exchanges. So, the air blown under it is cooled. (Fig. 4.12b). This coolness is stored in the storage unit to
be used for cooling the living space during the daytime.

Variations and controls:

The type of roof material and its thickness determine the pattern of heat flow into the living space.
A hinged insulating panel inside the radiation trap can help to control the division of heat flow between
conduction through roof and convection to storage through air. External insulation can be used to keep
summer radiation out and prevent heat loss on winter nights.

4.3.5 Solarium (Attached Green House / Sunspace)

Sunspaces are essentially used for passive heating purposes in cold climates. An integration of the
direct gain and thermal storage concepts is achieved in this approach. Solar radiation admitted directly into
the sunspace heats up the air, which, by convection and conduction through the mass wall reaches the
living space (as shown in Fig 4.13). It consists essentially of a sunspace or a green house constructed on
the south side (in the northern hemisphere) of the building with a thick mass wall linking the two. The
basic requirements of this type of building are
1) A glazed south facing collector space attached, yet distinct from the building.
2) Thermal storage link between the collector and living space for heat transfer.

GLAZING

HEAT TRANSFERRED
TO LIMNG SPACE
BY RADIATION

LAR. ROCK BED FOR

RADIATION STORING HEAT
HEATS UP
THE AIR

Fig. 4.13 Solarium

35
Variations and control:
The location of the sunspace depends on the building design and orientation of the sun. The areaof
contact between the sunspace and the
living space determines its size.
Thermal mass must be located where winter radiation can reach it. Floors, walls, benches, rock
or
bed
covered pools of water can be used to store heat.
Glazing should preferably be sloped by about 45° in
overcast and 60" in clear and
sunny areas. The storage walls are generally 200- 450 mm thick. If a rockbed
storage is used, then the typical size is 0.75 -1.25 m per square metre
cover the entire floor and the
of the glazed area. Ideally it should
typical rock size is about 5 -7.5 cm in diameter [16].

to
Temperature inside the sunspace must be controlled depending on its usage. Shading
prevent
overheating in summer and movable insulation and shutters to prevent heat loss in winter can be
provided.
If the sunspaces are used for
plantation or green house purpose, humidity control must be
incorporated to prevent mould from growing on the storage nmass or other materials
kept inside.
4.3.6 Isolated Gain
Here solar radiation collection and
storage are thermally isolated from the living spaces of the
building.This results in a greater in the
flexibility design and operation of passive
common example concept. The most
of isolated gain is natural convective loop. In this system, solar radiation is absorbed to
heat air or water. The warm air or water rises
and passes through the
cooler air falls to the absorber to storage, transferring its heat. The
in Fig 4.14.
get heated up again. Thus a 'thermosiphoning heat flow' occurs
as shown

The basic requirements for this

system are:
1) A collector, which absorbs the solar radiation to heat the fluid.
2) A storage mass, which absorbs the heat from the
fluid, to be stored for disturibution into the
3) A mechanism to distribute the heat stored in the living space.
storage masS.

HOT AIR

DISTRIBUTION OF HEAT
COLD AIR BY CONVECTION
AND/OR RADIATION

HEAT

VENTS

HEAT STORAGE MASS

AIR SPACE
(e.g. ROCKBED, WATER
SOLAR COLLECTOR FACING
TOWARDS THE SUN (CAN
BE POSITIONED INDEPENDENT
OF BUILDING)

Fig. 4.14 Natural convective loop

36
Variations and control
The collector can be located at any suitable place and oriented independently of the building for
maximum solar gain. Thus building design can be flexible. The slope of the collector is generally equal to
the latitude of the place. Its area may range from 20 to 40 % of the floor area of the living space to be
heated. The collector consists of an absorber (usually a corrugated metal plate with a black paint that can
withstand temperature upto 120"° C) and glazing. Single glazing is the norm except in severe cold climates,
where more han one is required to be used. The gap between the glazing and the absorber should be about
5-6% of the absorber length.

The variations in the storage materials can be achieved by using different types of materials as well
as by varying their location, for example, below the floors and windows or in the wall. The method of
distribution of heat from the storage can either be by radiation or convection, or it can also be directly from
the collector. If water is used as the working fluid, the hot water can be run through the pipes installed in
the floor slab, where heat is stored and radiated into the living space. This can be supplemented by a boiler,
fired by wood/gas, during extended overcast seasons for maintaining comfort conditions.

