Thermal Analysis and Design of Passive Solar Buildings
by A. K. Athienitis, Mat Santamouris, 2002

‘Thermal Analysis and Design of Passive Solar Buildings’ is authored by A.K Athienitis and Mat Sasntamouris. The book rests upon the premise that since, solar energy is the most abundant and renewable source of energy it is important to utilize it for an ecologically stable environment. The approach of this book adopts constructs the fact that the building and its HVAC system are one thermal unit and must be holistically designed based on their dynamics of operation, thermal storage and controlling strategy. Passive solar gains must be estimated under various controlling factors to design the building and the HVAC system. Passive solar building is a technical methodology which uses solar grain in order to lower the heat levels and be a source of a cooling form of energy which is based on the flow of energy within the confines of the atmospheric variants. The “passive” building strategy aims to utilise that form of energy which is otherwise lost in the transfer of energy flow in the process of heating and cooling. The factors which are the decisive factors in the initial stages like land plot shape and size, building regulations, shading techniques and other factors which are responsible for efficient passive solar building. The book discusses that the passive solar heating systems involve direct or indirect gain. The indirect gain is termed as isolated when it is insulated from the heated area. This theory definitely rests upon energy and spatial dynamics.

‘Thermal Analysis and Design of Passive Solar Buildings’ addresses solar design and techniques of transforming or absorbing maximum solar radiations during winters to minimise the consumption of thermal energy. The solar power should be transformed instantaneously into heating load and storage and the remainder should be stored in thermal mass or energy storage devices. Like these principals the book draws upon various other approaches and techniques in an attempt to use solar power to successfully design and operate solar equipments. It also reveals to the readers the best approach to utilise solar power, that is, one passive unit can be built in harmony to synchronise with other passive systems of a building. This book explores design parameters like fenestration area, amount of insulation, shading techniques and effective thermal storage strategies. The book empowers the readers to understand the design principals of a building enclosure. This strategy is necessary to develop the perfect conducive home environment of protection and comfort.

The book ‘Thermal Analysis and Design of Passive Solar Buildings’ discuss issues of thermal and solar performance. It talks about the heat transfer within building enclosures, the structural components of the building. The book proposes numerous fundamental models inclusive of new concepts, contemporary building designs and passive solar techniques to meet the demands of the customers, builders, designers and architects for a healthy and a living “green” environment.