Application of solar energy in the development of university buildings energetic sustainability

Abstract

This article focuses on a numerical study developed on the application of passive solar strategies in a sustainable university building. The numerical model is based on a system of energy and mass balance integral equations and works under transient conditions. This system is solved by the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method with error control. This study was carried out under typical summer and winter conditions and assesses the levels of indoor air quality and thermal comfort of the occupants. In summer conditions, an underground space is used to cool spaces located on the east and west sides of the building. In winter conditions, two internal greenhouses, located on the south-east and south-west sides of the building, are used to heat spaces located on the north, east and west sides of the building. The results obtained show that the adopted passive solar strategies allow to improve the thermal comfort level of the occupants.