Review of passive systems and passive strategies for natural heating and cooling of buildings in Libya

Abstract

By proper passive design concepts which essentially consist of collection, storage, distribution, and control of thermal energy flow, an energy saving of 2.35% of the world energy output is possible. The basic methods of heating and cooling of buildings are solar radiation, outgoing longwave radiation, water evaporation, and nocturnal radiation cooling. A Trombe-Michel wall consists of a large concrete mass, exposed to sunlight through large, south-facing windows; it is used for heating buildings. Solar absorption cooling and solar dehumidification and evaporative cooling are two approaches that utilize solar energy for the generation of the working fluid and the cooling of dwellings. Outgoing longwave radiation is the most practical way of cooling buildings in desert climates and is effective on roof surfaces, emitting the radiations from the surface of earth to the atmosphere and to outer space. Water evaporation in desert coolers is the usual method of cooling in arid regions. Nocturnal radiation both heats in winter and cools in summer, in suitable climates, and does so with no nonrenewable energy other than a negligible amount required to move the insulation twice a day. The study of 24 different locations in Libya divides the country into regions with distinct passive strategies. The northern region and the Mediterranean coast need passive heating. The buildings in this region should restrict conductive heat flow, prevent infiltration and promote solar heat gains. The southern region, a part of the Sahara desert, needs passive cooling. The buildings in this region need high thermal mass and should promote natural ventilation, restrict solar heat gains and encourage evaporative and radiant cooling. The difficulties encountered in passive solar design are the large exposed area required with suitable orientation for the collection of energy and the large space requirement for the storage of thermal energy. This paper reviews these passive systems and discusses suitable strategies to be adopted for Libya.