Energy performance of solar and Trombe walls in Mediterranean climates

Solar and Trombe walls are envelope solutions that can contribute to reduce the energy consumption of the building sector. However, few studies have looked at their behaviour in warm/hot climates, particularly at avoiding and counteracting the overheating risk. This study therefore set out to assess how subtypes of the Mediterranean climate would affect the energy performance of these systems. Shading devices such as overhangs or blinds, combined with interior and exterior vents were studied. Parameters such as thermal mass, channel width and vent dimensions were also evaluated. Dynamic energy simulations were performed using EnergyPlus v8.1 and Designbuilder v5.0.1 user interface. The results demonstrate that solar and Trombe walls can both lead to significant reductions in net energy demands if properly tailored shading devices and vents with specific seasonal and daily operation schedules are implemented. The night ventilation strategy is crucial to reducing cooling needs. The Trombe wall system helped to cut demand for heating by more than 20% without compromising the cooling season. In the southernmost locations, the inclusion of night ventilation leads to a decrease in cooling demands (average reduction of more than 35%). (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Solar and Trombe walls can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings in warm/hot climates if properly tailored shading devices and ventilation schedules are implemented. Night ventilation strategy is crucial for reducing cooling needs.