Analysis of the potential use of Trombe walls in Brazil: design recommendations

Abstract

In this paper, the thermal performance of a standard environment was evaluated based on the use of a Trombe wall with different configurations and types of use, as the potential for using this passive strategy is still little studied in Brazil. This device is capable of absorbing energy from solar radiation by heating the air in this greenhouse and this heated air can be directed to the interior or exterior of the building depending on the purpose. This air can be used to heat the room or cool it by means of natural ventilation. The analysis of this research was based on a series of computer simulations using the EnergyPlus software, version 7.0 in order to quantify and classify the thermal performance of a standard environment equipped with this component, under the various construction configurations. Both for heating and cooling environments. The use of Trombe walls improved the thermal comfort of users in buildings located in Brazil, depending on the climate where they are located, promoting natural ventilation and passive solar heating, allowing the potential of this device to be investigated in the most diverse Brazilian regions.