Passive and Low Energy Alternatives I

The First International PLEA Conference, Bermuda, September 13-15, 1982

Arthur Bowen, Robert Vagner

• Publisher: Pergamon
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9780080294056
• eBook ISBN: 9781483190556
• Topic: Tecnologia e ingegneria
• Subtopic: Ingegneria edile

Passive and Low Energy Alternatives I presents the proceedings of the First International PLEA Conference held in Bermuda on September 13-15, 1982 which aims to establish an international forum to report on the developments in the many related topics covered in this fast growing area of global concern that effects all of mankind. The book covers papers on bioclimatology, design methods and tools; site planning/landscape; and vernacular and indigenous architecture. The text also includes papers on innovative design; retrofits and renovations; daylighting; earth contact; and greenhouses. Papers on thermal storage; performance and simulation; social, cultural, economic considerations; and renewable alternatives are also considered. The book further presents papers on passive and hybrid cooling and heating; agricultural applications; and country monographs.

CHAPTER 1

BIOCLIMATOLOGY/DESIGN METHODS AND TOOLS

Outline

Chapter 1: SOLAR ZONE MAPPING

Chapter 2: CLIMATIC DATA AND ITS USE IN DESIGN

Chapter 3: TESTING OF A UNIVERSAL DESIGN MATRIX FOR NATURAL ENERGY IMPLMENTATION IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING FOR THREE MEXICAN REGIONS

Chapter 4: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INDICATORS FOR NATURAL ENERGY INTEGRATION IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING FOR THREE MEXICAN REGIONS

SOLAR ZONE MAPPING

Daniel A. Montgomery, Department of Landscape Architecture, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

ABSTRACT

Current solar mapping techniques involve laborious sectional analyses and/or applications of complex geometry. At the regional scale, such as a watershed, the documentation of solar availability has been handicapped by the lack of existing techniques. What is needed for comprehensive or large scale solar zone mapping is a format against which to compare related development issues, such as access and construction suitability.The process of this study uses the simulation of sunlight at critical times on a landform model. Model building procedures are carefully documented, and techniques for solar simulation are shown with high contrast photography. The relatively easy, accurate and comprehensive identification of solar zones on a landform model is the recommended method for large scale and/or complex solar mapping and comparative analyses.

KEYWORDS

Solar access

solar mapping

model building

solar simulation

overlay analysis

INTRODUCTION

Architectural and landform models are a well accepted means for the presentation of development proposals. These building and/or contour models are currently underutilized for study or assessment purposes, particularly solar analyses.

Solar assessment, such as shadow analysis, typically involves laborious sectional studies or geometric calculations. With a complex building and/or site, solar assessment might not be undertaken because the task appears to be overwhelming. At the regional scale such as a watershed, the documentation of solar availability has been handicapped by the lack of existing evaluation techniques. Building and/or landform study models are relatively easy to build compared to the voluminous sectional studies or geometric calculations needed in other solar assessment techniques. Study models are sufficiently accurate for solar zone evaluation, and provide an important format by which to compare related development issues such as access and construction suitability.

Researchers at the Pennsylvania State University have demonstrated the application of a landform model to solar zone mapping at a regional scale. The product is a photographed contour model with simulated sunlight for critical overheated and underheated periods. A watershed of more than twenty miles in length has been assessed on a model about six feet long. This was accomplished at a standard U.S. Geologic Survey scale which is generally consistent with existing documentation such as roads, utilities, soils, vegetation and land uses. Slide photographs of conventional development opportunities or constraints can be projected onto the model with solar zones indicated. This technique allows the use of various scale documents such as aerial photos and geological maps, which can be photographed and projected onto the model, manipulating the projection equipment to adjust for scale discrepancies. The composite of potential or limited areas can be drawn directly on the model. Alternately, a projected photo of the model can serve as the basis for a series of transparent drawings of the same scale used in a tradit...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Pergamon Titles of Related Interest
• Copyright
• PREFACE
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• CHAPTER 1: BIOCLIMATOLOGY/DESIGN METHODS AND TOOLS
• CHAPTER 2: SITE PLANNING/LANDSCAPE
• CHAPTER 3: VERNACULAR AND INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE
• CHAPTER 4: INNOVATIVE DESIGN
• CHAPTER 5: RETROFITS AND RENOVATIONS
• CHAPTER 6: DAYLIGHTING
• CHAPTER 7: EARTH CONTACT
• CHAPTER 8: GREENHOUSES
• CHAPTER 9: THERMAL STORAGE
• CHAPTER 10: PERFORMANCE AND SIMULATION
• CHAPTER 11: SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
• CHAPTER 12: RENEWABLE ALTERNATIVES
• CHAPTER 13: PASSIVE AND HYBRID COOLING AND HEATING
• CHAPTER 14: AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS
• CHAPTER 15: COUNTRY MONOGRAPHS