“Attached greenhouses” are a combination of both direct and indirect gain systems, since they directly gain sunlight into the structure itself, yet also manage to transform this energy into the adjacent building, forcing an indirect gain. Indirect gain is when the sunlight hits an alternate surface, absorbed, converted into thermal energy, and then transferred into the space (For instance, a masonry wall absorbs the sunlight and transports the heat absorbed into the interior space). Direct gain is when the project is heated and energized by direct sunlight reaching its surface (through a south-facing glass façade, for instance). The configuration behind passive systems consists of three types: direct gain, indirect gain, and isolated gain. Masonry ( concrete, bricks, stones) and water (water wall, roof ponds) are the two most commonly used materials for radiation storage. Passive systems “collect and transport energy by non-mechanical, natural means”. Some surfaces will transmit radiation and store it at the same time, creating what we know as the “greenhouse effect.” This system stores the heat obtained by the sun, and preserves it for a long duration, as opposed to passive a “ cooling system,” which absorbs the heat at a later stage. Similarly, dark surfaces absorb heat in larger amounts than light ones. For instance, a polished/shiny surface will reflect radiation in larger amounts than matte surfaces. Not all materials absorb sun the same way. Transparent materials transmit the most sun radiation however, translucent materials transmit just as much sun radiation, but will also scatter them as they pass through. Once the sun’s radiation hits Earth’s surface, the rays can either be absorbed, reflected, and/or transmitted. Passive solar energy is based on one element, the sun. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide of implementing passive solar systems in your designs. The simple concept and process of implementing passive solar energy systems have provided buildings with heat, lighting, mechanical power, and electricity in the most environmentally-conscious way possible. But while some are busy chasing the sun for sun-kissed skin, architects are all about creating sun-kissed spaces.īy definition, “ passive solar energy is the collection and distribution of energy obtained by the sun using natural means”. Although the sun is almost 150 million kilometers away, this star has had the most impact on our planet.
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