Passive solar design

If we build three million new houses by 2020, where will we grow all the stuff needed to feed the people who live in them? - Jeremy Clarkson (writing in the Sunday Times, 21 October 2007) ESS report by Artur Zdanovic 5/13/2010 1

4th SEMESTER VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AARHUS Artur Zdanovic BK46E

TITLE SHEET
SPECIALITY TITLE: Passive solar design.

CONSULTANCE: Ane Marie Hindhede AUTHOR: Artur Zdanovic

Number of pages: 19 Number of characters: 23.264 Number of copies: 1

GENERAL INFORMATION:

All rights reserved no part of this publication must be reproduced without preceding permission from the author.

NOTICE: This speciality/Report is produced as a part of the constructing architect education- every responsibility concerning guidance, instructions or conclusions is hereby renounced!

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Table of Contents
1. Executive summary ............................................................................................................................. 4 2. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Quick Facts .................................................................................................................................... 7 3. Passive solar design............................................................................................................................. 8 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 8 3.2 Passive solar systems rules of thumb: .......................................................................................... 9 3.3 Passive solar heating ..................................................................................................................... 9 3.4Direct Gain ............................................................................................................................... 10 3.5 Indirect Gain ............................................................................................................................ 11 3.6 Isolated Gain-Sunroom ........................................................................................................... 12 3.7 Passive Solar Cooling ............................................................................................................... 13 4. Green Lighthouse .......................................................................................................................... 14 4.1 Basic facts ................................................................................................................................ 14 4.2 What was achieved ................................................................................................................. 15 5. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 17 6. List of references ............................................................................................................................... 18 Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Appendix 1: Project description. ....................................................................................................... 19 Appendix2: Process ........................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix3: Software......................................................................................................................... 19

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1. Executive summary
This report is writhen as a part of 4th semester on Constructing Architect in VIA University College Aarhus. In this report I am planning to figure out how can the architecture and a most efficient way of using sunlight help to improve sustainability of a building.

Pollution is one of major problems worldwide. It is killing our planet with rapid speed. Architects are fully aware of that, this is why Green Building Design is the most popular trend in modern architecture. In this report I want to investigate a part of that trend that requires a minimum maintenance, price and is the least dependable on modern technologiesPassive Solar Design.

In this report I would like to introduce the reader to the types of passive solar heating design, to give an explanation what kind of systems, design, materials and colors should be used to passively improve buildings sustainability by simply following the sun. I will try to analyze those different types to see which one is the most effective or most commonly used. I would also like to give an example of using passive solar design in Denmark as not only I study here and the education is based on Danish architecture, but also due to the fact that Denmark is not getting a high amount of sun during the year which makes passive solar design very challenging in this area.

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Listen, the environmental movement is not about protecting the fishes and the birds so much as recognizing that nature is the infrastructure of our communities. I'd say the most patriotic thing you can do is to take care of the environment and try to live sustainably. (Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., National Resource Defense Fund, 2005)
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I have noticed that when I tell people that these new houses have energy costs of approximately 50 cents a day, they tend to think about their own homes. People respond to the idea. They just need education and awareness. (Jeff Christian, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, buildings technology researcher)

2. Introduction
Sustainable building design is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building 11 May 2010)

In order to increase buildings eco-friendliness a lot of different solutions are used worldwide. Over a century of sustainable building design there have been found a lot of solutions such as: Low energy consumption- designing the building with a minimum waste of energy (this is commonly achieved by using highly insulated constructions and components). Alternative energy sources- wind energy, solar energy, geo-thermal energy, hydro energy. Recycled materials- everyday more and more materials used in building industry are the result of recycled materials, mostly from demolished buildings. Lightningthe optimal artificial and natural lightning in a building.

The purpose of this report is to investigate the Passive solar design in building industry. The topic of natural sustainable lighting has been taken in mind by architects all over the world for centuries. What interests me in this topic the most is the fact that passive solar design requires minimum maintenance and can be used in buildings all over the world. As green building industry is getting more and more popular all over the world every day, I have decided to investigate what is done to create sustainable architecture by using the element that every living organism depend on-the Sun.

