passive solar house

The Linford project involved the design, construction and monitoring of 8 low energy houses in Milton Keynes. The houses were insulated to current Danish Regulation standards and incorporated several passive solar features. Seven occupied and

Studies the direct coupling of ventilation heat and solar gains to increase the performance of passive solar systems. Examples of particularly suitable buildings are described. The thermal model FRED, based on a thermal resistance network representing a three-zone building, is modified to include a simple airflow model driven by wind speed and temperature difference. The simulated building is ascribed symmetric permeabilities, then asymmetric permeabilities.

Measurements of radon and radon daughters in 11 buildings in five states, using active or passive solar heating showed no significant increase in concentration over the levels measured in buildings with conventional heating systems. Radon levels in two buildings using rock storage in their active solar systems exceeded the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 10 CFR 20 limit of 3 pCi/l for continuous exposure. In the remainder of the buildings, radon concentrations were found to be at levels considered to be normal.

The above new building is described. Main features of this building are shade from trees, south windows catch the breeze in summer and insolation in the winter, insulated foundations, roof and wall insulation, solar collectors toprovide all hot water heating and 75% of space heating, thermally massive walls to stabilise temperature, various natural ventilation and air conditioning options, and storm windows. Energy consumption details are given.

Studies the airtightness of about 50 passive solar homes located through out the USA using low cost measurement techniques. Measures include pressurization tests to measure airtightness and tracer gas measurements to determine air infiltration rates. Pressure tests show a variation in airtightness of homes from 3-30 changes/hr at 50 Pa, with a median of 5-9 changes/hr.The air infiltration measurements cover a wide range from 0.05-3 changes/hr, with a median of 0.5 changes/hr. Finds that these passive solar homes are not significantly tighter than less energy-conscious houses.

Describes the methods and considerations employed in the development of a detailed monitoring and evaluation programme for passive solar residences. Data analysis is performed by determining the hourly heat transfer of all critical energy transfer components, using an on-site microprocessor based data acquisition system. Discusses air infiltration as one of the components, and describes measurement methods, including pressurisation and tracer gas techniques.

Reports survey of the energy consumption of 50 low-energy passive solar houses in the Saskatoon area. Gives graphs of energy consumption versus degree days for standard and low-energy houses and space heating consumption per unit floor area. Gives table of measurements.

Presents diagrams showing the behaviour of air currents in two passive solar houses. Suggests some straightforward means by which repetitive patterns of discrete currents can be engineered. An appendix briefly outlines the operation of a discrete current flat plate collector with a 65 - 75% normal winter efficiency.

Suggests methods of conserving energy in new houses. Gives detailed instructions for installing vapour barrier; constructing double stud wall, insulating walls and windows. Also discusses moisture problems and the use of an air-to-air heat exchanger. Outlines other methods of saving energy and waysof refitting an older house.NOTES An updated second edition has been published as "Energy efficient housing - a prairie approach" abstract no.643.

Analyses the problem of air management in energy conserving passive solar houses and discusses cost effectiveness of various alternative scheme. Use of polythene sheeting to form anair-tight membrane aims to reduce uncontrolled ventilation rate to 0.05 air changes per hour. Discusses problem of indoor air pollution and suggests adding venting windows and air-to-air heat exchangers. The need for internal air circulation is answered by ceiling fans or a central forced air system.