If the contact area between the collector space and the storage is not large, then the link between
the two can be blocked or disconnected casily to control the performance of the system. It follows that the
larger the area of contact, the greater and quicker the heat transfer. Therefore performance control can be
exercised by designing the area of contact between the collector space and storage to meet specific heating
demands.

General remarks: The manner of arrangements of passive components, viz. glazing, insulation, collector,
storage and the living space to be heated or cooled, differentiates one passive system form the other. The
variations and controls that each type offers has been indicated. Further possibilities within each class are
created due to the different type of heat storage materials used. Sometimes passive systems also use small
fans for direct control over convective heat distribution. One is tempted to call these 'hybrid' systems.

The various passive concepts that are outlined essentially represent passive heating systems,
wherein attention is given to efficient collection of solar energy. MovabBle insulating curtains are provided
to prevent unwanted heat loss to the environment on overcast winter days as well as nights. However, as
has been pointed out, some of them could also be used for passi ve cooling purposes by changing the mode
of operation. But there are certain concepts which are used exclusively for passive cooling, which are
outlined in the next section.

4.3.7 Passive Cooling Concepts

The cooling of buildings by using passive methods has evoked great interest. The underlying
principle of accomplishing cooling is to prevent heat from (or at least reduce heat fux) entering the
building or remove heat once it has entered. One or a conmbination of these can be adopted for the purpose.
In this section, we discuss the principles behind each of the concepts used for passive coling of buildings.
It may be mentioned that these concepts use, besides solar energy, various other natural cooling sources,
etc. The applicability of these depends greatly upon the
viz., nocturnal cooling, evaporative cooling,
climatic conditions prevailing in a particular place.

4.3.7.1 Evaporative cooling

is a in Hot and Dry climates.
Evaporative cooling passive cooling technique, generally employed
Its physical principle lies in the fact that the sensible heat of air is used to evaporate water, thus cooling the

37
air, which in turn cools the living space of the building. Evaporation oceurs at water-air
increases in proportion to the contact area. interface, and
Evaporative cooling methods can be used in many ways. In a tropical country like India, the
radiation incident on the roof is very solar
high in summer. If water is sprinkled over suitable
materials (e.g. gunny bags), spread over the roof water-retentive
surface, the roof cools down and the heat gain is
Besides, evaporation also cools the air above the roof. This cool air slides reduced
down and enters the living
through infiltration and ventilation, leading to an increase in the level of thermal space
comfort.
The presence of a
waterbody such as pond, lake, sea, etc. near the building, or fountain in
courtyard can provide cooling effect. The most the
is the desert commonly used evaporative cooling system in north India
a fan and a
cooler, consisting of water, evaporative pads,
pump.
Variations and controls:
Evaporati
ve cooling is generally utilised during the day, when a large
be cooled. So the rate of air
flow and air change has to be
quantity of air is required to
discomfort due to high humidity. high. High evaporation can also result in
If a roof pond is used for
the water mass
evaporati ve cooling, a substantial amount
of heat comes to be stored in
and this may result in
heat
unnecessary flow into the living
sprinkling water is more as it
space. Therefore, cooling by
advantageous, provides a
without any storage. large water-air interface area for evaporation
Evaporative cooling can also be used for night cooling. The amount of
same effect will be water needed to the
less during night-time. This cooled produce
bed, where
the cold energy will be stored for later night air can be blown through a gravel
day-ime use.
4.3.7.2 Nocturnal radiation
cooling
Nocturnal Radiation Cooling refers to
of the
cooling by exposure of any element of the external
building to a cool Heat loss envelope
night sky. occurs by emission of long wavelength
surfaces should have and hence
high emissivity. The accumulated heat during the day is lost by radiation,
nights, thereby the radiation to the cool
cooling envelope. The envelope thus acts as cold
heat away from the storage during the day, drawing the
living space. The method works without consuming any water, unlike
evaporative cooling systems. Its operation is illustrated inefficiently
Fig 4.15.
The roof, being the
part most exposed to the sky, is the most effective
of heat exchange long wave radiator. The rate
depends upon the temperature difference between the
surrounding atmosphere. Regions with diurnal
emitting surface and the
large
radiation cooling. The vapour
temperature variations will have higher nocturmal
pressure and clouds in the sky also affect the heat
exchange.
The thermal link between the emitting surface and the living space has to be
radiant cooling. Otherwise the good for efecuv
cooling resulting from radiation
ambient air, rather than the exchange will only serve to cool
living space.
Variations and control
Roof pond with movable
insulation as well as rring
cooling to the interiors of the roof trap system can be effective in
building. transi
38
 MASSVE ROOF
ABSORBS HEAT
OPENABLE FALSE
CEILING PREVENTS
ENTRY OF HEAT
DURING DAY TIME
DAY
HEAT LOST TO
AMBIENT
BY RADIATION
MASSIVE ROOF
R ACTING AS HEAT
SINK
AANANAAAAAAAA -EMITTING
SURFACE
HOT AIR
NIGHT
Fig. 4.15 Nocturnal radiation cooling
39
 are clear.
In the case of humia mid
climate where nights
Hot and Dry temperature belo
is effective in decrease of its
Radiative cooling surface due to the
o c c u r on the radiating keeping it warm. Asa
condensation may to the surface,
atmosphere, latent heat of vaporisation
condensate transfers
the
dew point. The
result cooling is not achicved.
which may be useful
infrared transparent glazing materials
undertaken to develop
Efforts are being
house.
to cool desert green