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2.1 Quick Facts

Green building practices aim to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Buildings account for a large amount of land use, energy and water consumption, and air and atmosphere alteration. Considering the statistics, reducing the amount of natural resources buildings consume and the amount of pollution given off is seen as crucial for future sustainability, according to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The environmental impact of buildings is often underestimated, while the perceived costs of green buildings are overestimated. A recent survey by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development finds that green costs are overestimated by 300 percent, as key players in real estate and construction estimate the additional cost at 17 percent above conventional construction, more than triple the true average cost difference of about 5 percent.(http://www.wbcsd.org 11May 2010)

Geneva, 11 December 2009 - Buildings represent nearly 40% of final energy used globally. If we include the energy consumed in building construction, this number grows to more than 50%. However, large and attractive opportunities exist to reduce buildings' energy use at a lower societal cost and a higher return than in other sectors. (http://www.wbcsd.org/Plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?DocTypeId=251&ObjectId=MzY4ND k 12 May 2010)

Lighting accounts for around 15% of the energy bill in most homes, and around 25% in commercial buildings. It is supplied by electrical power plants using fossil fuels, and is responsible for a significant percentage of carbon dioxide emissions. (http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/SustainableLighting.html 11 May 2010)

In Europe around 40% of total energy consumption is used for operation of our houses. The houses we construct are solid and have a very long useful life; this means that each year only around 1-1.5% of our building stock is replaced. More focus on energy consumption has led to political restraints so that the Building Code today requires that new commercial buildings must not use more than 95 kWh/m2/year (primary energy) for operation. In the Building Code (BR08) low energy classes 1 and 2 have furthermore been introduced; a class 1 building uses less than 50 kWh/m2 for operation (explanation: low energy class 1 is the best low energy class in the Building Code). In 2020 requirements for energy consumption in a new commercial building are expected to be further tightened. Requirements in 2020 will probably be at no more than 30 kWh/m2/year. (Green Lighthouse Presentation December 2009)

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These facts are really taking away all of my questioning about why is modern building industry is so focused on sustainability of building. Buildings influence on nature is enormous. And only a century ago buildings all around the globe were created without any consideration of sustainability. During industrialization decades the situation got even worse. Nowadays, on the other hand, architects from countries all over the world have finally realized the importance of creating sustainable buildings, the importance of creating a brighter future.

3. Passive solar design

3.1 Introduction
Solar energy is a radiant heat source that causes natural processes upon which all life depends. Some of the natural processes can be managed through building design in a manner that helps heat and cool the building. The basic natural processes that are used in passive solar energy are the thermal energy flows associated with radiation, conduction, and natural convection. When sunlight strikes a building, the building materials can reflect, transmit, or absorb the solar radiation. Additionally, the heat produced by the sun causes air movement that can be predictable in designed spaces. These basic responses to solar heat lead to design elements, material choices and placements that can provide heating and cooling effects in a home. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)

Passive solar design refers to the use of the suns energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. In this approach, the building itself or some element of it takes advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials and air created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple, have few moving parts, and require minimal maintenance and require no mechanical systems. Not only the passive solar design itself saves the energy and improves the energy consumption of a building, but also the low maintenance of the system improves its life-cycle costing by a great deal. The cost of passive design elements can run the same or slightly more than conventional building costs. This assumes that design services are used in both approaches passive solar design and conventional design. Interior thermal mass materials such as stone and brick generally add to the cost of a home but can also be considered aesthetic enhancements. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)

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3.2 Passive solar systems rules of thumb:

The building should be elongated on an east-west axis. The buildings south face should receive sunlight between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (sun time) during the heating season. Interior spaces requiring the most light and heating and cooling should be along the south face of the building. Less used spaces should be located on the north. An open floor plan optimizes passive system operation. Use shading to prevent summer sun entering the interior. Sustainable By Design has an online calculator for Sun Angles and from that you can figure the overhang calculations. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)

These are very basic rules that might vary in different parts of the world due to climate differences. In Denmark these rules apply quite well and are used to create passive solar design all over the country. These guidelines alone will not make a building sustainable, it has to be investigated more deeply and a specific design should be chosen for each unique project.

