When things come down to discussing the designs of energy-efficient homes, there a number of intricate issues involved. In fact, when we speak about the efficacy or the energy efficiency of these homes, it revolves around the successful coordination of some fundamental elements. All these elements work in close sync with each other to return the desired end effect of a passive house.
Here on this page, we discuss some of these elements, around which the functionality of each energy-efficient home involves.
Proper Orientation of the Windows:
In the typical energy-efficient house, windows or other inlets & devices that collect solar energy, generally face 30 degrees true south and should remain shaded for avoiding overheating during the summers.
During the fall, spring and the winter months, however, they should not ideally remain shaded. This will keep the right balance of heating and cooling effects during the entire season.
Thermal Mass:
Thermal Mass in a passive home generally includes the concrete, stone, bricks, tiles and the likes, which absorb heat from the outside world during the summer days, keeping the interiors cool, and retains the warm air in the house, helping the interiors to remain warm and cozy during the winters.
Other thermal masses in passive solar homes include water and the phase change products. These masses are extremely efficient in storing heat. In the well-insulated homes that are located in a moderate or extreme climate, the thermal mass created by the furnishings and of course, the drywalls of the home is more than sufficient.
This will help in the elimination of the very need for additional thermal storage materials, thus increasing the energy efficiency by manifolds.
Mechanisms of Distributions
Solar heat is transferred from its collection points, and are stored in various vantage points of the house, through the process of conduction, radiation and convection.
In certain smaller homes, small blowers and fans are engaged for able distribution of the heat. Conduction takes place as and when and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers.
Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, various kinds of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.
Heat is transmitted through a medium like air as it moves from warmer to colder areas, and then all over the home.
Control Strategies
Appropriately sized and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers. Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, multiple types of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.
So you see, passive house builders Melbourne use all these techniques and strategies to make the very mechanism of a passive house function.
