Combinations of passive solar and energy conservation measures that provide balanced heating and cooling performance in residential design: a look at the full range of U. S. climates

Over 5000 parametric analysis runs using BLAST (Building Loads Analysis and System Thermodynamics) and SERI-RES, advanced building energy simulation codes, have steered the way to a comprehensive understanding of heating and cooling performance in residential design for all major U.S. climates. The analysis has led to the development of ''hierarchies of energy measures'' and appropriate combinations of strategies for effective design on a region-by-region basis. Previous work in the building energy field has focused mainly on heating aspects of residential design. When examined in the context of annual performance for both heating and cooling, the use and blend of passive solar and energy conservation measures are compelled in directions unpredicted by heating considerations alone. However, the good news is that the task of good design is not nearly so complicated as one might suspect and that a wealth of flexible and cost-effective approaches is available. This paper examines such elements as building shape, passive solar direct gain, sunspaces, trombe walls, infiltration, insulation, superinsulation, improved window systems, ventilation, shading, ground coupling, exterior color, interior zone layout for passive distribution, thermal mass, ''free'' mass, ''free'' cooling, and other items. Several misconceptions and myths of thermal design are replaced by appropriate alternatives. Designmore » guidelines and rules of thumb are present for such cities as Denver, Madison, Miami, Phoenix, Santa Maria, and Washington, D.C.« less