3.3 Passive solar heating

As it was known and used in practice for centuries, two primary elements of passive solar heating are required: South facing glass Thermal mass to absorb, store, and distribute heat (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)

There are three approaches to passive systems direct gain, indirect gain, and isolated gain. The goal of all passive solar heating systems is to capture the suns heat within the buildings elements and release that heat during periods when the sun is not shining. At the same time that the buildings elements (or materials) are absorbing heat for later use, solar heat is available for keeping the space comfortable.

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4th SEMESTER VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AARHUS Artur Zdanovic BK46E

3.4Direct Gain

Direct gain is the simplest passive design technique. Sunlight enters the house through the aperture-usually south-facing windows with a glazing material made of transparent or translucent glass. The sunlight then strikes masonry floors and/or walls, which absorb and store the solar heat. The surfaces of these masonry floors and walls are typically a dark color because dark colors usually absorb more heat than light colors. There are no specific colors to determine, it is all about client wishes and architects imagination, but the rules of dark and light tones should be always taken in mind. In this system, the actual living space is a solar collector, heat absorber and distribution system. South facing glass admits solar energy into the house where it strikes directly and indirectly thermal mass materials in the house such as masonry floors and walls. The direct gain system will utilize 60 75% of the suns energy striking the windows. Thermal mass in the interior absorbs the sunlight and radiates the heat at night. In a direct gain system, the thermal mass floors and walls are functional parts of the house. The thermal mass will temper the intensity of the heat during the day by absorbing the heat. At night, the thermal mass radiates heat into the living space. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010) Ilustation1: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com

3.4.1 Direct gain system rules of thumb

A heat load analysis of the building should be conducted. Do not cover thermal mass floors with wall to wall carpeting; keep as bare as functionally and aesthetically possible. Use a medium dark color for masonry floors; use light colors for other lightweight walls; thermal mass walls can be any color. Fill the cavities of any concrete block used as thermal storage with concrete or other high mass substance. Use thermal mass at less thickness throughout the living space rather than a concentrated area of thicker mass. The surface area of mass exposed to direct sunlight should be 9 times the area of the glazing. Sun tempering is the use of direct gain without added thermal mass. For most buildings, multiply the house area by 0.08 to determine the amount of south facing glass for sun tempering. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)
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The direct gain system is most commonly used for apartment and public buildings. The system has proven itself during long years of practice in sustainable architecture. The rules are simple to follow and they might be automatically considered by architects when designing any building. Moreover, the basic idea of direct gain system is making the building itself more attractive for its users as it requires a large area of south-facing windows with preferably opened space which is most commonly used as living area.

3.5 Indirect Gain

An indirect-gain passive solar home has its thermal storage between the south-facing windows and the living spaces. Using a Trombe wall is the most common indirect-gain approach. The wall consists of a 200 to 400mm-thick masonry wall on the south side of a house. The Trombe wall distributes or releases heat into the home over a period of several hours. Solar heat migrates through the wall, reaching its rear surface in the late afternoon or early evening. When the indoor temperature falls below that of the walls surface, heat begins to radiate and transfer into the room. The thermal mass absorbs the sunlight that strikes it and transfers it to the living space by conduction. The indirect gain system will utilize 30 45% of the suns energy striking the glass adjoining the thermal mass. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)
3.5.1 Thermal storage wall systems

The thermal mass is located immediately behind south facing glass in this system. Operable vents at the top and bottom of a thermal storage wall permit heat to convert from between the wall and the glass into the living space. When the vents are closed at night radiant heat from the wall heats the living space. The thermal mass is located immediately behind south facing glass in this system. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010)

Ilustation2: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com

Indirect gain system is probably the best one for warm seasons and for the areas where it is warm during the whole year. It allows less sun to get inside the area that the direct gain system which means it requires less cooling during those hot days. When the sun goes down and the temperature outside drops down, this system allows to either minimize or fully replace the heating system in the area.
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4th SEMESTER VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AARHUS Artur Zdanovic BK46E 3.6 Isolated Gain-Sunroom

A sunroomalso known as a solar room or solariumis a versatile approach to passive solar heating. A sunspace can be built as part of a new building or as an addition to an existing one. (http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010) An isolated gain system has its integral parts separate from the main living area of a building. Examples are a sunroom and a convective loop through an air collector to a storage system in the building. The ability to isolate the system from the primary living areas is the point of distinction for this type of system.

