Design of the building envelope as a natural air conditioning tool

This study was conducted to determine the most favorable conditions for optimizing the utilization of solar radiation, considering design parameter values such as orientation and building form. In order to determine the optimum conditions, it is necessary to examine the performance variation of buildings defined under different conditions created by the aforementioned design parameter values, regarding the optimal utilization of the heating effect of solar radiation or the optimal contribution of solar radiation to natural conditioning. As a result of the analysis of performance variation curves, the combinations that provide optimal benefit from the heating effect of solar radiation are presented for use by design architects, with the aim of assisting in the design of buildings that minimize artificial heating and cooling loads. Solutions that provide optimal benefit are possible by the architect assigning specific values to the variables and combinations of orientation, form, and envelope design parameters: to maximize the heating effect of solar radiation during the least warm period, thereby minimizing heat loss and artificial heating load, and to minimize the artificial cooling load during the hottest period. Minimizing the artificial heating load during the least warm period and the artificial cooling load during the hottest period provides the following benefits: fuel consumption, which has been difficult to supply due to the global energy crisis in recent years, is minimized. The continually increasing fuel cost, resulting from fuel production failing to adequately meet global fuel demand, is reduced. The quantity of pollutants released into the outside air at the end of the heating process, a major issue in recent years, and the associated air pollution are minimized. The costs of measures to be taken against air pollution are minimized. The concept of utilizing solar energy for heating buildings is gaining currency. Just as solar energy can be utilized through active methods, it is also possible to maximize natural solar radiation gain through appropriate architectural design. During architectural project design, factors such as reducing heat loss, taking measures to increase heat gain from solar radiation, achieving natural heat storage, and selecting appropriate building elements will bring forth many project options. In this study, a computer program was developed to evaluate these options quickly and accurately and to reach the most suitable solution. The program has been prepared in accordance with relevant standards. Data related to design options are input into the program, which is written in BASIC; heat loads and heat losses are calculated, and the results are obtained in tabular form. The program is outlined, and an example application is also provided.