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Abstract:
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This paper on prototype passive solar
buildings in Louisiana presents state of the art
passive solar design. According to U.S. Department
of Energy report, the annual energy consumption for
a single family detached dwelling in Louisiana is
from 31,000 to 51,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr. with a mean
at 38,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr. and for an office
building is from 39,000 to 58,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr.
Incorporation of passive solar design may provide a
major percentage of the energy consumption with only
2 to 8 percent of additional construction cost. The
projected savings as presented in this report are an
approximate estimation. However, the actual savings
will vary depending upon the occupancy, operation,
and maintenance of the building.
At the same time, such design represents an
increased involvement for the architect. The full
potential of this passive solar design depends on a
sensitive awareness of the relationship between
climate, comfort and the thermal characteristics of
buildings and building materials.
The primary purpose of this work is to offer
a working definition and fundamental understanding
of a number of practical applications of passive
solar designs in Louisiana. Four new buildings and
six existing retrofitted buildings are presented. |
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