Badgir (wind catcher) an example of traditional sustainable architecture for clean energy

Abstract

Today, most houses, specially, in warm climates are dependent on air-conditioning systems with using of different kind of energy such as electricity. Looking for some technologies with clean energy and efficient is very important in energy strategies. Learning principles and some lessons of traditional sustainable architecture in warm climate can help us to find ways to reduce energy consumption. Integrating those principles by decision makers will be useful in sustainable and clean energy strategies. In this paper we try to introduce a traditional way of cooling system in warm climate in Iran. The main objectives are, to show that, this system is useable and also, how much reduction in energy consumption will be achieved by using this system. Badgirs are wind catchers that work as air conditioners. The city of Yazd in Iran is best known for Badgir. Badgirs are built so that they can be opened to catch the wind from different directions. The air is then cooled and clean as it travels down the tower, and in turn cools the rooms below.