Ilustation3: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com

The isolated gain system will utilize 15 30% of the sunlight striking the glazing toward heating the adjoining living areas. Solar energy is also retained in the sunroom itself. Isolated gain system is most commonly used for private or multi-family houses. It can be found in apartment buildings using sunrooms as glazed balconies. The sunroom has some advantages as an isolated gain approach in that it can provide additional usable space to the building and plants can be grown in it quite effectively. It is advised to use dark color for the thermal wall in a sunspace. Ventilation system should be used for summer months. It is most common to use opening vents either on the roof construction of sunrooms or on the highest points of the glazing.

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4th SEMESTER VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AARHUS Artur Zdanovic BK46E 3.7 Passive Solar Cooling

A primary strategy for cooling buildings without mechanical assistance (passive cooling) in hot humid climates is to employ natural ventilation. Passive solar cooling rules of thumb: Place operable windows on the exposure of a building from which the summer wind usually breezes. Casement windows offer the best airflow. Awning (or hopper) windows should be fully opened or air will be directed to ceiling. Awning windows offer the best rain protection and perform better than double hung windows. If a room can have windows on only one side, use two widely spaced windows instead of one window.
Ilustation4: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com

(http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ 12 May 2010) The idea is very basic: even south wind is cooler than standing air, which means when it is let inside a building it cools down interior. This air is replacing hot air inside a building. Air from interior should be given a path of least resistance. Hot air goes up, therefore opening are suggested to be highest possible points of rooms/floors. System of passive solar cooling is most commonly used in private houses, but can be implemented for apartment building with opened space arrangement.

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4. Green Lighthouse
4.1 Basic facts

What does it take when we go from theory to practice? The project I have found the most relative to this subject and closest by geographical situation is the Green Lighthouse. It is a perfect example of passive solar design is Denmarks first CO2 free building. building
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Green Lighthouse is Denmarks first public CO2-neutral CO2 neutral building. The house is a 950 m green, circular building housing the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen. Green Lighthouse is a house for students. (http://greenlighthouse.ku.dk/english/presskit/PressemeddelelseGLH_201009_UK.pdf/Fakta_ http://greenlighthouse.ku.dk/english/presskit/PressemeddelelseGLH_201009_UK.pdf/Fakta_ om_Green_Lighthouse_221016_FINALUK.pdf/ om_Green_Lighthouse_221016_FINALUK.pdf/)

Building owner: the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. User: The University of Copenhagen Turn-key contractor: Hellerup Byg Architectural concept: Christensen og Co. Arkitekter A/S Engineering concept: COWI Size: 950 m
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Construction year: 2008-2009 Price: 37 million Danish kroner Denmarks first CO2 neutral public building was opened at Copenhagen University on 20 October 2009. The other partners in the project are The University of Copenhagen, The Danish University and Property Agency, The Municipality of Copenhagen and VELUX/VELFAC.

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4th SEMESTER VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AARHUS Artur Zdanovic BK46E 4.2 What was achieved

Daylight is a basic human need. At the same time an often neglected basic need. Daylight conditions in our homes and offices are often poor and many know from first-hand hand experience how too little daylight availability can influence human performance and workplace productivity. Daylight can have an impact on human health as well as financial return on investment.

So there is every reason to take the need for daylight daylight seriously when building houses or planning urban development and particularly when designing and constructing sustainable buildings. Daylight and heat on earth comes from the same source the the sun. There has been a tendency to focus on heat loss and nd solar gains in buildings and to neglect the effects of daylight on energy use and the well-being well of their inhabitants. http://greenlighthouse.ku.dk/english/presskit/PressemeddelelseGLH_201009_UK.pdf/Fakta_ om_Green_Lighthouse_221016_FINALUK.pdf/ 12 May 2010

What was done by the architects to achieve the goals they have set? How does one manage to create a CO2 neutral building in Denmark? The building is cylindrical in order to ensure the ideal conditions between minimum surface and maximum volume.

