SOLAR PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE A VARIABLE SOLUTION TO ENERGY BEYOND 2020

SOLAR PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE A VARIABLE SOLUTION TO ENERGY BEYOND 2020

ABSTRACT

Solar energy is the most readily available source of energy. It does not belong to anybody and is, therefore, free. It is also the most important of the non-conventional sources of energy because it is non-polluting and, therefore, helps in lessening the greenhouse effect.

India receives solar energy equivalent to over 5000 trillion kWh/ year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country.

Solar energy has been used since prehistoric times, but in a most primitive manner. Before 1970, some research and development was carried out in a few countries to exploit solar energy more efficiently, but most of this work remained mainly academic. After the dramatic rise in oil prices in the 1970s, several countries began to formulate extensive research and development programmes to exploit solar energy.

However, the people’s initiative is essential if the programme is to be successful. India is one of the few countries with long days and plenty of sunshine, especially in the Thar desert region. This zone, having abundant solar energy available, is suitable for harnessing solar energy for a number of applications. In areas with similar intensity of solar radiation, solar energy could be easily harnessed

In this scenario introduction of energy efficiency in building has become critical to achieving the collective objectives of energy security and environmental protection. The available options in architectural intervention, building materials, available technologies and design methodologies are require to be carefully evaluated to minimize energy usage and provide cost effective solutions. The purpose is to achieve total comfort with the least amount of conventional energy input.

INTRODUCTION

Modern buildings consumes significant amount of energy to keep the built environment comfortable. Energy consumptions for production of building materials and construction of building are also significant. The very objective of constructing a building is to provide a shelter – an artificial environment that is more conductive for human occupancy than the natural environment. Modern architecture with its many significant achievements is, however, more inclined to energy intensive solutions to achieve these objectives. As a result, the building sector s now a perturbing factor to the environment. The energy related perturbation is contribute by green house gas emissions and emissions of acid rains precursors like SO2 & NO. Air-conditioning and refrigeration contributes emissions of ozone depleting substances.

In this scenario introduction of energy efficiency in building has become critical to achieving the collective objectives of energy security and environmental protection. The available options in architectural intervention, building materials, available technologies and design methodologies are require to be carefully evaluated to minimize energy usage and provide cost effective solutions. The purpose is to achieve total comfort with the least amount of conventional energy input.

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