 Introduction Climate of Cyprus Questionnaire Techniques Used in Historical and Traditional Houses Comfort Zone of Cyprus Passive Solar Systems Construction Decisions Monitoring of the Experimental Solar House Conclusions |
Passive Solar Architecture in Cyprus Passive Solar Systems The development of passive solar systems is significant to the economic, social and political issues raised in this research. The best-known applications of passive solar systems were researched taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages for Lefkosia were being researched and it is concluded that the passive systems that are most suited for Cyprus and used on the Experimental Solar House, are: Direct Gain: the simplest solar heating system and can be easiest to build. Areas of glazing not only admit solar radiation for heating but also high levels of daylighting and good visual conditions for the outside. Glazing is well researched and cheap and a material readily available. With adequate insulation of the building, it is possible to rely totally on direct gain as a passive solar system used in the case of Cyprus. Shape of building: rectangular but compact design (aspect ratio 1:1.33) with the longer axis pointing East and West. Thermal Insulation: position of insulation externally on walls and roof. Thickness 70mm expanded polystyrene. Overall U-value of walls and roof 0.6 W/mxK. Thermal Storage (Interior Mass): The simplest heat storage approach is to construct the building of massive structural materials (reinforced concrete or brick blocks) insulated on the exterior, to couple the mass of the indoor space. Glazing: For direct gain systems, south facing window area greater than about 10-12% of floor area require thermal mass, well distributed over floors, walls and ceilings to reduce temperature swings. 5% north wall openings are sufficient for cross ventilation during summer nights. Optimum of south wall openings 40% mountainous areas, 24% coastal region, 18% inland region. Types to be used: Low emmisivity glazing, argon-filled, double-glazed. South vertical glazing surfaces would intercept almost as much radiation during heating season as optimally sloped surfaces. Shading can be easily controlled for the non-heating season. Solar Control: By use of orientation (one of the long walls is facing south so that the available solar radiation is exploited in the winter), external shading devices, vegetation (shade deciduous trees are excellent for shade in summer while allowing sun through the winter. Natural Ventilation: By use of cross ventilation, stack effect, night ventilation and ceiling fans. |
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