Fig. 7 Small yard ⑤
The adoption of building layout strategies, especially orientation,
causes low or even no additional building cost. It is a cost effective
energy saving strategy which tremendously reduces the resistance to its
application in building industry.
2.Envelope thermal physics involves application of insulation and
thermal storage materials to reduce heat transfer through the walls,
roof, windows and subsequently the air conditioning load.
Typical passive solution:
-
Double skin facade(DSF):can efficiently reduce the overall HVAC
consumption in buildings by absorbing part of the solar radiation
during winter and preventing overheating during warm periods. The DSF
can work under different ventilation modes or work as a Trombe
wall.[11[] Gracia,
Alvaro De, et al. ”Numerical modelling of ventilated facades: A
review.” Renewable & Sustainable Energy
Reviews 22.22(2013):539-549.](Fig.8)
Fig. 8 Double skin facade
-
Mass wall
Residence in northwest China use vernacular clay to ram into walls.
The structure is compact, strong cohesion, and good thermal inertia,
making the inner temperature steady. [22[]
Cao. Scientific analysis of the energy saving technology of
the traditional houses in Northwest China. Diss. Xi’an University
Of Architecture And Technology, 2013.](Fig.9)
Fig. 9 Cave dwelling ⑥
-
Green roof
A green roof protects the roof slab from extreme temperatures and high
temperature fluctuations. This protection is afforded by a number of
thermal phenomena that occur in the green roof, such as solar shading,
evapotranspiration, and thermal
resistance.[33[]
Jaffal, Issa, S. E. Ouldboukhitine, and R. Belarbi. ”A comprehensive
study of the impact of green roofs on building energy
performance.” Renewable Energy 43(2012):157-164.](Fig.10-11)
Fig. 10 Effect of green roof
Fig. 11 Construction of green roof
The selection of envelope is one of the most effective ways to
minimize the energy consumption related to interior thermal
comfort.[44[]
Kerdan, Iván García, et al. ”An exergoeconomic-based parametric
study to examine the effects of active and passive energy retrofit
strategies for buildings.” Energy &
Buildings 133.2016(2016):155-171.]
3.Building geometry
Building’s geometric form have more impact on a building’s energy
performance than materials utilized in the building envelope in some
cases.[55[] Hemsath,
Timothy L., and K. A. Bandhosseini. ”Sensitivity analysis evaluating
basic building geometry’s effect on energy use.” Renewable
Energy 76(2015):526-538.] Parameters such as
window to wall/ground ratios, window location and solar shadings are
classified as building geometry factors influencing natural lighting,
ventilation and solar gain.
Residence in south/north usually possess analogous geometry. Aside from
culture and historical reasons, energy efficiency and indoor comfort are
critical factors attributes to this phenomenon. The geometry is a result
of a long evolution process.