4.3.7.3 Passive desiccant cooling of human

body through
climates. Natural cooling
This method is effective
in Warm and Humid temperature
man's tolerance to high is
in humid conditions. Therefore,
sweating does not occur highly level. n the desiccant cooling method,
reduced. In such a situation, it
is desirable to decrease the humidity
in the atmosphere. Materials
humidity
mechanical dehumidifiers are
used to reduce
desiccant salts or
dehumidification. They can be solid like silica gel, alumina
are used for
having high affinity for water outside enters the unit containing
like triethylene glycol. Air from
gel and activated alumina or liquids The desiccants are regenerated by
the living space.
desiccants and is dried adiabatically before entering
solar energy.

Variations and controls:

Sometimes desiccant cooling is employed in conjunction with evaporative cooling, which adjusts

the temperature of the air to the required comfort level.

4.3.7.4 Induced ventilation

Passive cooling by induced ventilation can be most effective in hot and humid climates as well as
hot and dry climates. This method involves the heating of air in a restricted area through solar radiation,
thus creating a temperature difference and causing air movements. The draft causes hot air to rise and
escape to the ambient, drawing in cooler air andthereby effecting cooling. A solar chimney is created to
cause continuous air circulation. Fig. 4.16 schematically shows air circulation in buildings.

Variations and controls:

Arrangement may be made to draw air from the coolest part of the structure as replacement to set
up continuous circulation and cool the living spaces.

4.3.7.5 Earth sheltering/ berming

This technique is used both for passive cooling as well as heating of buildings, a feat which is
made possible by the earth acting as a massive heat sink. Summer as well as winter variations die out
rapidly with increasing depth from the earth's surface. This temperature at a depth of a few metres, remains
almost stable throughout the year. Thus, the underground or partially sunk buildings would provide bou
cooling (in the summer) and heating (in the winter) to the living space. Besides, load fluctuations
reduced by the addition of carth mass to the thermal mass of the
a
building. The infiltration of air fro
outside is reduced, and there is a
decrease in noise and storm effects. Fig. 4.17 shows an of arth example ear
berming.
Thecarth-sheltered structure has to be heavier and and
thevegetalion above. Besides, it should be suitably
stronger to withstand the load of the earu
For this, a high level of waterproofed and insulated to avoid ground moin ure.
design and supervision in construction is required.
40
 ROOF HEATED BY
SOLAR RADIATION

HOT AIR RISES AND

IS VENTED OUT

COOL AIR

(a) INDUCTION EFFECT (b) SUCTION EFFECT

J
(d) CHIMNEY EFFECT
(c) DVERTED THROUGH FLOW

Fig. 4.16 Induced ventilation: principle and variations

Variations and control

can be provided by means of direct gain through windows near the
Additional heating, if required,
roof projecting above the ground. Similarly, additional cooling, if required can be provided by circulating
the temperature is low). The same ducts can provide some
air through ducts built underground (where
the cold period.
degree of preheating for the fresh outside air during
41
 RETAINING WALL

EARTH MASS ACTS

AS HEAT STORAGE
AND INSULATION
HEAT GAINED
BY ROOM
AA
HEAVY CONSTRUCTION-
WITH WATERPROOFING

WINTER cONDITION

EARTH MASS
ABSORBS HEAT
IN SUMMER
HEAVY CONSTRUCTION
WITH WATERPROOFING
MEAT LOST
BY ROOM
'

