Preliminary Assessment of the Energy Efficiency of theTrombe Walls in Buildings with Passive Use of Solar Energy

Abstract

Passive use of solar energy for heating buildings in winter and cooling buildings in summer is an environmentally friendly and effective way to save energy in the operation of buildings. In different countries, especially in the middle latitudes, (30–40)% of thermal and electrical energy is consumed for heating and cooling buildings. Therefore, the use of such an inexhaustible source of energy as the sun is relevant. The method of preliminary assessment of the energy efficiency of Trombe walls for buildings in different climatic conditions, based on the energy analysis of the work of these structures in the transition periods of the year (spring – autumn), when the work of the Trombe walls is most effective, is presented. In summer, these structures can be used to activate air exchange with the drawing of cool air from shady and cool areas due to the “chimney” effect. On cold winter days and at night, when there is no sun, the walls of the Trombus act as buffer zones that reduce the temperature load on the enclosing structures. These positive qualities are additional, increasing the energy efficiency of these structures. They are not taken into account in this method. The maximum effect is achieved during the transition period. The results of computational modelling of energy savings due to the use of Trombe walls in areas with a monsoon climate in north-eastern China (Harbin and Shenyang), as well as similar climate areas of the Russian Far East (Khabarovsk and Vladivostok), located at the latitude of the cities under consideration in China, are analysed. It is shown that the efficiency of the use of Trombe walls in the transition period for heating can be up to (10–15)% in these areas. The method of determining the energy efficiency of the use of Trombe walls can be used to determine the feasibility of their use in various climatic regions at the stage of preliminary design and decision-making.