Passive Solar EnergyBy: Travis Leiter

What is “passive” solar energy

Passive solar energy is also known as “passive solar design” or “climate design”.

Houses and building are designed with the idea of obtaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out during the summer.

Also used as free light to brighten buildings.

Unlike active solar energy, passive solar energy uses no mechanical or electric parts.

ACTIVE Passive

Cont.

There are varying degrees of passive solar energy. Some houses simply have south facing windows while others design every inch to be efficient.

Few windows on thenorth side becausewinter winds generallycome from the North.

Elements of Passive Solar Design

Solar Chimney (ventilation)

Vents

Overhang: very important

Solar Chimney The idea has

been used for centuries in the Middle

East and Mediterranean

Europe.

Sun heats the black chimney causing

hot air updraft pulling heat out of the home.

Vents and Chimneys can be closed in order to save heat/cold

Solar Updraft Tower: Larger

Larger UPDRAFT towers heat greenhouse like areas underneath the tower and the hot air updraft spins turbines to generate electricity.

Thermal Mass or R-Value

TM and R-Value is the amount of heat a material absorbs per unit.

Concrete, brick, and stone. Absorb a lot of heat and release

slowly.

How is it used?

Passive energy is used as space heating or space cooling depending on the season.

Design is used to make sure both heat and cold are locked in when needed.

Advantages

Completely Free (besides initial design)

Energy Efficient Saves fossil fuels Cost effective, can reduce heating

costs by 50% “Daylighting” also reduces electric

bills. Not an eyesore Has no pollution at all

Disadvantages

Costs more than a conventional home to build

Inexperienced builders can use wrong materials

Intricate building materials Difficulty planning design In the summer, daylighting can

actually increase costs for cooling

Impact to Environment?

Virtually none. Only pollutants are those created in

the production the materials like glass, insulation, and flooring.

Where is it used?

Passive Solar Energy is produced and used in the exact same spot.

Used in developed countries, mainly, due to having the upfront money to research and fund the technology

and materials.

Developing Country Usage

The water bottle lighting used in the Philippines is an instance of Passive Solar Energy used in a developing country. Although in a much more primitive sense.

Can it replace conventional energy?

Passive Solar Energy is much more cost effective and environmental friendly than any other fuel source but is not the answer.

Since it is not active, this energy cannot create the electricity needed for modern life.

Cost?

•Cost is hard to determine, but A/C and heating are cut in half.•Electricity bills are also decreased. •Lasts a long time with little need of repair.• Savings are consistent

Minimum of 10% more than conventional homes

•Medium sized installation cost for home Solar panel system$6,482.70.

• Active Solar Energy can provide electricity for ALL appliances

Realistic?

Passive Solar Energy is a great add on to a house or building but isn’t the whole solution.

Only provides efficiency to heating, cooling, and electricity, doesn’t actually create them.

Active fuels like coal, oil, natural gas, or even wind and active solar are still needed!

Future?

Passive Solar Energy doesn’t have to be restricted to houses. On a larger scale, like the updraft towers, this form of energy can create electricity so there is hope for a cleaner energy future!

It’s in our hands now.

Thanks for listening.