SUMMER cONDITION

Fig. 4.17 Details of carth-berming

4.3.7.6 Wind tower

Wind towers are generally used in Hot and Dry climates for
cooling purposes. A pre-requisite for
using a wind tower is that the site should experience winds with a fairly
wind tower operates in various
good and consistent velocity. A
ways, according to the time of day and the
The cardinal principle behind its presence and absence of wind.
operation lies in changing the ter perature and thereby
in and around the tower. The
difference in density creates a draft, density of the ai
the
through tower which is shown schematically in Fig. 4.18. A detail pulling air either upwards or
downward
Fig. 4.19. section of a wind tower is
given
Working: Night
The tower area is so
time has a large surface area for heat transfer.
designed that the top The
part tower walls
provides
largeand of the air-i
same
internal walls and
heatthestorage at the
capacity, sa ow
passages absorb heat during the
day, and release it at night,
warming the cool night air in the tower. wa
42
 TERRACE
LEVEL

FIRST
FLOOR
LEVEL

AIR FLOW DURING

PLINTH
LEVEL
PRESENCE OF WIND

AIR FLOW DURING

ABSENCE OF WIND

of wind tower
Fig. 4.18 Working principle
difference thus
exhausted through the openings. The pressure
air moves up creating an upward draft and is absence of wind,
and windows into the building. In the
the doors
created pulls the cool night air through external walls brings about
The nocturnal radiation through the roof and the
the tower acts as a chimney.
further cooling.

43
 INTERNAL SURFACES
SMOOTH & VAPOUR
RESISTANT TO PREVENT
GROWTH OF MOULD
WIRE MESH TO
PREVENT ENTRY
OF BIRDS AND
INSECTS
MASSIVE R.C.C. ROOF
FOR LARGE THERMAL
CAPACITY & LARGE
SURFACE FOR HEAT
.
NE
TRANSFER
PERFORATED PIPE
WITH WATER SPRAY
FOR EVAPORATIVE
COOLING
A
PERFORATED TRAY
OF CHARCOAL
ACTING AS AIR FILTER
N LOUVERS (OPEN
IN SUMMER)
WIRE MESH
PLINTH LEVEL
OVERFLOW PIPE
.
WATER SUMP
GROUND LEVEL FOR EVAPORATIVE
COOLING
Fig. 4.19 Detail of wind tower
 In the of
presence wind, the cool
structure. Though it is warmed slightly
night-time air enters the tower and forces itself down into the
during the process, sufficient cooling can be achieved duc to forced
circulation. Again cooling due to nocturnal radiation
adds to this process.
Working: Day
The hot ambient air
coming in contact with thecool top part of the tower is cooled. It becomes
cold and dense, and sinks through the tower
and into the living
of wind, the air is cooled more spaces, replacing the hot air. In the
effectively and flows faster down tower and into the living area.presencc
be noted that the temperature of the the It must
tower soon reaches that of the
ambient air and hence, in the absence of
wind, the downward flow ceases. The tower then
begins to act like a chimney. Operation of the tower
depends greatly on the ambient fluctuations like the wind
wind towers velocity, air, temperature changes, etc. However,
are more effective than evaporative/ desert coolers.
Variations and controls:
Variations in wind tower design can be achieved
by altering tower heights, cross section of the air
passages, locations and number of openings, and the location of the wind tower with to the living
respect
space to be cooled. The variations are aimed at providing the desired air-flow rates, heat transfer area and
storage capacity. Air flow through different parts of the buildings can be controlled by the doors and the
windows.
Due to small storage capacity, the sensible cooling may stop after several hours of operation on hot
summer days. In order to improve the efficiency of its operation, evaporative cooling is used. The air
flowing down the tower is first sensibly cooled and then further cooled evaporatively. This is achieved by
providing evaporative cooling system in the tower. The reduction in the temperature of air can be as much
as 10 -15° C in arid climates
[14].
It may be noted that wind towers are for use only in the summer and must be closed properly in
winter. Due consideration must also be given to prevent the entry of dust, birds and insects.
4.3.7.7 Earth-air tunnels
Although, this technique is essentially used for cooling the air in Hot and Dry climates, it can also
be used for winter heating. Earth-air tunnels may be considered as special types of wind towers connected
to an underground tunnel. The cooling process is based on the fact that the temperature a few meters below
the ground, is almost constant throughout the year. A wind tower is connected to the underground tunnel,
which runs from the bottom of the wind tower to the basement of the building. The wind tower catches the
wind which is forced down the tower into the tunnel. The temperature of the tunnel, being lower than that
of the ambient temperature, cools the air before it is circulated into the living space. Figure 4.20 shows a
schematic diagram of an earth-air tunnel.
is higher than the ambient temperature and hence warms
In winter, the temperature of the tunnel
the air passing through it.
Variations and controls:
the
Sensiblecooling can be aided by evaporative cooling. To reduce the underground temperature,
can be wetted by sprinkling water. This
water seeps through
and
ground can be shaded using vegetation
45
 HOT AIR
WIND TOWER
COOL AIR FOUNTAIN AND
POOL FOR
EVAPORATIVE
TUNNEL COOLING
EARTH ABSORBS HEAT
Fig. 4.20 Earth-air tunnel: Section
and dampens the runnel walls. Consequentdly, air from the tunnel is evaporatively cooled
through the tunnel. Another variation possible is to use buried pipes in place of tunnel.
as it passes
Other variations, controls and precautions inherent to the wind tower are applicable in this system.
4.3.7.8 Curved roofs and air vents
Curved roofs and vents are used in combination for passive cooling of air in Hot and Dry
where dusty winds make wind towers impracticable. This system works on the principle of cooling by
climates,
HIGHER WIND SPEED
CAP AT VENTS INDUCES
AlR CIRCULATION
CURVED ROOF OFFERS
MORE SURFACE AREA
AIR IRCUATION HENCE COOLED EASILY
ROOM
FOUNTAIN AND POOL FOR
EVAPORATIVE COOLING
Fig. 4.21 Curved roof and air vent: Section
 induced ventilation, caused by pressure differences. This principle is illustrated in Fig. 4.21. Wind that
flows over a curved surface, creates a pressure difference across it. If vents are provided in the surface, air
is sucked out of the structure through the openings. Therefore, the hot internal air forces its way out
through the vents inducing air-circulation. The air vents are usually placed above the living rooms.

