Abstract

Abstract

Research indicates that South Africa is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases due to a heavy reliance on coal as the primary source of energy supply. South Africa has abundant natural resources such as sunlight to use as sustainable, renewable and costeffective energy to moderate indoor climates. Solar design is one of the most economical solutions for improving buildings energy and indoor climates.

Homeowners, builders, and designers are once again encouraged to use and invest in renewable energy sources with the rising coal-powered energy prices and load-shedding crises in the country. Passive solar systems address heat losses through direct solar gains through wall openings, and the thermal mass of walls to absorb the heat. Efficient visual comfort can be achieved by controlling natural lighting. In order to guide seasonal variations for maximum efficiency, passive systems often require mechanisms to adapt as the climate changes. There for this study will investigate possible passive solar systems that could be implemented to improve energy efficiency in buildings with an emphasis on adaptability and versatility of use.

This study aims to improve indoor thermal comfort and contribute to energy savings, through the introduction of thermal mass to north-facing windows. This study will focus on investigating and evaluating the thermal performance of passive solar systems, to make recommendations for their adaptation achieving optimal performance in a variety of weather conditions. Prototypes of passive solar systems such as solar air heaters, trombe walls and water walls will be constructed to test, develop and propose the ideal a possible low-tech system. Numerical and experimental studies will be conducted to analyse the thermal performance of the system.

Keywords: Energy efficiency, passive solar systems, residential buildings, thermal comfort, thermal performance, Trombe walls, water walls