Energy Efficiency & Alt Energy Sources

Question 1

Cool Climate design strategies

Answer 1

• use compact forms with the smaller surface area possible relative to the volume
• use large, south facing windows with small windows on east and west with minimal or no windows on north
• use interior materials with a high thermal mass
• include summer shading for glazed areas - use dark or medium-dark colors for the building exterior

Question 2

Hot-Arid Climate design strategies

Answer 2

• use compact forms with the smallest surface area possible relative to the volume
• minimize opening sizes
• provide shade for openings
• maximize thermal mass
• use light colors for the buildings exterior

Question 2

Hot-Humid Climate

design strategies

Answer 2

• provide shade for all openings
• maximize natural ventilation with large openings, high ceilings and cross ventilation
• construct bldgs using light materials, minimize thermal mass
• use light colors for building exterior

Question 4

Optimum Building Orientation

Answer 4

Question 5

Solar Radiation

Answer 5

1. The South wall of a building receives max. solar radiation in the winter
2. The roof and east and west walls of a building receive max. solar raditation in the summer

Question 6

South Wall Sun Control

Answer 6

Question 7

Temperate Climate design strategies

Answer 7

• plan rectangular bldg w/ long direction oriented along the east-west axis and facing slightly to the east
• provide shade in the summer -allow the sun to fall on glazing and the building in the winter
• use south facing opening to capture winter sunlight
• plan for the cooling effects of wind in the summer, block the wind in the winter
• use medium colors for the buildings exterior

Question 8

Green Roof Construction

Answer 8

Question 9

Sun Angles

Answer 9

Question 10

Trees as sheild fro winds

Answer 10

• a row of trees of a certainheight will decrease the velocity of the wind between 30% and 40% at a distance about five times the height of the trees
• Trees planted next to a building may reduce wind velocity between 20% and 60%, depending on the density of the trees.
• The effect of trees on reducing wind velocity decreases greatly at about 10 times the tree height and is negligible beyond 20 times the tree height

Question 11

Horizontal Shading Devices

Answer 11

• Shade on South side of building
• Moderate overhangs
• Horizontal louvers

Question 12

Vertical Shading Devices

Answer 12

• Shade on East and West side of building
• Very wide overhang
• Veritcal louvers

Question 13

Earth Shelter Types

Answer 13

1. Built above gorund and has earth bearm against the walls on one or more side
2. Built into the side of a hill, ideally with the north side built inot himm and south side exposed for solar heating, views and daylight.
3. Completey burried below grade with a courtyrad in the center for access, daylight, outdoor living and ventilation.

Question 14

Green Roof Advantages

Answer 14

• conserving energy by reducing cooling and heating loads
• reducing storm runoff
• absorbing carbon dioxide
• reducing ambient air temperatures
• filtering the air and binds dust particles
• reducing the heat island effect normally caused by roofing
• protecting the roofing from ultraviolet light degradation, temperature extremes, wind, and hail
• adding acoustical insulation
• adding aesthetic appeal to the roof

Question 15

Air Locks

Answer 15

• A vestibule entry system is desirable in cold and temperate climates and can be beneficial in hot climates where a building is mecbanically cooled.
• Air locks minimize heat loss when people enter and leave a building.

Question 16

Common Insulation Materials

Answer 16

• fiberglass
• mineral wool
• polystyrene
• polyisocyanurate
• polyurethane
• cellulose

Question 17

passive solar energy systems

Answer 17

solar energy is collected, stored, and distributed without the use of mechanical equipment.

Question 18

Direct gain systems

Answer 18

collect heat through south-facing glassand store the heat in high-mass materials such as:

• concrete floors
• masonry walls
• tile
• stone
• terrazzo

Question 19

Indirect gain solar energy systems

Answer 19

• mass is heated during the day by room air temperature and reflected sunlight.
• less efficient than direct gain systems; they require about four times the amount of mass.
• can be used in conjunction with direct gain systems to even out the temperature variations in different parts of the building.

Question 20

Thermal Storage Wall

(Trombe Wall)

Answer 20

placed directly behind a South-facing glass wall and collects solar energy during the day for release at night, similar to a direct gain system. Most thermal storage walls are vented, which allows cool air to circulate in the space between the glass and wall, become heated, and travel by convection up and over the wall and back into the space.

Question 21

Greenhouse

Answer 21