Variations and controls

The cooling effect can be enhanced by providing evaporative cooling. A pool of water is usually
kept on the floor directly below the vents so that the air flowing into the room gets cooled, in turn cooling
the living space. The air vents are usually provided with protective caps which help to direct the winds
across them.

4.3.8 Insulation
Heat loss or gain from various building components may be reduced by insulating them. Wall,
floors and roofs can be insulated by materials such as polyurethane foam (PUF), thermocol, etc., either
in the external
externally or internally. Another mode of insulation is by incorporating an air cavity
inward/ outward transmission of the
building envelope. For example, in cavity walls, the cavity inhibits the
shown in Fig. 4.22 and 4.23.
heat. Details regarding cavity walls and insulation of floors and roofs are

Variations and controls:

Variations can be achieved by the use of different insulation materials, (e.g. rigid/ flexible, applied
of the air gap can be varied by opting for a ventilated or
internally/ externally). In cavity walls, the property
unventilated air cavity.

4.3.9 Varytherm Wall

climates. It is
winter heating and summer cooling in composite
This system can be used for mild
with an air gap in
circulation. The outer walls are made of two layers
based on the principle of natural air
internal layer is made of brick/
of light (thin) material while the
between. The external layer is made
with vents for air-circulation.
or concrete. The air gap is provided
masonry
effective air-insulation
in the day-time, the vents are closed and the walls provide
During summer
with warm brick
vented cavity facilitates the contact of the cool ambient air
from the heat. At night, the
air
movement in a quick removal of stored
helps
wall and gets heated, establishing
a natural draft . This
heat.
the warm air of the cavity to the living
during the day for supplying
In winter, the vents are opened air-insulation to prevent heat loss to the outside.
closed during night facilitating
space. But the vents are

41
 PRECAST cONCRETE WEATHER
cOPING

RIGID D.P.C.
OVER CAVITY

FLEXIBLE NON-FERROUS
METAL FLASHING & D.P.C.

