Passive Solar House Heating

Abstract

For heating the space using solar energy, the solar energy is to be collected, stored, and distributed properly in the space to be heated. In an active solar space heating system, the solar energy is collected using some kind of separate solar energy collectors; solar energy stored in a separate storage unit may be in sensible heat storage materials, latent heat storage materials, or in chemical reactions; and the energy is distributed in the space using electrically operated pumps and fans using radiators etc. While in a passive solar heating system all the three functions of solar energy collection, storage and distribution is done by natural means and generally no electrical or mechanical power and electronic controls are used. In the passive house heating system, various elements of the buildings like walls, roof, windows, partitions, etc. are so selected and so architecturally integrated that they participate in the collection, storage, transport and distribution of thermal energy.