| ABOUT | CATEGORIES | Worlds of David Darling | CONTACT |
 |
passive solar design
 |
A building design that uses structural elements of a building to heat and cool a building without the use of mechanical equipment. Passive solar design calls for careful consideration of the local climate and solar energy resource, building orientation, and landscape features, to name a few. The principal elements include proper building orientation, proper window sizing and placement and design of window overhangs to reduce summer heat gain and ensure winter heat gain, and proper sizing of thermal energy storage mass (for example a Trombe wall or masonry tiles). The heat is distributed primarily by natural convection and radiation, though fans can also be used to circulate room air or ensure proper ventilation.
Related category
• SOLAR ENERGY AND POWER
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Science
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)