FLOOR FINISH

SCREED

VAPOUR BARRIER

RCC SLAB

CONCRETE BLOCK WALL

WALL TIES
300 C/C

CAVITY
D.P.C.
BRICK WALL
WEEP HOLES
0900 C/C
FLOOR FINISH

GROUND LEVEL SCREED

PCC SLAB

DRY RUBBLE
PACKING
D.P.C. DAMP PROOF
COURSE
P.C.C.= PLAIN CEMENT
CONCRETEE EARTH FILLING
R.C.C.= REINFORCED CEMENT
CONCRETE

CONCRETE BLOCK WALL

MASS CONCRETE
FOUNDATION

Fig. 4.22 Cavity wall: Section

 FLOOR FINISH
SCREED
P.C.C. SLAB

VAPOUR PARAPET WALL

BARRIER
RIGID
INSULATION
DRY RUBBLE
PACKINGG LIME CONCRETE
GOLA
EARTH FILLING
AIR FLOW -TERRACOTTA
TILES

(a) DETAIL OF FLOOR

INSULATION MUD PHUSKA

INVERTED
EARTHEN
POTS FOOR
INSULATION

RCC SLAB BITUMEN FELT

WATERPROOFING
ROOFING RCC SLAB
FELT
80ARDING

INSULATION
FLOOR (b) TYPICAL ROOF INSULATION DETAIL
JOISTS (IREP CENTER, NEW DELHI)
CEILING
PLANK

(c)DETAIL OF INSULATION
BELOW FLAT ROOF

GROUND LEVEL

PARAPET WALL
CHINA MOSAIC
FLOORING REFLECTS
SOLAR RADIATION
BACK TO AMBIENT
RCC SLAB
sCREED
FOUNDATION WALL
BRICK BAT COBA
ACTS AS WATER-
INSULATION PROOFING AND
INSULATING LAYER

RCC SLAB
-R.C.C. FOOTING

(d) INSULATION DETAIL AT FOOTING (e) TYPICAL ROOF INSULATION DETAIL

(MUMBAI)

Fig. 4.23 Insulation details

49
 DAYLIGHTING [17-19]
and their functions. Because of
the way we perceive the spaces
has a major cffect on
than monotonous artificial lightino
Natural light effect
a m o r e pleasing
natural light has
which admit light,
equip us with a visual
its variability and subtlety, skylights, etc.
such as windows, has a bearing
on energy-savino
Building components Besides, daylight also
the use of daylighting makes
world.
vis-à-vis the outside
communication
are largely
used during the daytime, factories and
nmost of the buildings burning in offices,
implications. Since hundreds of tubelights
one finds
economic s e n s e . Very often, outside. In artificial
lighting, the light source
a lot of
even though
there is plenty of sunlight climate or even the
homes during daytime level is independent of
illumination
location,
i.e. the and its
on external
conditions
is under the user's control, depends
the other hand, daylighting strongly clements, and
of the building. On involves many
good daylighting system
construction
constructed. A
control depends on how building is
a
at an early stage.
them in the building design
so it is best to incorporate
of Daylighting surface it has been
4.4.1 Basic Principles the earth's
But by the time it reaches
of daylight is the surface
sun.
The ultimate source received on the carth's
and reflection. The daylight
attenuation, scattering received from all
subjected to atmospheric diffuse light (light
received from the sun) and inside a
(light directly reaching a particular point
is composed of direct light and reflection). Light
to atmospheric scattering
parts of the sky due
DIRECT
SUNLIGHT
INTERNALLY
REFLECTED
COMPONENT
EXTERNALLY
DIFFUSE OR SKY
REFLECTED
COMPONENT
COMPONENT
Distribution of daylight
Fig. 4.24
reflected light (by
(3) externally
skylight,
direct sunlight, (2)
diffuse or
ceiling and
other intern
consist of, (1) light from walls,
building may reflected
and (4) internally
or other buildings),
ground in Fig. 4.24. and
surfaces. This is depicted graphically
orientation, the locato.
utdoor
on its planform, o
within a building depends of the
variations
The availability of light reflections.
Because
internal
characteristics of glazing and
S1ze of openings,
50
 lighting levels, it is dificult (and
perhaps meaningless)
illumination terms. However, inside a given calculate interior tighting in
to
photometric
corresponding outdoor illumination can be taken as building at a given point, the ratio of indoor illumination to the
is the daylight factor (DF), given by: constant. This constant ratio, expressed in percentage,
DF x 100
(4.1)
where,
E indoor illumination at the
E, outdoor illumination
point
of consideration
from unobstructed sky hemisphere
The three components
contributing to daylight factor are: (a) sky component (SC), (b) externally
reflected component (ERC), and (c)
internally reflected component (TRC)
Thus,

DF SC+ ERC+ IRC

(4.2)
Each of the components can be calculated
Handbook [17]. The magnitude of each of these
following standard procedures outlined in the BIS
components depends on design variables as follows:
Sky component (SC) - The area of sky visible from the point considered and is average altitude
angle (luminance of the sky at that angle), window size and position in relation to the point,
thickness of window frame, quality of glass and its clearness, and any external obstructions.

