Tropical Climates: Passive Design & Sun Exposure

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Questions and Answers

In passive solar design for tropical residences, what is the primary goal concerning sunlight?

  • To reflect undesirable quantities of light and prevent the transmission of excessive heat. (correct)
  • To transmit as much light as possible while absorbing all heat.
  • To maximize the amount of sunlight entering the dwelling throughout the year.
  • To evenly distribute sunlight across all surfaces within the dwelling.

According to the heat index, what condition is expected when the index reaches between 41°C and 54°C?

  • Fatigue
  • Extreme danger of heat stroke
  • Danger of heat cramps and exhaustion (correct)
  • Extreme caution with heat cramps

What is the primary objective of passive solar heating in the winter?

  • To reflect sunlight away from the building to prevent overheating.
  • To maintain a constant level of solar gain throughout the day.
  • To minimize solar gain and maximize heat loss.
  • To maximize solar gain while minimizing heat loss. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'projections' in the context of passive solar design?

<p>To calculate the optimal placement and depth of shading devices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sun shading device typically offers the highest reduction in solar heat gain?

<p>Movable Horizontal Shades (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which daylighting technique involves a vertical window placed high in a wall, often above eye level, to bring natural light into a space?

<p>Clerestory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of solar angles, which term describes the angle of the sun's position along the horizon, measured from true north?

<p>Azimuth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of vegetation, such as shrubs and trees, when used as a sun shading device?

<p>To block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these design elements is primarily used to introduce natural light into a building through the roof?

<p>Roof Monitor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are daylighting techniques important in passive solar design?

<p>They reduce the need for artificial lighting, decreasing energy consumption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Passive Design

Using design elements to control solar heat gain and reduce the need for active heating/cooling.

Azimuth Angle

Angle of the sun's position along the horizon, measured from true north.

Altitude Angle

Angle of the sun's position above the horizon.

Passive Solar Heating

Maximize solar heat gain in winter, minimize it in summer.

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Brise Soleil

Fixed or adjustable exterior shading device deflecting sun and reducing heat gain.

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Roof Monitor (Clerestory)

Opening in a roof which allows natural light into a building

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Light Well

A structure that admits light from above

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Light Shelf

A shelf that reflects light deeper into a room

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Awning

A fabric shade to reduce solar heat gain through a window

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Study Notes

  • Passive design solutions for residential dwellings in tropical climates focus on managing sun exposure.
  • The goal is to mitigate overheating and drying effects by reflecting or preventing excessive heat and light from entering the building.

Sun Problems and Solutions

  • Effective design reflects or baffles undesirable sunlight.

Heat Index Levels

  • 27° - 32°C (80.6° - 89.6°F): Potential for fatigue.
  • 32° - 41°C (89.6° - 105.8°F): Extreme caution advised due to risk of heat cramps.
  • 41° - 54°C (105.8° - 129.2°F): Danger zone, high risk of heat cramps and heat stroke.
  • 54°C (129.2°F) and above: Extreme danger of heatstroke.

Passive Solar Heating

  • Maximize solar heat gain during winter.
  • Minimize solar heat gain during summer.

Solar Angles

  • Equinox: Occurs twice a year, day and night are of equal length.
  • Azimuth: The sun's horizontal angle from true north.
  • Altitude: The sun's vertical angle.
  • Zenith: The point directly overhead.

Passive Design Solutions

  • Solar panels (photovoltaics) are one solution.
  • Orientation: Strategic wall and opening placement to control sunlight exposure.
  • Projections: Calculating optimal projection depths and intervals.
  • Sun shading devices: A range of methods to block or diffuse sunlight.

Types of Sun Shading Devices

  • Recessed windows.
  • Fixed horizontal shades.
  • Movable vertical shades.
  • Fixed vertical shades.
  • Awnings.
  • Interior operated shades.
  • Bahama shutters.
  • Trellises.
  • Perforated horizontal overhangs.
  • Vegetation on windows.
  • Shade from shrubs and trees.

Effectiveness of Shading Devices

  • Awnings: Reduce solar gain by 60-75%.
  • Movable horizontal shades: Reduce solar gain by 85-90%.
  • Movable vertical shades.
  • Canopies (including polycarbonate).
  • Brise soleil (fixed or movable mesh).
  • Vertical louvers.
  • Glass tinting.
  • Panels/paneling.
  • Shading sails.

Daylighting Techniques

  • Light wells.
  • Roof monitors.
  • Atriums.
  • Light ducts.
  • Light shelves.
  • External reflectors.
  • Clerestories.
  • Reflective blinds.

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