Technology: Passive Solar Power

Technology: Passive Solar Power

Abstract

Passive solar power design utilizes building sites, materials, and climate to minimize excessive use of energy.  Designing effective passive solar power in homes begins by minimizing the heating and cooling energy burden using energy-efficiency strategies, and then the unsatisfied energy burdens are met partially or in whole by the use of solar energy. The small heating loads of modern homes are significant in curbing oversizing of the south-facing glass by ensuring the south-facing glass has sufficient shading and thus reducing overheating while maximizing cooling in the spring and fall (Sivakumar & E, PP246-264). When fixing solar features in a new or existing home, it is important to keep in mind that choosing an efficient energy strategy involves choosing one which is cost-effective in terms of minimizing heating and cooling energy bills. A building professional who has experience in energy efficiency in house design and construction would be helpful in selecting the most effective form of solar energy. Passive solar power is a more effective source of energy because it reduces bills related to other non-renewable sources of energy. Additionally, passive solar power is a significant tool in the fight against global warming since it aims at minimizing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere (Sivakumar & E, pp246-264).

Description of passive solar power

Passive solar power is a form of solar energy that is designed with the ability to capture sun rays and use them to warm homes by strategically placing windows as well as the use of heat-absorbing surfaces. The windows place an important role in absorbing energy, and the heat captured is used to warm houses during cold seasons such as winter instead of using other sources of energy such as electricity to warm houses (Stevanovic, pp177-196). However, in order to enjoy maximum benefits from passive solar power, the design of the building is very critical as it determines the amount of solar energy that will be captured. The design for the windows and the building should be in such a way that it meets the energy requirements of the home without having to use other mechanical equipment as boosters. Passive cooling reduces the impacts of solar radiation by generating or shading air flows with conventional ventilation. Passive solar power encompasses passive heating and passive cooling (Stevanovic, pp177-196).

Basic elements of passive solar power

For a passive solar power to yield maximum benefits, there are some basic elements that require to be met. Such elements are control strategies, thermal mass, properly oriented windows, and distribution mechanisms (Athienitis, pp13-46).

Windows

Windows and other devices that are used to capture solar energy should be fitted 30 degrees facing true south, and they should not be blocked by trees or other buildings from accessing solar energy, especially during the heating season from 9 am to 3 pm every day. However, during the cooling season, the windows should be protected from overheating.

Thermal mass

Thermal mass comprises brick, concrete, tile, and stones, which absorb heat from the sun during the heating season and absorbs heat from the warm air inside the house during cooling seasons. For well-insulated homes in moderate climates, thermal mass used in home furnishings and drywall is appropriate.

Distribution of solar heat

Distribution of solar heat occurs from the area of collection to another area for storage though such mechanisms as radiation, convection, and conduction. Conduction takes place when heat moves between two objects that are in close conduct. Convection occurs when heat moves through fluids such as air or water. For instance, passive solar houses use convection to move air from warm areas to other areas. Radiation takes place when the heat reaches a person from a wood stove, and the warmth is felt by the person.

Control strategies

Control strategies involve the use of electronic sensing devices such as differential thermostats that sends signals to a fan to turn on, operable vents or dampers, which controls heat flow, among others.

Life cycle analysis of passive solar power

The cycle life analysis of passive solar power takes into consideration the two key concepts of passive solar power that are passive solar heating and passive cooling (Chan et al., pp781-789).

Passive solar heating

This concept of passive solar power occurs during the heating season when sunlight hits an object, and the object reacts by absorbing heat. For effective results, window orientation must be done perfectly. The recommended window orientation is within 30 degrees due south. After the heat has been absorbed in the house, several mechanisms are applied to store and spread heat. For the south walls, an eight percent area is recommended between the windows to the floor area. The building structure has to be airtight for it to curb heat loss.  To ensure high performance of the windows, they should be fitted with insulated frames, insulating glass spacers, inert gas fills, low-E coating, and multiple glazing. Putting the above recommendations in place for a passive solar home, heat loss is reduced from 50 to 70 percent (Chan et al., pp781-789).

Passive cooling

In this concept, passive solar homes are designed to keep the sunlight and air heat away. Internal heating from animate and inanimate objects is reduced and spread to the environment through the house ventilation. Shading devices that can either be fixed or adjustable helps in minimizing solar radiation. Shading materials can be natural vegetation or special glazing materials on windows. The use of external shading material can help in reducing solar absorbing by 90 percent and still absorb a significant amount of indirect light (Chan et al., pp781-789). Other ways of minimizing external absorption of heat can be the use of reduced window sizes, the use of reflective materials on walls and on the roof, and ensuring insulation is done correctly. At the initial stage, when drawing the building plan, more concentration should be applied on cross-ventilation and the direction of the prevailing winds, which happens to be a good source of breeze during the night.

Environmental benefits of passive solar power compared to other non-renewable sources of energy

There are various benefits that accrue to a person as well as to the environment by incorporating passive solar power as a source of energy in a home. Some of these benefits are cost-effective, conserves the conservatories, promoting renewable energy, peace, and silence, and it complements an efficient heating system (Pilkington et al., pp4962-4970).

Cost-effective

Considering the current declining trend in the economy, choosing passive solar power for heating purposes in modern commercial buildings as well as residential homes, is a good deal in saving. Incorporating passive solar power as a form of heating is like killing two birds with one stone; reducing energy-related bills and saving the planet. Using passive solar power is an efficient way of minimizing the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and thus reducing the effects of global warming compared to conventional sources of energy.

Conserving the conservatories

A glass conservatory makes an effecting form of passive solar power. The conservatory’s warmth is enhanced by the heat from the sun, and this, in turn, causes extra heat to the area that is near the conservatory. The implication is a great saving on electricity and gas bills.

Promoting renewable energy

Embracing the use of passive solar power is one way of promoting the use of renewable sources of energy. The campaign for the adoption of renewable and sustainable sources of energy has been a matter of great concern. The sun supplies the best source of renewable sources of energy by using solar heating. Compared to non-renewable sources of energy, renewable sources such as passive solar power are environmentally friendly as they reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Peace and silence

Embracing passive solar power as a heating option at home minimizes the use of noisy furnaces and traditional heating systems. As a result, the homeowners enjoy peace of mind from the silence. On the other hand, eliminating the noisy furnaces and traditional heating systems minimizes noise pollution and thus ensuring silence.

Complements heating system

Adopting passive solar power is a way of complementing the heating system at home. The term “passive” simply means that solar power is not the only source of energy, but it ensures an effective and efficient source of energy. Passive solar power complements the heating system in that it is advantageous to the users as well as to the environment compared to most the non-renewable sources of energy such as electricity and gas, which pollutes and degrades the environment and also their cost is too high.

Work Cited

Sivakumar, V., and E. Ganapathy Sundaram. “Improvement techniques of still solar efficiency: A review.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 28 (2013): 246-264.

Chan, Hoy-Yen, Saffa B. Riffat, and Jie Zhu. “Review of passive solar heating and cooling technologies.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 14.2 (2010): 781-789.

Stevanović, Sanja. “Optimization of passive solar design strategies: A review.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 25 (2013): 177-196.

Athienitis, Andreas K. Thermal analysis, and design of passive solar buildings. Routledge, 2013.

Pilkington, Brian, Richard Roach, and James Perkins. “Relative benefits of technology and occupant behavior in moving towards a more energy-efficient, sustainable housing paradigm.” Energy Policy 39.9 (2011): 4962-4970.