Passive Solar Possibilities in India

Abstract

The main purpose or this report is to introduce to those concerned with energy conservation and the building industry the possibility of improving the energy balance between the building envelope and the climate. Passive solar means have been used in improving this balance without relying an any kind of mechanical equipment. The research was carried out in three stages: 1) climate, 2) comfort and 3) design. The first stage was the evaluation of climatic conditions in India, specifically for the two very diverse locations chosen. This evaluation was done with the use of maps, charts, tables, etc., of climatic data to be used. The second stage was comfort. This stage involved the specific needs and lifestyle of the local inhabitant. Envelope design assumptions were made at this stage. The third stage was that of the design process itself. This stage was the result of the combination of the previous two stages, as well as some guidelines of design requirements for India. To be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of passive measures in the performance of the building envelope, case study was done. This study also reflects the reduction in energy consumption to achieve a degree of thermal comfort. There are various architectural concepts in enhancing the performance of a building envelope. Due to this, no definite recommendations have been made. The recommendations could be used as guidelines in achieving a certain degree of improvement. However, with adequate attention paid to detail, a comfortable condition could be achieved.