Evaluation of the Thermodynamic Performance of the Traditional Passive Systems

Abstract

The need to reduce urban consumption of energy in the buildings, one of the major energy waster resulting in emission of CO2, is pushing research in the field of building design to the appreciation of passive air-conditioning systems that can be integrated with conventional systems and determine, therefore, the so-called hybrid systems. Historically this passive systems were developed in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East area. Actually the research activity has been focused on this problem, through an approach that involves the application of design strategies and the development of computational tools and control systems. The synergy between current scientific knowledge, advanced manufacturing and information technology allows to conceive hybrid systems. Through the use of computer programs CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) have been tested different conditions iterating the process until it gets to the structure that gives the greatest contribution for the environmental comfort. The paper shows the results of research developed to the Dipartimento di Architettura of the Università di Palermo, that develops a case study where is analyzed the effect of the natural ventilation in indoor comfort.