The cylindrical shape and adjustable facade fac louvers allow light to twist around the building following the sun. In this way, the optimal generation of energy is ensured. The sun is the houses main energy source. Cooling of the building is made possible with natural ventilation venti and thermo-active active concrete floors absorbing the heat. Which means the most traditional passive solar design was used- Direct gain system.
Ilustarion5:http://www.dailytonic.com/wp http://www.dailytonic.com/wpcontent/uploads/2009/10/green-lighthouse lighthouse-2.jpg

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Natural ventilation (Passive Solar Cooling) takes place through the upper part of the windows that open and close automatically in order to allow fresh air to enter; no electrical powered systems are therefore needed. The heated air rises through the centre atrium of the building and exits through the skylights. Skylights are also used during the warm season to cool down the house during the night. Windows with thermo glass minimize the heat loss, and at the same time, ensure that the sun heats up the house during the winter. The lighting source is based on a light emission diode system characterized by a long life and low energy consumption. Energy for basic lighting is generated by the building itself. A daylight factor above 5% is perceived as a well lit room where artificial lighting is normally not needed during the day. ( Tregenza and Loe in The design of lighting (1998)) Requirements for the daylight factor in Green Lighthouse are at least 3% for all permanent workplaces and at least 2% for corridors. Overall, daylight is meant to be the primary light source and is part of the strategy for energy efficiency. Calculations (using the Radiance program) have documented that the daylight factor is complied with; in most areas the level of daylight is higher. At a daylight factor of less than 2% artificial light is necessary and will dominate the room.

Ilustation6: http://greenlighthouse.ku.dk/english/presskit/PressemeddelelseGLH_201009_UK.pdf/Fakta_om_Gr een_Lighthouse_221016_FINALUK.pdf/

The project Green Lighthouse is the most perfect example of modern sustainable design. This case investigation has given me a lot of inspiration and knowledge about building green. Hopefully, not only me but also my fellow classmates will be able to get the same inspiration.

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5. Conclusion
I have made a research about passive solar design and its different types that can be used in most of architectural projects. It was in my interest to find out how very simple and underestimated architectural solutions can improve buildings sustainability. During this report writing I saw how much potential passive solar design has. In different projects all around the world it can and mostly should be used to save up energy use as a part of creating a new CO2 neutral society. The perfect example of that is the green Lighthouse project in the city of Copenhagen; it is a masterpiece passive solar design and an inspiration for architects of how to achieve the maximum result in this area of constructing science. Different, on the other hand similar, solutions of passive solar design can be used: direct gain, indirect gain or isolated gain. Correctly applying one of these or a combination of such can dramatically increase inhabitant, industrial or public buildings sustainability by lowering yearly energy consumption.

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6. List of references
Links:
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re_sustain.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building http://www.wbcsd.org http://www.wbcsd.org/Plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?DocTypeId=251&ObjectId=MzY4NDk http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/ http://greenlighthouse.ku.dk/english/presskit/PressemeddelelseGLH_201009_UK.pdf/Fakta_om_Gr een_Lighthouse_221016_FINALUK.pdf/ http://en.vtu.dk/press/focus/sustainable-university-buildings/ http://www.inhabitat.com/2006/08/16/green-building-101-environmentally-friendly-lighting/ http://www.kahl.net/solarch/ http://www.radiance-online.org/

Literature: Green Lighthouse Presentation December 2009 Tregenza and Loe in The design of lighting 1998 Passive Solar Design for the Home DOE/GO-102001-1105 FS121 February 2001

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Appendices
Appendix 1: Project description.
This report is writhen as a part of 4th semester on Constructing Architect in VIA University College Aarhus. In this report I am planning to figure out how can the architecture and a most efficient way of using sunlight help to improve sustainability of a building. In this report several main passive solar design systems are investigated: direct gain, indirect gain, isolated gain and passive solar cooling. A case study of the Green Lighthouse is given as an example of passive solar design in modern architecture.

Appendix2: Process
My research was mainly based on web searching for passive solar design systems. Electronic books, web pages and architectural forums were researched to feed my curiosity about this subject. All the links can be found in the list of references of this report.

Appendix3: Software
There is a lot of software available for helping architects to create passive solar design. The most popular and highest ranked by professionals around the world are Solarch and Radiance software programs. The programs and tutorials can be downloaded at: Solarch- http://www.kahl.net/solarch/ Radiance- http://www.radiance-online.org/

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