In France, air conditioning of offices is often required especially in areas with high noise levels and in the Mediterranean climates. Evaporative cooling systems appear able to give a cost effective solution to the growing demand for summer comfort: hence, the CSTB and Gaz de France are currently conducting a joint research on the efficiency of such systems. On the basis of a comfort criteria, this have been done by computer simulations taking into account different kinds of systems, buildings, and climatic areas.
The faults during design and installation phases are more critical with cooling systems than with normal HY AC systems: direct evaporated systems in particular require experienced engineers and mechanics. The most common fault is oversizing the systems and the design of the year-round-use system without winter conditions equipment. When the outdoor temperature is cold these systems present problems. The aim of this paper is to present the retrofitting concepts of cooling systems together with improved energy efficiency and operation of the system.
This paper presents the state of the art on the natural cooling techniques. The development on the evaporative, radiative and earth contact cooling techniques and components is discussed. A classification of the existing systems and techniques is attempted and tbe knowledge on the more important of them is presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the classified systems are evaluated and their suitability for European climates is discussed. The luck of information as well as the existing scientific gaps on the subject are identified.
To increase of diffusion on the bioclimatic architecture is necessary to make the calculation Method easy to use for designers. In particular the available calculation method for analytical, based on transfer functions or finite elements method or those made for simplified calculations are generally very complex to use. Is necessary to develop methods of analytical type and simplified more "friendly" to use.
A short state of the art in heat attenuation studies and technology is presented, with reference to the climate conditions of Mediterranean countries. The main areas of mass, insulation, building shape, glazing and control are considered. The main problems pertaining to each area are discussed and the most promising perspectives illustrated. A possible scenario for a future European concerted action is proposed, considering both applied research, pre-normative studies, and industrial developments.
Comfort conditions in a warm/hot environment can be achieved by means of several cooling strategies ranging from the obvious sun shading to the less obvious radiant cooling. These strategies are identified and three selected computer models are evaluated in terms of their capability to cope with them. The result is that the most popular or sophisticated computer models available are not able to deal with passive cooling. Also the problem of is the interface between currently available computer models and their final users, the architects, is analyzed.
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