Externally reflected component (ERC) - The area of external surfaces visible from the point
considered and the reflectance of these surfaces.

Internally reflected component (IRC) The size of the room, the ratio ofsurfaces (wall, roof,
etc.) in relation to the window area and reflectance of indoor surfaces.

Direct sunlight is excluded from the definition of daylight factor, as it is not desirable from the
perspective of the quality of the light. It creates problems of shadows and severe brightness imbalances,
resulting in glare. Direct sunlight also brings excessive heat in summer. Adequate shading devices are
therefore recommended not only for thermal comfort but also for visual comfort.

The outdoor illumination level E, can be established for a given place by analysing the long-term
illumination record. This is taken as 'design sky illumination' value. For India, it is taken as 8,000 lux for
clear design sky 117]
For example, if E = 300 and E = 8000 lux, then,

300
DF= x 100=3.75
8000
as window size etc., can be manipulated to achieve this daylight
Now the design variables such
inside illumination level is at the required level or
Tactor, This method will ensurc that 90% of the time, the
51
 U

A AL

AL
 Smart windows, having variable solar gain control by using electrochromic, thermotropic ana
gasochromic devices, offer an attractive feature of altering in situ the transmittance of glazings. That
is, the glazings can avoid or admit sun, depending on the requirement.
The reduction in the glare is a key issue in visual comfort and daylighting of buildings. Angle-
selective transmittance coatings can materialise this possibility and offer a new family of glazing
materials.
It may not be out of place to mention, that under the initiatives of International Energy Agency (Task
18), a large number ofinstitutes and researeh organisations are developing advanced glazing materials. 1he
target is to develop the scientific, engineering and architectural basis necessary
to support the appropriate
use of advance glazing in buildings and other solar applications.
into the building.
Challenges exist also due to the consideration of integrating other solar devices
water systems, solar cooker, solar air heating systems, solar photovoltaic
systems
These include solar hot
[22-25] etc. Architecturally, these devices should be integrated as parts of the building.
4.6 CASE STUDIES
one in a Composite climate (which
is
A case study of a building in Cold and Cloudy climate and
techniques diseussed in this chapter.
predominantly hot) has been presented to illustrate the use passive
of
4.6.1 Solar Energy Centre, Gurgaon
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana.
Climate: Composite (predominantly hot)
Brief description of building:
a workshop, offices and
centre. The buildings include a guest house,
It is a single storeyed research
of land, the buildings are spread out and incorporate
laboratorics. Being situated on a large open plot block
A plan and section of the administrative
various activities are clustered.
courtyards, around which the
of the same is given in Fig. 4.25.
Objectives: Resist heat gain
Promote heat loss
Techniques
Roof surface evaporative cooling system.
put together in a
-
air conditioning were
in which laboratories requiring
-
Appropriate planning
well- insulated building.
concrete block walls to resist
heat gain by conduction.
-
Hollow
Reflective finish on roof surface.
ventilation and daylighting.
Windows designed for cross louvered shutters.
windows incorporate openable
-
east and west-facing
53
 SOLAR
SOUTH COLLECTOR
FACING
SKYLIGHT

ATTIC FOR
INSULATION

TROMBE
WALL CAVITY WALL AND
HEATED AIR DOUBLE GLAZING3
FROM ON NORTH FACE
OFFICE FOR INSULATION
MALL COLLECTOR
ROAD
OFFICE

cOLD WINDS

(a) SECTION

DOUBLE LIGHT-
GLAZING SHELF

SUN
SPACE CAVITY
WALL

TROMBE
WALL H

LIGHT
WELL (b) PLAN

Fig. 4.27 (a) Plan: H. P. State Co-operative Bank, Shimla

Performance
The post-occupancy evaluation is not available. However, the
the building (component-wise) per annum as compared to a conventionalpredictions of the energy saving
building are as follows:
=
West wall (double
glazing and insulation) 43248 kWh
=
Roof insulation 23796 kWh
Roof top solar collector =
10278 kWh
-Trombe wall =7398 kWh
Total 84720 kWh